Western Australian Premier and Minister for Science Hon. Colin Barnett MLA launched the WA Blueprint for Marine Science 2050 at the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) research conference (30 March-1 April).

The Blueprint is an important initiative that aims to help government, research institutions and industry to better plan and collaborate on the priority marine research needed to support the future prosperity of WA and the nation.

The recommendations are the culmination of comprehensive consultation focusing on the end users of research, business, industry, government and community groups brought together by an independent steering group led by renowned scientist and advocate for collaborative research, E/Prof Alistar Robertson.     

Premier Barnett, Professor Robertson and WAMSI CEO Patrick Seares launched the Blueprint on Wednesday 1^st April 2015 at 1.30pm at the WAMSI Conference held at the State Library.

WAMSI Conference 

The 2015 research conference has provided progress updates and latest findings from more than 50 WAMSI projects being delivered by its partner organisations forming part of two of the largest marine research programs in Australia.

Among the keynote speakers;

• EPA Chairman Paul Vogel will discuss science, knowledge and managing risk through environmental impact assessment;
• Woodside Energy, Senior Vice President Science and Technology, Shaun Gregory, will provide an industry perspective on strategic marine science;
• WA Chief Scientist Peter Klinken will present his views on the State’s research focus; and
• WAMSI CEO Patrick Seares will present an overview of research progress, future direction and initiatives to improve collaboration on information.

Over the course of the three day conference, lead researchers and industry representatives who are working with WAMSI on the Kimberley Marine Research Program and the Dredging Science Node provided updates on the foundational research supporting these programs including:

• Reports on the most up to date information available for use in dredging operations and management, including lessons learned from the Gorgon Dredging Project at Barrow Island and its application to the management of the Wheatstone Dredging Project at Onslow; and 

• Key findings and future direction for marine research being carried out for the first time in the unique conditions that exist off the Kimberley coast.  

WAMSI Conference 2015

Location:        The State Library of Western Australia

         Perth Cultural Centre, 25 Francis Street, Perth

Date:              Monday 30 March – Wednesday 1 April 2015.

Click here to view the full conference schedule (as at 26/02/2015)

More information including conference schedule updates, abstracts and audio/PowerPoint presentations are available on the WAMSI Conference 2015 webpage.    

 

Research Conference 2015 Kimberley Marine Research Program Dredging Science