Michael Hammer

Michael Hammer is the Curator of Fishes at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. His role involves field biodiversity surveys across spectacular parts of tropical northern Australia and New Guinea (freshwater, estuarine and marine), with follow-up taxonomy, reporting and advice to improve conservation and management outcomes. This work is achieved through a collaborative base with partner research agencies, ranger groups, landholders and government and community stakeholders, and with a focus on publication, science communication, citizen science and public programs. Michael’s strong belief is that good taxonomy is the vital foundation for sound ecology, conservation and management. He is thus motivated as a collections based researcher with a good understanding of field, molecular and traditional techniques to dramatically improve the taxonomy of biota in the Australasian region, and provide a leading role in developing improved taxonomic capacity.