She received her award in the Environment, Water and Climate Change Sciences category. The award, which includes a $5000 prize, was presented by NSW State Governor, Professor Marie Bashir AC. Bishop shared the award with Professor Andrew Pitman from the University of New South Wales.

Over the past five years, Bishop’s research has spanned many issues of significance to NSW, including how climate change and human activity are altering sediment-dwelling organisms and the productive fisheries they support.

However, the award particularly recognises her work in investigating the consequences for estuarine health of the deadly QX oyster disease. The disease wiped out up to 90 per cent of Sydney Rock oysters on aquaculture leases in the Hawkesbury River, and decimated the industry. Bishop is looking at the potential ecological consequences of introducing other oyster types for aquaculture in QX-disease affected areas.

”As filter-feeders, oysters are vitally important to maintaining water quality and the fisheries productivity of NSW estuaries. I am delighted that the importance of this research has been recognised with this award,”she said

The NSW Scientist of the Year awards were established in 2008 to recognise and reward the state’s leading researchers for cutting edge work that generates economic, health, environmental or technological benefits for NSW. The prestigious award is designed to engage and involve the general public as well as the NSW research community, to promote the value of science and encourage science careers.