Research Nodes

Research on Western Australian marine ecosystems WAMSI Node 1

Australia's marine ecosystems are subject to unprecedented and rapidly growing pressures, arising from a set of major drivers: rapid coastal population growth and development, catchment degradation, marine industries, climate change and extreme events. Stakeholders and managers at all levels of government recognise that they lack the information systems and predictive/planning tools needed to responsibly manage coastal and marine development for economic and social benefit, while maintaining high quality public good environmental assets, and a high quality of life.

Link to Node 1 Summary of Aims

Climate processes, predictability and impacts in a warming Indian Ocean WAMSI NODE 2

This area of WAMSI research is addressing oceanographic research relevant to the climate of Western Australia. It focuses on identifying ocean-processes that feed back to the atmosphere and give persistence and predictability to climate anomalies.

Link to Node 2 Summary of Aims

Managing and conserving the marine state:  best practice management and underpinning science WAMSI NODE 3

Stretching 300 kilometres along the Western Australian coast Ningaloo Marine Park is an area where tropical and temperate waters mix to create a unique display of marine life. It is home to at least 250 coral, 500 fish and 600 mollusc species. State Government allocated $5 million through WAMSI to carry out research to improve our understanding and management of the park. This research program is part of a larger program that extends beyond WAMSI and its partners to include a CSIRO Wealth From Oceans Flagship program, the Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster, as well as additional external research.

Link to Node 3 Summary of Aims

Sustainable marine ecosystems: ecologically sustainable development for the marine State’s fisheries WAMSI NODE 4

Management of fisheries must be ecosystem-based because maintenance of the target stocks is the primary management goal of fisheries agencies. It is recognised that non-target stocks and the broader ecosystem are not affected to unacceptable levels. This area of WAMSI research is developing methods and generating information to assist with the management of Western Australia's marine ecosystems to meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development.

Link to Node 4 Summary of Aims

Marine biodiscovery, biotechnology and aquaculture: the blue farm WAMSI NODE 5

Western Australia’s unique marine biodiversity is well recognised as one of the world’s mega-diverse environments, and provides an opportunity for a biotechnology industry. Drugs derived from bioactive compounds in Western Australian marine organisms are the ultimate goal of a marine biotechnology industry. This area of WAMSI research is developing as part of Western Australia’s emerging biotechnology industry.

Link to Node 5 Summary of Aims

Ocean science for offshore and coastal engineering WAMSI NODE 6

The waters off the North West coast of Western Australia are of national strategic significance as well as being home to the offshore oil and gas industry, one of the most significant components of the Western Australian economy. This area of WAMSI research focuses on improved understanding of the physical geography aimed at better safety, reliability and economy in the design and operation of offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines.

Link to Node 6 Summary of Aims