New Name for Monitoring Boat Revealed

Media release and photos were provided by Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Project Officer, Bruce Radys. 

A new scientific monitoring boat, named “Paarndi” by the local community, was launched in Albany/ Kinjarling this morning after being voted on by more than 200 community members. Denmark local, 11-year-old Leeuwin, suggested the name, which is a Noongar word for Black Bream.   

As Leeuwin highlighted, “Paarndi stay in the estuary for their entire lives” making it the perfect name for a boat who will spend most of its life in our estuaries. 

Leeuwin was sure to include other fun facts about bream in his submission including how they can live up to 30 years, have strong teeth that can break clams and crabs and can live in fresh or salty water. 
Paarndi was one of four finalists selected by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in the naming process and Leeuwin has secured the opportunity to join scientists on a trip to monitor Oyster Harbour/Miaritch or Wilson Inlet/Nullaki/. 

The boat will be used by the department’s Healthy Estuaries WA program to track the condition of Oyster Harbour/Miaritch, Wilson Inlet/ Nullaki, and surrounding South Coast estuaries. 
 
The vessel is an upgrade from its predecessor, which is retiring after 35 years of service. 

The boat was constructed in Albany/Kinjarling, drawing on local expertise and supporting regional businesses. 

Senior Project Officer, Bruce Radys said, "We all love Oyster Harbour, but spare a thought for DWER water quality monitoring staff who have to carry out monitoring throughout the year in all kinds of conditions (It Albany - not always sunny). The new boat 'Paarndi' should make life on the harbour a little easier, helping to continue gathering essential water quality information to monitor and manage Oyster Harbour, Wilson Inlet and other South Coast water bodies. Congratulations to Leeuwin for submitting such a great name."

Insights from the estuary water quality monitoring are available on the Healthy Estuaries WA Facebook page and website estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au. Community members can also hear from scientists about the health of their local estuary at annual science forum events. 
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Healthy Estuaries WA is a State Government program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.