Alex James

Position: Freshwater Scientist
Qualification: PhD

Expertise
Ecological impacts of low flows
Fish barrier assessment
Prioritisation of streams for restoration

After completing his PhD in late 2007, Alex was self-employed in the North Island undertaking a range of freshwater consultancy work before leaping at the opportunity to move to Christchurch.

With his role at EOS encompassing a wide range of activities from implementing and managing projects through to meeting with clients, the move south has certainly paid off. “I’m really enjoying the variety offered by my role, the opportunity to learn new skills and, of course, the monthly in-house massage!”

Enjoying a sense of freedom after years spent working towards his PhD, Alex and his wife enjoy spending time at Christchurch’s beaches and parks with their two dogs, Stanley and Archer.

Interesting Titbit
Alex once Canadian canoed 150 km down the Whanganui River. At the start of the trip, simply steering the canoe was a major challenge but by day five, Alex could gracefully (albeit somewhat anxiously) negotiate the most demanding rapids.

Publications
James, A.B.W., Dewson, Z.S. & Death, R.G. 2009. The influence of flow reduction on macroinvertebrate drift density and distance in three New Zealand streams Journal of the North American Benthological Society 28: 220-232.

James, A.B.W. & Joy, M.K. 2009. Prioritisation for restoration of out-flow stream habitat of coastal wetlands on the west coast of the Manawatu-Wanganui region. Horizons Regional Council EnviroLink Contract: 644-HZL. 110 pp.

James, A.B.W. & Suren, A.M. 2009. The response of invertebrates to a gradient of flow reduction – an instream channel study in a New Zealand lowland river Freshwater Biology DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02254.x

James, A.B.W., Dewson, Z.S. & Death, R.G. 2008. Do stream macroinvertebrates use instream refugia in response to severe short-term flow reduction in New Zealand streams? Freshwater Biology 53: 1316-1334.

James, A.B.W. & Joy, M.K. 2008. A preliminary assessment of potential barriers to fish migration in the Manawatu River catchment, North Island, New Zeland. Horizons Regional Council EnviroLink Contract: 437-HZLC45. 137 pp.

Dewson, Z.S., James, A.B.W. & Death, R.G. 2007. A review of the consequences of decreased flow on instream habitat and macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 26: 401-415.