Sustainable ecosystems for sustainable fisheries (Node 4)
19 December 2008
The Western Australian Marine Science Institution’s (WAMSI’s) research program is in full swing.
More than 200 scientists working on 87 research projects across WA have created a matrix of information about ocean forecasting, biochemical discovery benefits of marine life, new marine species, sustainable fisheries, biodiversity, conservation and the effects of climate change.
Four symposiums covering the findings and progress on Ningaloo research, sustainable fisheries, pressures from human uses and climate change have been held this year.
Opening the final symposium – Sustainable Ecosystems for Sustainable Fisheries – WAMSI board chairman, Dr Peter Rogers, said the focus was on quality research.
He said the institution was a collaboration of 15 national public and private partners combining their research expertise.
“Our results will be able to be used by the community when it makes its decisions about developments, industry, fishing, heritage and conservation,” he said.
WAMSI’s WA partners are the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Industry and Resources, The University of WA, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology, the Chemistry Centre, the WA Global Ocean Observing System and the WA Museum.
Federal partners are CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the Bureau of Meteorology, and industry partners are Woodside Energy Limited and BHP Billiton Petroleum.
“Together we’re accomplishing much more than a single agency,” Dr Rogers said.
He hoped the Kimberley marine region would be the next area of WAMSI research. A WAMSI-CSIRO-Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society climate change symposium will be held on 27 March next year.
For more information contact Sue McKenna on (08) 6488 4574 or 0424 196 771.