Marine science in top five State research priorities

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Marine science has been recognised in the State Government’s priorities for the advancement and application of science that can help broaden the economy and create a new generation of jobs.

A Science Statement for Western Australia – Growing Western Australia, launched by the Premier and Minister for Science, Hon Colin Barnett MLA, outlines the State’s priorities and opportunities for scientific research.

“The Science Statement reinforces the importance of marine science to enhance environmental protection and improve the productivity of Western Australia’s marine industries,” Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) CEO Patrick Seares said.

The five science priorities in the Science Statement were identified based on areas where Western Australia already has a comparative advantage and an appropriate base of research and industrial capability.

WAMSI, which is delivering two of the largest integrated marine research programs in Australia: the Kimberley Marine Research program and the Dredging Science Node, is identified as key in strengthening partnerships for effective collaboration.

“I’m very pleased that marine science has been acknowledged as essential to Western Australia and that WAMSI’s important part in the research landscape of Western Australia has been so well acknowledged,” Mr Seares said. “Our partners from the research sector, Government and industry should take credit for building a collaboration that is unique across Australia and delivering world class research that is responsible for the support of the marine sciences in this document.”

“The next stage of the Government’s science agenda will be to determine long term strategies in each of these priority areas,” he said.  “As we have recently completed The Blueprint for Marine Science 2050, marine science is ahead of the game and we look forward to working with the Government in shaping future priorities.”

WAMSI is a collaboration of 15 partner organisations that include State, Commonwealth, industry and academic organisations working together to deliver large-scale marine research