Interdisciplinary Oceanographic Studies at the Australian Institute of Marine Science

Summary

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) concentrates its oceanographic research activities on the tropical coastal zones and on coral reefs, with consideration of both open ocean and land-based activities which impact on these marine ecosystems. In this way the activities of the AIMS relate directly to those areas of major concern with respect to ecologically sustainable development in tropical coastal waters, e.g., out to the edge of the continental shelf. Research and development activities are planned and operated in 5-year rolling programs, with the current operational period being from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1996. Active national and international collaboration is sought and encouraged.

This paper outlines the philosophy of operation of AIMS and the way in which strategic R&D planning can accommodate the requirements of maintaining excellent fundamental research efforts, while applying the results of that research to community, industry, and government requirements. The paper illustrates how the R&D operations are concentrated within four major programs: Coastal Processes and Resources, Coral Reef Ecosystems, Environmental Studies and Biotechnology, and Tropical Oceanography. These four programs are closely integrated, interdisciplinary efforts with the principal objective of understanding marine ecosystems and processes, as well as facilitating the development of products from the marine ecosystems. The paper also addresses the challenge of long-term understanding and management of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.