Marine science priorities for Western Australia
The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) was established to facilitate the Western Australia’s integrated and coordinated approach to complex research issues to inform management and industry. WAMSI builds on the scientific knowledge of Western Australia’s marine environment to support management decisions that protect the environm
ent and our community values as part of the development of a sustainable Blue Economy. WAMSI is a partnership of four WA universities (UWA, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and Curtin University), a major resource company (Woodside Energy Ltd), two Commonwealth organisations (CSIRO and AIMS), four WA government departments (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; the Western Australian Museum, the WA ChemCentre and a regional ocean observing network for the Indian Ocean (WA Global Ocean Observing System). The Institution was launched in May 2007 with investment from the WA Government co-invested by the partners to deliver a research program that included Ningaloo and sustainable fisheries. In 2011–12 WAMSI delivered the Kimberley Marine Research Program to provide information for Marine Park planning. All projects collaborated with Traditional Owners and marine rangers to ensure the integration of science with traditional knowledge. In 2019 WAMSI also finalised the results of an industry partnership program to deliver the $18 million Dredging Science Node (DSN). The node was established in 2011–12 to understand and mitigate the impacts of coastal dredging on the environment. Ground-breaking insights from the program are now being translated into improved dredging guidelines. The WA government continues to invest in WAMSI to ensure the future focus for marine research is on the state’s Blueprint for Marine Science priority research areas to enhance industry competitiveness and government effectiveness in the marine environment off the WA coast. WAMSI is now working on regional programs for Shark Bay, West Coast Metropolitan and South Coast as well as a marine data plan for WA.
