Katherine Cheshire
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Vice President
Dr Katherine Cheshire is a freshwater fisheries researcher and resource manager with an extensive background in freshwater fish and riverine management.
Kat is the Research Leader for Freshwater Ecosystems, currently leading 45 staff at NSW DPI Fisheries. Her work supports evidence-based policy and decision-making across three themes: Restoration & Recovery; Ecology & Environment; and Recreation & Culture. The team delivers high-quality information, insights, and innovations to empower the protection, enhancement, and sustainable use of freshwater fish, dedicated to helping people look after fish.
With over 15 years of experience in Australian fish biology across multiple State and Commonwealth research and management agencies, Kat has also been passionately involved in our society since 2005, regularly attending annual conferences, serving as the State representatives on the ASFB Executive Council and the Future of the Society Committee, she played a key role in implementing amendments to the ASFB Constitution in 2015, recognizing Indigenous people and their vital connection and contribution to our lands, waters, and fish.
Recognised for her scientific leadership and as a diversity champion, Dr Cheshire has led major projects working across research, management, and policy, providing scientific and technical advice across government, industry, and the community. These programs have significantly shaped the management of Australia's fisheries, freshwater, and marine natural resources, contributing to the development of national policy reform, research strategies, priorities, and plans.