Better Science

Better Decisions

Our world-class research has greatly enhanced knowledge of Western Australia’s marine environment and its extraordinary biodiversity.

The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is a collaboration of state and federal government and academic science organisations, working together to provide independent marine research that benefits the environment, the community and the blue economy.

Established

WAMSI Partners

Scientists

Research Delivered

Our Mission

Building our scientific knowledge of Western Australia’s marine estate

WAMSI provides high-quality, impartial collaborative and independent science advice to government and industry by connecting them with the best marine researchers for applied science solutions. Through the collaboration of our partners, WAMSI’s world-class research has greatly enhanced knowledge of Western Australia’s marine environment and its extensive marine resources and incredible biodiversity.

Learn about our mission

Featured Projects

WAMSI conducts strategic, multidisciplinary research to help inform decision making on some of the big picture, complex multi-sectoral issues facing governments, industry and communities. Through collaboration with industry, government, and communities, we have made numerous discoveries, added to previous knowledge and developed new tools. WAMSI’s current research programs include the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program, a research offsets project on the Pilbara coast, a knowledge review of Exmouth Gulf, and a Marine Heatwave project, with future research programs in development.

Cockburn Sound

Discover WAMSI’s major collaborative science program, focused on improving understanding of Cockburn Sound’s marine environment. Scientists are working on more than 30 projects across nine themes, which include ecosystem modelling and integration, benthic habitats and communities, water and sediment quality, fisheries and aquatic resources, hydrodynamic modelling, social values, noise, apex predators and iconic species, and coastal processes.

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Mardie Research Program

WAMSI is leading an offset project on the Pilbara Coast to provide the science needed for the Western Australian Government to make more informed sustainable decisions on future projects.

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Shark Bay Research

Discover WAMSI’s Shark Bay (Gathaagudu) Science Plan, a ground-breaking, end-user driven plan that sets the benchmark for collaborative science and is focused on safeguarding the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

View Shark Bay Research

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Our Blueprint

Navigating the Future of Marine Science

WAMSI’s Blueprint for Marine Science 2050 is more than a strategic document – it’s a vision that shapes the next 30 years of marine science in Western Australia. A multi-sector initiative, involving government, industry and community stakeholders, stakeholders, this guiding framework addresses the critical knowledge gaps in marine research essential for sustainable development, conservation and effective regulation.

Updated with the 2022-2027 Blueprint Refresh, this initiative sharpens focus on six core marine science themes, setting clear priorities to drive research that meets the real-world needs of Western Australia’s unique and diverse ecosystems. Explore how WAMSI’s Blueprint is setting the course for marine science to improve the sustainable use and management of our coastal and estuarine marine environments.

Learn about our blueprint