Former BMT Oceanica Director Dr Luke Twomey has been appointed General Manager and Dr Caroline Ochieng-Erftemeijer has been appointed Research Manager at the 15-member joint venture partnership, the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI).

Dr Twomey will oversee the completion of the current WAMSI science programs, including the $30 million Kimberley Marine Research Program and the landmark $19 million Dredging Science partnership, as well as drive planning for the long-term future of WAMSI.

A graduate of Curtin University and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Dr Twomey has experience across the fields of environmental impact assessment, management, research and teaching in estuarine, nearshore and offshore environments, both in Australia and internationally.

WAMSI Research Manager Dr Caroline Ochieng-Erftemeijer

Dr Ochieng-Erftemeijer, as Research Manager, will work on continuing to roll out Western Australia’s Blueprint for Marine Science 2050 science priorities for decision-makers to help align the research sectors’ response and establish a foundation of willingness across multiple sectors to find ways to be more strategic and more collaborative in marine science.

A marine ecologist with more than 14 years of international experience in ecological marine research, biodiversity conservation and project management, Dr Ochieng-Erftemeijer is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire USA, Imperial College, UK and Egerton University, Kenya.  

Acting Executive Chair Naomi Brown welcomed the appointments as heralding a new chapter in the ten-year WAMSI joint venture partnership.

“We’re pleased to have Dr Twomey join us to lead WAMSI and Western Australia’s marine science priorities to a new level of cooperation and coordination between government, industry, academics and the community,” Ms Brown said. “The blue economy is expected to be worth about $100 billion by 2025 and we need to continue our strong leadership in this space.”      

Both Dr Twomey and Dr Ochieng-Erftemeijer will take up their positions during the week beginning Monday 29 June.

WAMSI Executive Chair
Naomi Brown