Annual Report 2008-2009

Contents

21

Board Chair report 2

Executive summary 4

About us 6

Achievements 8

Objectives 9

Western Australia’s marine life 10

Mid-term review 11

Research 12

Node 1 Marine ecosystems science 13

Node 2 Climate processes, predictability 14

Node 3 Conserving marine biodiversity 16

Node 4 Sustainable marine ecosystems 18

Node 5 Biodiversity, biotechnology 20

Node 6 Ocean predictions for the offshore and coastal industry 22

Education 24

Events and Presentations 27

Performance measures 28

Communication 29

Media coverage 30

Scientific publications 32

WAMSI Structure 36

Governing parties 36

Governors 37

Board of Directors 38

Committees and sub-committees 38

Staff 40

Finances 41

WAMSI partners 45

From the Chairman

It is with great pleasure that I provide the WAMSI Annual Report for the financial year 2008/2009 to the WA State Government via the Department of Commerce.

I am pleased to be in a position to say that we have all WAMSI projects underway with 32 PhD and Post Doc positions also filled. The end of the reporting period also marked the half way point of the entire WAMSI program. A mid term review of the entire program was undertaken as part of a best-practice approach to ensure governance and science delivery are on track. I am pleased to provide a copy of that independent review as part of this report. The report was highly favourable and I am pleased to say the report reinforced the key value adding role that WAMSI is now playing, both in Western Australia and nationally in marine science as well as demonstrating a highly effective and transparent ‘best practice’ governance mechanism.

One of the main challenges of a program such as WAMSI is to bring all of the various outputs from the project and sub project research together in ways to further extend and inform our knowledge base of the marine and coastal environment. This is not an easy task. However through WAMSI and its partners, various science integration and communication approaches have been undertaken with a series

of focused science communication messages and deliverables being produced for a range of different audiences. The WAMSI node symposia remain a popular and effective method of communication of the science being undertaken. The science quality reviews provide the main independent assessment tool of the WAMSI Board to ensure that the science being undertaken is best practice. The ongoing delivery of public presentations, seminars, workshops, industry briefings and peer reviewed science publications remain a fundamental part of the Board’s efforts to ensure that the science being undertaken reaches a broad audience and remains relevant.

Major improvements are now clearly being made in the marine data and information management space with the successful partnering of iVEC and WASTAC to ensure that data and meta data will be accessible in perpetuity. This will remain one of WAMSI’s most important legacies.

The economic downturn that all nations have recently faced has had an effect on the volume of new projects and discretionary income from industry. However, because WAMSI 1 is a strategic five year marine science investment made by the State Government in 2006, along with a co-investment from industry and the Commonwealth to commence a strategic marine science program, this has assisted our sector to maintain a critical mass of expertise undertaking strategic marine science in WA. We are optimistic that economic conditions improve in the coming years and that WAMSI will demonstrate its value and receive ongoing funding beyond 2011.

One of the most significant new strategic initiatives undertaken in the reporting period was the production of the coupled science case/business case “A Turning of the Tide – science for decisions in the Kimberley-Browse Marine region” released in October 2008. This document effectively provides the blue print for the requirements for a co-funded regional marine science program in the Kimberley Browse marine region over the coming years. The report has been well received by Governments, industry, NGOs and the research community and we remain optimistic that the case made in the document hits a chord with all stakeholders who have ongoing interests and investments in this remarkable region, earmarked to be one of the power houses of the Australian economy over the coming decades. Better science will undoubtedly mean better decisions which in an area as unique and unexplored as the Kimberley offshore regions would seem to be a fundamental requirement. The business case for new investment into WAMSI for marine science beyond 2011 is actively being presented to governments.

The combined capabilities of WAMSI through its partners is possibly unequalled anywhere in the world and spearheads the coordination of collaborative marine science research at regional scale within Western Australia.

WAMSI research is continuously peer reviewed to ensure the information coming back from each of its 85 research projects is not simply a single research project but is part of a collective integrated series of key findings of policy and management relevance.

WAMSI’s first stage of research will end in 2011 when it will have tackled many of the most important marine strategic decisions WA society faces: the effects of climate change on marine life – fish populations, extinctions, marine life ‘recruitment’ for breeding, the effect on coral reefs, altered currents, changed water flows, rising ocean temperatures and storm surges. It will have assisted with the future of aquaculture industries, the prospect of harvesting medical and pharmaceutical compounds, the effect of increasing populations along the coastline, the impact of tourism and industrial developments and the scientific naming of thousands of new species. It will also add substantially to the knowledge required for the management of the Ningaloo and Jurien marine parks, coastal and deepwater engineering, ecosystem based fisheries management and to broader oceanography and marine ecosystem processes.

The scale of human activity and use of the environment coupled with climate change means the impacts on the marine environment need to be known and understood. These are the drivers behind the matrix of information WAMSI is establishing: information on ocean forecasting, biochemical compounds, new marine species, estuarine dynamics, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, conservation best-practice, the effects of ocean currents on oil and gas rigs, coastal infrastructure and the future impacts of climate change.

Dr Peter RogersWAMSI Chairman

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The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) has reached the halfway point of its four-year research program.

Initial funding of $21 million has risen to $87 million with $66 million of in-kind support provided by other agencies and organisations.

A total of 250 scientists are working on 85 WAMSI research projects across the 13,500 kilometre WA coastline, from the Kimberley tropical environment in the north to the more temperate coastline in the South-West.

This year has been a busy one as contracts with our research partners were finalised and initial research began to generate preliminary results.

Milestone reports about the stage and achievements of each research project were submitted to WAMSI for analysis by a team of scientific peers to ensure the standard of information met the original needs.

One of WAMSI’s goals is to communicate its scientific information to stakeholders. During the year symposia outlining WAMSI’s research so far were held, giving researchers the opportunity to present their findings. Each one-day symposia, respectively covering sustainable fisheries, the impact of climate change on the Leeuwin Current, Ningaloo Marine Park research and marine biodiscovery, were well attended.

Research projects are generating databases on ocean forecasting, biodiscovery, new marine species, estuaries, sustainable fisheries, biodiversity, conservation, the effects of ocean movements on industrial ocean structures and the effects of climate change.

Because of the increase in information flowing into WAMSI, data storage facilities are growing and will need to grow even more. We have joined forces with the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), iVEC (WA’s most advanced computer megadata storage provider) and others to store vast quantities of information which can be used now and in the future. A one-day seminar and a presentation from an international expert were held in Perth to discuss this.

One of the most successful symposia, A changing climate: Western Australia in focus was held in March 2009. It provided a snapshot into the likely effects of climate change on WA, canvassing the big picture, and the effect of climate change on coasts and coral reefs, the Leeuwin Current, fisheries and biodiversity, and terrestrial systems. It was sponsored and organised by WAMSI with sponsorship also coming from the University of Western Australia, CSIRO’s National Research Flagships, the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, the Bureau of Meteorology and Landgate.

WAMSI delivered presentations about its work to a variety of groups, organisations, communities and industry, including industry breakfasts and an industry forum chaired by the WA Governor at Government House.

In October 2008 we launched a report, A turning of the tide: science for decisions in the Kimberley-Browse marine region, outlining a coupled science business case for research in the area, and providing costings for stakeholders and governments to carry out research during the next decade. This is seen as an important future step for WAMSI.

Joint Venture parties have been very generous with their matching and in-kind contributions. At least $63 million has been contributed or guaranteed by the Parties to supplement the core WAMSI Program MRF funds.

Internal business processes in place. All WAMSI business processes have been formalised and are fully operational.

With the finalisation of the WAMSI Communications Plan and the appointment of a communications manager in June 2008, WAMSI is now better able to coordinate the delivery of the research messages. Individual Node Communications plans have been developed to specifically communicate the outputs from each Node of activity.

During the year, WAMSI fostered close relationships with several Aboriginal groups in the north and sought advice as part of the scoping of a future Kimberley-Browse regional marine science program. Aboriginal representatives participated in two WAMSI field trips to the Kimberley coast as part of the research team.

WAMSI is already partnering with organisations outside the initial membership, for example the National Oceans Office, Australian National University, Geoscience Australia, Western Australian Energy Research Alliance, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Integrated Marine Observing Systems.

There has been regular contact between WAMSI and the WA Minister for Science, relevant State Government Ministers and WA’s Chief Scientist, as well as with the Premier’s Science and Innovation Council.

Closer links have been made with key industry stakeholders. Working with industry to grow the WAMSI business, in particular the oil and gas sector. INPEX and Chevron helped to sponsor the North West Inventory project and BHP awarded two full WAMSI scholarships. Woodside and BHP Billiton are WAMSI Industry Foundation partners.

In March 2009 WAMSI and the WA Museum launched the WA Marine Bioresources Library which will curate thousands of marine samples.

In March 2009 the WAMSI Board approved the final funding allocations to partners. It cemented the organisation’s ability to harness its capacities to undertake large-scale independent public-good research into climate change, marine management, marine life, marine habitat, marine geology, sustainable fisheries, coral reefs, marine compounds, biodiversity, human impacts on coastal regions and social outcomes.

WA’s marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressures as the population grows and the consequence of increased demand for activities such as oil and gas extraction, fishing, aquaculture, recreation, tourism and coastal development.

Governments, industry and the community face bigger, more frequent and more rapid decisions relating to marine and coastal planning. Enhancing their ability to do so needs a greater understanding of our ocean environment and the use of best available independent science to underpin conservation, economic development and social values.

Better science, better decisions.

Steve BlakeChief Executive Officer

The Worrora People’s Aboriginal traditional owners Isobel Peters along with Nelson Barunga, discuss the work that WAMSI has been undertaking in partnership with the Arraluli Aboriginal Corporation to map the scientific and environmental values of Montgomery reef in the heart of their clan country, Lulim.

Executive summary

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Individually WAMSI’s member organisations are gatherers and custodians of valuable marine and coastal data. WAMSI is facilitating the development of partnerships and protocols for cross-organisational data management, collaboration and sharing.

Better coordination in marine and coastal data management will not only enable better decision-making – it will also help avoid duplication of data gathering, improve information access and optimise the application of marine science data Australia-wide, for the scientific sector and the community.

Communication and community engagement are also high on the WAMSI agenda. There is an ongoing need to communicate the scientific endeavours and achievements of the Institution and its member partners to key decision-makers and the wider community. Through its website, public forums and other communication initiatives, WAMSI is committed to keeping all key sectors of the community informed and aware of its programs and their outcomes.

WAMSI is an Australian marine research organisation created to underpin conservation and the sustainable development of resources.

Its structure is like no other: a collaboration of 16 State, Federal, industry and academic entities cooperating to create benchmark research and independent, quality scientific information.

As a fast-moving agency it is able to amass its strength to undertake full scale research into climate change, economics, marine life, marine habitat, ocean geology, fishing, coral reefs, marine compounds, biodiversity, socio-economic drivers and the emerging oil and gas industries.

WA’s marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressure from an increasing number of uses.

The need for extensive science-based knowledge of our ocean environment is increasing as the State’s population grows and the variety of demands placed on marine and coastal regions expands. Uses include oil and gas extraction, fishing, aquaculture, recreation and tourism.

The scale of new activity coupled with accelerating climate change means the impacts on the marine environment are now less predictable than in the past.

Governments, industry and the community face bigger, more frequent and more rapid decisions relating to marine and coastal planning. Enhancing their ability to do so needs greater strategic understanding of our ocean environment.

The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is Australia’s first major research facility dedicated to understanding the marine environment and resources in a holistic sense.

Launched in 2007 with State Government funding of $21 million, WAMSI carries out broadscale research covering a range of issues being considered by the community and decision-makers.

The Institution strives to build upon existing knowledge and gain a better scientific understanding of the marine environment, in order to inform policy and management decisions.

Its strategic objective is to strengthen the coordination and capacity of marine research in WA and to enhance the transfer of research outputs into outcomes that deliver economical environment and social benefits to Western Australia.

Underlying all of WAMSI’s research programs are these three integrating science themes:

Ocean systems forecasting •

Biodiversity conservation and•

Natural resource management•

The programs are delivered through a cluster of output-focused Research Nodes of which there are currently six:

Node 1: Marine ecosystems science

Node 2: Climate processes, predictability and impacts

Node 3: Conserving marine biodiversity

Node 4: Sustainable marine ecosystems

Node 5: Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture

Node 6: Ocean predictions for the offshore and coastal Industry

WAMSI also provides an advisory, administrative and coordination function.

Its role is to bring together marine research scientists from various disciplines and backgrounds, facilitating collaborative partnerships. Each partnership is conceived and structured to ensure that its strength is greater than the sum of its parts with a focus on inter-agency, multi-disciplinary scientific exchanges.

WAMSI predominantly scopes, develops and undertakes big strategic projects – projects that require multi-disciplinary teams and the sharing of vital information and resources among the participating partners.

About us

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WAMSI’s objectivesAchievementsWAMSI has a unique structure that enables 16 member organisations to work together for greater research results. The achievements of that collective operation are listed below.

More than 250 scientists are working on 85 WAMSI •projects.

Four externally funded projects are progressing.•

More than $67 million in matching and in-kind •contributions has been donated by WAMSI partners, supplementing the initial $21 million State Government funding.

A total of 42 research reports across all research •areas were submitted.

Successful business practices are up and running. •These were approved by an independent auditor. A major achievement was the creation of contract arrangements with each WAMSI partner.

WAMSI Committees and Groups met regularly •during the year, with follow-up notes.

A successful independent mid-term review of •WAMSI research processes and activities was carried out in June.

Communication to the public, stakeholders and •decision makers increased with the appointment of a Communications Manager. A strategic plan for future communications is in place.

WAMSI established partnerships with organisations •outside the initial membership. These include the National Oceans Office, Australian National University, Geoscience Australia, the Western Australian Energy Research Alliance, the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society and Integrated Marine Observing Systems.

Links with the WA Minister for Science, State •Government Ministers and the WA Chief Scientist continued.

Major oil and gas industries INPEX and Chevron •sponsored WAMSI’s North West Inventory project.

Mining giant BHP Billiton funded two full WAMSI •scholarships.

WAMSI is capable of undertaking world class marine scientific research, technology and training using the strength of all its partners.

The unity ensures the performance of WAMSI is greater than that of each partner’s independent work.

WAMSI’s strategic objectives are to:

support the conservation, •sustainable management and utilisation of WA’s unique marine endowment;

enhance the contribution •of strategic scientific and technological research and innovation to Australia’s sustainable environmental, social and economic development;

enhance the transfer of the •research outputs into outcomes of economic, environmental and social benefit to WA;

establish a leading Institution •with critical mass for studies and research in marine science in the Indian Ocean region;

enhance collaboration among •and between researchers and industry, and improve efficiency in the use of intellectual and other research resources;

strengthen the coordination •and capacity of marine research in WA and further establish internationally recognised and integrated research groups; and

enhance the opportunities for •marine graduate researchers in WA.

The results of achieving these objectives will be:

the improved coordination of •marine science activities in WA;

an improved understanding of •the marine ecosystems of WA;

an enhanced predictive capacity •to model both natural and anthropogenic effects;

improved management •decisions based on the outputs of the WAMSI research; and

guaranteed ongoing investment •in the Institution and the value recognised by the State.

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WAMSI mid-term review

Western Australia’s marine environment offers a wealth of biodiversity, unique marine habitats, abundant resources and social values.

The WA mainland coast is more than 13,500 kilometres long with more than 12.6 million hectares of waters under State jurisdiction alone.

Its coral reefs are ranked second in the world for the number of endemic species they harbour, and occur at higher latitudes than anywhere else on the planet because of the southerly flow of the warm Leeuwin Current.

Its coastal waters are among the most unspoiled in the world and Shark Bay is one of very few areas inscribed on the World Heritage list for all four criteria for outstanding natural values.

The Western Rock Lobster Fishery is the most valuable single species fishery in Australia, typically earning more than $250 million per annum in export revenue. Outputs for WAMSI are assisting new research to better understand the reasons behind the current declines of this fishery.

The natural gas reserves in the North West are massive, providing a solid foundation for future prosperity, nationally as well as in Western Australia, and the majority of minerals are exported through the ports.

The marine nature-based tourism industry is worth billions of dollars a year to the Australian economy. The economic impact of the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park to the Gascoyne community alone is estimated at around $140 million per annum.

WA has one of everything when it comes to the marine and coastal environments – ranging from the oceanic shoals of the North West to the mangrove-fringed coasts of the Kimberley, the coral reefs off Dampier and Ningaloo, the high-energy metropolitan coast off Perth, the Capes region and the temperate surf coast of the south.

Each of these attributes presents compelling reasons to ensure that the State’s marine environment and resources are carefully managed, conserved and developed in a sustainable way.

Western Australia’s marine life

An independent review about the operational success of WAMSI – officially launched in 2007 with a five year research program – was held in June 2009, at the halfway point of its research.

It was carried out by Dr Beverley Ronalds, Chief of CSIRO Petroleum and Group Executive, Energy.

Dr Ronalds congratulated WAMSI on its success and achievements which included having strong governance and the ability to develop integrated research programs.

She said WA’s marine environment held enormous value for Western Australians and that WAMSI now had the opportunity to create a special, enduring place in the State’s innovation framework.

The WAMSI Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer and staff provided detailed data and insights to the reviewer, who spoke to several Governors, Board members, the Chair of the Research and Development Committee, Node Leaders, researchers and stakeholders.

All were positive about WAMSI’s operation.

WAMSI headquarters staff were praised for their dedication and hard work.

Dr Ronalds’ report said the scale of research being conducted, the attraction of new marine science capability and the degree of interaction between State departments, Federal research agencies, universities and other organisations would not have been possible without the State’s Major Research Facility (MRF) grant.

She added WAMSI had already made very strong progress towards achieving its target outcomes.

Dr Ronalds has industry experience in design, installation and operations support for fixed and floating offshore platforms in the Australian North West Shelf, the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. She has also been the Woodside Chair at The University of Western Australia’s School of Oil and Gas Engineering.

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Research leader

Dr John Keesing CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research

Phone: +61 8 9333 6500 Email: john.keesing@csiro.au

Dr Keesing heads 10 WAMSI projects and leads the Maritime Uses and Impacts research in CSIRO’s Wealth from Ocean Flagship. He also manages the WA Coasts Research Group in CSIRO’s Marine and Atmospheric Research Division.

He has led multidisciplinary project teams researching physical and biological oceanography, marine biogeochemistry, biology, physiology, ecology and modelling.

His background is in marine ecology and fisheries science. Previous positions were as Research Director for the Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Environment (SRFME), Murdoch University’s Director of Research and Development, and the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s Chief Scientist (Aquatic Sciences).

He has a PhD from James Cook University, an honours degree from Murdoch University and a bachelor’s degree from the WA Institute of Technology (now Curtin University of Technology). He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance from the Securities Institute of Australia.

Dr Keesing was part of an international team that discovered the cause of the world’s largest algal bloom in China, which threatened to disrupt the 2008 Olympic Games sailing events, was the massive expansion of coastal aquaculture.

Marine ecosystems science

WA’s marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressure from multiple industrial, extractive, recreational and aesthetic uses that must increasingly compete for limited space and resources.

Governments everywhere need to make bigger decisions that affect the marine environment – decisions that now need to be made more often and more quickly.

Research into biodiversity has looked at the Leeuwin Current, its effect on the movement of particles, the energy of eddies, the importance of wind in lagoon circulation and identified hotspots for larval retention.

Initial findings have discovered that kelp, a critical part of the marine food web and fisheries ecosystems, is under threat from climate change because increased wave energy is dislodging them.

In other areas of research, new marine species are being discovered in isolated areas and on Perth’s doorstep.

Although uncertainty surrounds how marine ecosystems respond to intensified uses, particularly in the context of global climate change, WAMSI has dramatically increased the ability to predict future trends for confident decision-making in a developmentally expansive period for WA.

Results so far have brought a greater understanding of the structure and function of coastal marine ecosystems, including how their interaction and interdependency responds to human and natural changes.

This has been done at large and small scales. For example the recycling of nutrients between the sediment and marine plants, combined with seasonal cycles of storms and waves, sustains the productivity of the coastal ecosystem. This cycling plays out over scales of millimetres and drives changes in production over annual scales, and nourishes Leeuwin Current eddies that sustain the larvae of the western rock lobster.

Understanding these processes has allowed WAMSI to construct a nutrient budget for WA coastal ecosystems that will enable us to assess the cumulative impacts of changes in coastal development, population growth, and climate change.

Research has been carried out in the open ocean, the continental shelf and inshore lagoons.

WAMSI has built an enduring human and research infrastructure capacity and strong collaborative linkages across all its nodes. Research in this area has led to the development of a world class science capacity in marine ecosystem understanding and prediction for natural resource management and conservation.

Seven PhD scientists have been employed and trained in this area of research. In addition, WAMSI’s success has provided the impetus and certainty needed to attract and secure a WA-based CSIRO research capability of 35 marine scientists and support staff, and the commissioning of a $1 million research vessel the RV Linnaeus. These developments enable WAMSI and its member agencies to respond rapidly to key research needs and deliver research findings on shorter timeframes.

Node 1 ResearchWAMSI’s research is divided into three main themes – ocean forecasting, biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

Under these themes there are six areas of research.

Node 1: Marine ecosystems scienceNode 2: Climate processes, predictability and impactsNode 3: Conserving marine biodiversityNode 4: Sustainable marine ecosystemsNode 5: Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture Node 6: Ocean predictions for the offshore and coastal industry The results of each of these areas of research are listed in this report.

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Climate processes, predictability and impacts

This area of WAMSI research (Node 2) focussed on the large-scale variations and changes in Pacific and Indian Ocean currents – the Indonesian Throughflow and the Leeuwin Current – as well as the Indian Ocean dipole.

It studied their potential impacts on WA marine environments, especially those closely linked to western rock lobster recruitments and Ningaloo Reef protection.

The research has built on WA’s climate research capability and attracted national and international climate researchers. Projects have covered the Leeuwin Current dynamics, regional warming off the coast and future changes to marine productivity. Monitoring the long term changes in the shelf systems off WA has been a key driver of a number of IMOS projects off WA.

Numerical tools have been developed to predict the Leeuwin Current and Indian Ocean Dipole on a seasonal time scale. These have potential applications in fisheries management and maritime operation planning.

Research projects have also developed a suite of numerical models to project the impact of future climate changes from the Indian Ocean and the Leeuwin Current on Ningaloo Reef. This will provide WA’s marine park managers and decision-makers with information to assist their management and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Its research findings were presented at two symposia during the year – Climate processes, predictability and impacts in a warming Indian Ocean at CSIRO’s Floreat headquarters in Perth in September 2008 and a series of presentations at a co-sponsored climate change symposium, A changing climate: focus on Western Australia at The University of Western Australia Club in March 2009.

Node 2

Research leader

Dr Ming Feng (Node 2 Leader) Senior Research Scientist CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research

Underwood Avenue, Floreat WA Phone: +61 8 9333 6512 Email: ming.feng@csiro.au

Dr Feng’s research activities cover the long-term trends of the Leeuwin Current, its eddies, fish and crustacean larvae recruitment (including the iconic western rock lobster), and how nutrients and other particles are transported along a changing current.

He and his team provide crucial conceptual and logistic information for field trips and Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) activities in the south-east Indian Ocean off WA.

Dr Feng joined the CSIRO’s WA headquarters in 2001. His projects were to research climate and ocean currents in the Pacific and Indian oceans, including the Leeuwin Current which travels down the WA coastline and across to Tasmania, and report on trends.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics and Engineering degree from Beijing University followed by a PhD in Physical Oceanography from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Hawaii.

He has published more than 30 journal articles and won three national CSIRO academic awards.

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Node 3

Managing and conserving the marine state

The scientific knowledge base for conservation of marine biodiversity and management of human use of the coral reef ecosystems of the Ningaloo Marine Park by Government has improved, at least, 20 to 30 fold.

An improved knowledge base promotes more informed decision-making and management of Ningaloo Marine Park by Government thereby using existing resources for management, more effectively and efficiently.

More informed decision-making by Government provides a more strategic, sustainable and equitable basis (i.e. less contentious) for the sustainable development of the Ningaloo Marine Park, a main focus of economic development in the Gascoyne region.

Much of the knowledge base gained by the Ningaloo Research Program will be transferable to other coral reefs in WA (e.g. Pilbara and Kimberley coral reefs) and internationally resulting in more effective conservation of marine biodiversity and more efficient management of human use in these areas.

The vastly improved understanding of the functioning of the coral reef ecosystems of the Ningaloo Marine Park will be critical in identifying changes and adaptation strategies necessary to minimise the impacts of climate change (and other future threats) to the marine park and other coral reefs in WA.

International recognition of the Ningaloo Research Program has enhanced WA’s reputation as a centre of excellence

for training in marine science and management in the developing nations bordering the Indian Ocean, thereby making WA more attractive to international marine science students.

This year a successful student research day was held in April to focus on the value of postgraduate education in the marine area. A winner from the speakers was chosen to represent students at the Third Annual Ningaloo Research Symposium in Exmouth in May. More than 80 delegates attended the symposium which was sponsored by WAMSI, CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship, the Ningaloo Research Coordinating Committee and the Department of Environment and Conservation, WA.

It was opened by WA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley. Topics included coral reefs, tourism, social studies, fish surveys, fish movements, mapping, oceanography, biodiversity, fishing, invertebrates, lagoon studies and the Leeuwin Current.

The symposium generated news articles in the West Australian newspaper (front page) and local media outlets. Researchers also took part in radio interviews, while the node leader spoke to ABC radio about the research in a more extensive ‘big picture’ interview to highlight the importance of Ningaloo research.

At other times during the year, Ningaloo research attracted publicity and media interest via WAMSI. Television, radio and newspaper coverage was excellent and involved staff from DEC, the Department of Fisheries, AIMS and CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship.

Research leader

Dr Chris Simpson (Node 3 Leader) Marine Science Program Department of Environment and Conservation, WA

Phone: +61 8 9219 8761 Email: chris.simpson@dec.wa.gov.au

Dr Simpson is the Program Leader, Marine Science Program at the WA Department of Environment and Conservation’s Science Division and the Leader of WAMSI’s Node 3 projects.

Dr Simpson graduated from The University of Western Australia and completed his PhD on coral spawning in the North West.

He has worked in the marine conservation area for more than 30 years and has a particular interest in the conservation of WA’s coral reefs, particularly the Ningaloo Reef and the coral reefs off the Pilbara and Kimberley coastlines.

He currently leads a team of scientists that undertakes marine research and monitoring in WA’s tropical and temperate coastal waters. The focus is to provide the scientific basis for the conservation and management of the statewide system of marine protected areas, threatened marine fauna and marine biodiversity generally. The Marine Science Program is also overseeing a major research program in the Ningaloo Marine Park as part of WAMSI.

Twenty seven WAMSI projects under Dr Simpson’s supervision are now bringing results and will be used for the better understanding of issues such as the effect of climate change, fisheries, tourism, coastal development and industry on the marine biodiversity and social values of the Ningaloo Marine Park.

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Node 4

Sustainable ecosystems for sustainable fisheries

Research in this area has resulted in the development of a bioregional framework to assist with the holistic management of marine resources.

The project teams have generated a comprehensive Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management framework for the West Coast Bioregion from Geraldton to Esperance.

It covers the cumulative impacts on ecosystems, habitats and target species from both fisheries and other external sources. An agreement has been reached by State Government agencies on the 13 key marine ecosystems within the West Coast bioregion

In conjunction with the WA Department of Fisheries and key stakeholders, a risk assessment of each of the key ecological, economic, social and governance elements in the bioregion was carried out. The high level elements within each of the components are now being used to assist restructure the department’s risk register and also to assist the alignment of the department’s activities in dealing with the key risks.

The current status of the research has resulted in the successful compilation and assessment of numerous long term environmental datasets that were collected by different WA institutions. A long-term trend has been found for the increased sea temperatures off the lower west coast of WA and the increase in the frequency of ENSO events which may have affected the population dynamics of some species. This information has already been valuable for assisting in the determination of the cause of the recent low levels of western rock lobster recruitment.

A successful one-day research symposium was held in November 2008 to disseminate all findings of this research to a capacity audience.

Research leader

Dr Rick Fletcher (Node 4 Leader) Director Research Department of Fisheries WA

Phone: +61 8 9203 0114 Email: rick.fletcher@fish.wa.gov.au

Dr Fletcher is the Director of Research at Western Australia’s Department of Fisheries, with periods of being Acting Director General. He was appointed to lead WAMSI’s Node 4 research projects in 2007.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (with honours) from the University of Melbourne in 1980 and followed it with a PhD from the University of Sydney in 1984.

He is best known for his research into creating sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture areas. He has spent time in Vanuatu researching the population of the coconut crab with subsequent studies to reassess numbers. He devised a sustainable management strategy and trained local fisheries staff how to assess the populations. The venture is extremely successful. He has also been involved in research on oysters.

Dr Fletcher’s previous positions were Director of Research at NSW Fisheries, Chair of the program committee for the World Aquaculture Society conference in Sydney and Chair of the Research Committee of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture.

He joined the WA Department of Fisheries in 1988 to assess the abundance of commercially caught fish species using historical fishing information, biology studies, logbooks and monthly catch information from fishermen.

In his present position as Director of Research he manages 130 staff working on research projects on invertebrates, finfish, biodiversity, aquaculture and stock assessment across WA.

Dr Fletcher is a member of several consultative committees including the management advisory committees for major fisheries, interdepartmental committees and internal committees, and heads the national ecologically sustainable development subprogram for the Australia Fisheries Management Forum.

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Node 5

Research leader

Mr Jason Froud (Node 5 Leader) Department of Fisheries WA

Phone: +61 8 9482 7399 Email: jason.froud@fish.wa.gov.au

Mr Froud has extensive experience in aquatic related fields in both the private and public sectors. He holds a bachelor of science and a post graduate diploma of management. Mr Froud is a qualified diving instructor and has held numerous roles spanning marine and environmental education, natural resource management, aquaculture, and a range of positions working at public aquariums in Queensland and WA.

Mr Froud has worked with the Department of Fisheries since 1997 and is currently the Department’s acting Manager of the Strategic Fisheries Policy section. He leads a team of 13 staff who are responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing statewide policies and strategies related to the management of fish resources. His team provides advice and implements legislation and policy associated with (among other things) fisheries adjustment schemes, biodiscovery, fishing sector catch allocations, fisheries economics, charter fishing, pearling, recreational and customary fishing.

In his substantive role, Mr Froud leads the Department of Fisheries Pearling Sub-Program, which deals with the regulation and management of the WA pearling industry. His other previous roles with the Department of Fisheries have included both central and regionally based fisheries management and community education roles. He has also worked as a Principal Policy Advisor for fisheries Ministers under secondment with the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture

An unprecedented focus on the WA marine estate for conservation, medical research and the development of the oil and gas industry is providing an unequalled opportunity for the exploration of marine biodiversity.

WA’s pristine and biodiverse oceans – the blue farms – have the potential to offer a wealth of raw, genetic materials to develop pharmaceutical and other biotechnology products.

Already the marine biotechnology industry which is growing at 18 per cent a year is benefitting from the scientific evidence being discovered by the WAMSI’s research partners. The partners include the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the WA Museum and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The WA Institute of Medical Research is an external partner.

Many of WA’s marine species are found nowhere else in the world. From the small number of samples collected on explorations to date, an extraordinarily high ‘hit rate’ was returned in medicinal areas. One of the samples may be used in screening programs for breast cancer.

Research has found species of WA’s sponges and sea squirts have some of the world’s highest rates of anti-tumour activity while compounds from marine filter feeders such as sponges are being used in cosmetics, medicine, sunscreens, anti foulants and industrial enzymes.

Microbes are at the basis of this research: more than a billion micro-organisms live in each litre of seawater and it is known that microbes dominate the abundance, diversity and metabolic activity of the ocean.

They comprise 98 per cent of the biomass of the world’s oceans, supply more than half the world’s oxygen, are the major processors of the world’s greenhouse gases and have the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change.

They are the cause of diseases that are suspected to be spreading because of global warming yet paradoxically, the compounds they produce are potential cancer cures and solutions for combating human disease.

Scientists are only just beginning to understand the important environmental roles that microbes play in marine systems.

A WA Marine Bioresources Library (WAMBL) which will store thousands of samples of marine life was established in March 2009 using initial funding from WAMSI.

Most samples at WAMBL have been collected by the museum and AIMS, the latter transporting WA marine extracts stored in Townsville for the past 25 years. Access to the library will enable researchers to use samples to identify valuable compounds with the potential to be anti-cancer agents or other pharmaceutical products. In conjunction, a database was created to track frozen samples in and out of the library. Professional curation by the WA Museum will enable marine extracts to be used by State, national and international organisations.

WAMSI is also initiating and pursuing the introduction of WA biotechnology legislation to improve biodiscovery research investment and exploration prospects for WA.

In July 2008 WAMSI, AIMS, the Department of Fisheries WA and the USA National Cancer Institute sponsored the Chief of the United States National Cancer Institute’s Natural Products Branch (in the Developmental Therapeutics Program) to visit Perth to speak to researchers.

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Research leader

Professor Greg Ivey (Node 6 Leader) Winthrop Professor School of Environmental Systems Engineering The University of Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 6488 3528 Email: greg.ivey@uwa.edu.au

Professor Ivey is Winthrop Professor of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics at The University of Western Australia.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (hons) from UWA, a Masters in Engineering Science at UWA and a PhD at the University of California at Berkeley.

He worked as an engineer before following a research career which has taken him to research institutions in Canada, the USA, France and Australia.

He has been Head of UWA’s Department of Environmental Engineering, a member of the Faculty of Engineering Advisory Board, a member of the Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Faculty Board, a board member of the Graduate Research School, a member of the Faculty Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Faculty Board and Chair of review boards.

In addition to his academic work he has carried out research for Alcoa, Woodside Engineering, Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd, Shark Bay Resources, and Woodside Energy and Chevron Texaco’s North West Shelf projects.

He has written scientific papers for 30 years, is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia, a member of the International Association of Hydraulic Research, the Australian Water and Wastewater Association and the American Geophysical Union.

He has been a visiting Fellow and visiting professor at Sandford University in the USA, and a visiting Fellow in France and Japan. His main interest is in geophysical fluid dynamics.

Marine science for offshore and coastal engineering

The high level outcome of this research is the ability to forecast ocean dynamics, particularly on the Australian North West Shelf, in support of the next generation of industry development. The methods and approaches are not geographically specific, but widely applicable.

To achieve this outcome, there has been an integration of ocean observations and ocean numerical modelling capability. The ocean observations have required the development and implementation of new technologies, such as the use of ocean glider technology and dedicated fixed instrument systems.

There has been a clear link with the Federally-funded IMOS program, as well as continuing ocean observations made by members of the oil and gas industry.

This is particularly true in the Kimberley marine region where future developments are in new previously unexplored waters on the Shelf and in waters more than 1000 metres deep. There are similarly active research programs near-shore sensitive in the Kimberleys with its sensitive reef and ecosystems.

The new generation of numerical models are hybrid models with the capacity to provide downscaling predictive capability from scales as large as 1000 kilometres down to scales as small as 10 metres. They integrate data-assimilating large scale models, such as Bluelink, with process-oriented smaller scale models. A very significant deliverable is the capacity training, represented by the growing numbers of PhD students (more than 10 in the UWA Engineering Faculty group alone), as well as the ability to attract high quality postdoctoral researchers to WA.

Research Professor

Charitha Pattiaratchi

Winthrop Professor School of Environmental Systems Engineering The University of Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 6488 3179 Email: chari.pattiaratchi@uwa.edu.au

Professor Pattiaratchi graduated from the University of Wales in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and Applied Mathematics, following it with a Master of Science and a PhD in oceanography.

Between 1981 and 1985 he worked as a research assistant at the University of Wales before becoming an oceanographer. He returned to the University of Wales as a senior research assistant and later travelled to Western Australia.

He became a lecturer and senior lecturer at UWA’s Department of Environmental Engineering between 1988 and 2000 interspersed with Visiting Professorship appointments at Hamburg University, the University of Southampton, and the Marine Sciences Research Centre at the State University of New York, POGO (Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans) National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency.

From 2000 to 2002 he was appointed Associate Professor and later Professor at UWA’s Department of Environmental Engineering and subsequently took visiting professorships at the Iranian National Centre for Oceanography (INCO) and the Baltic Sea Research Institute in Germany.

He has won the Eminent Sri Lankan scientist award, an engineering excellence award from the South Australian Institute of Engineers, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). He won the Rotary centennial service award for professional excellence and a postgraduate research supervision excellence in teaching award from UWA.

He holds positions on many committees and boards in academia and private industry.

Node 6

22 23

WAMSI provides educational opportunities for postgraduate students in a program coordinated by four Western Australian universities – The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University.

Marine science embraces biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.

In collaboration with the universities, postgraduate scholarships are offered to those who are keen to continue their studies in the marine field.

WAMSI liaises with State and Federal Government agencies to ensure WA postgraduate students have significant exposure to the workplace and take advantage of the skills and experience available.

The focus to use local postgraduate students is driven by the increasing need for appropriately trained people in the expanding WA marine industry and research sector.

High calibre senior scientists and academics supervise 32 postgraduate students in a program that is increasing WA’s national and international reputation as being an icon of excellence in the delivery of tertiary education in the marine sciences and engineering fields.

They join more than 250 scientists to work on 85 WAMSI research projects.

Their studies range from finding the ‘dollar value’ of people’s aesthetic experience in marine parks to discovering how seagrasses are affected by human activities.

In addition, the health of the Swan Estuary is being assessed, the transport of fish larvae along the Leeuwin Current is being monitored, and aggregations of different fish species (samson, mulloway, pink snapper and dhufish) in the Swan River and west of Rottnest Island are being analysed.

A study of changes to the Swan-Canning, Peel-Harvey and Leschenault estuaries is being carried out as well as research about how food chains and species composition affect the Swan River Estuary and Wilson Inlet.

Ningaloo Marine Park has the most concentrated number of projects being worked on by students. These include:

how and where fish move and live along Ningaloo Reef, •

the effects of the Leeuwin Current on the reef’s ecology and •biogeochemistry,

the reef’s changed geomorphology, coral communities and •biodiversity across the ages,

the population and movements of manta rays, •

seasonal changes in diversity and community structure of microbes •in the reef’s corals,

the population, distribution, habitat use, social structure and •movement patterns of humpback dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, and

how the water circulates around the reef.•

Student University Research SupervisorsAbbie McCartney UWA Choice modelling – the dollar value of Ningaloo Marine

ParkAssociate Professor Michael Burton, UWA

Adam Gartner ECU Mechanisms which drive changes in the macroinvertebrate assemblage and assessment of whether those assemblages can be used as an indication of overall seagrass ecosystem condition.

Professor Paul Lavery (ECU), Dr Kathryn McMahon (ECU), Dr Anne Brearley (UWA).

Alexis Espinosa UWA Oscillatory flow in complex topography Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Ben Fitzpatrick UWA How fish interact with critical habitats of Ningaloo Reef Dr Euan Harvey, UWA

Cecile Rousseaux UWA Quantifying the impact of the Leeuwin Current on Ningaloo Reef.

Professor Anya Waite, Dr Peter A. Thompson and Dr Ryan Lowe (UWA)

Charulata Singh ECU The role of kelp and seagrass wrack in marine foodwebs Professor Paul Lavery (ECU)

Christopher Hallett Murdoch Estuarine Health Index Dr Fiona Valesini and Professor Ian Potter (Murdoch)

Connor Mines UWA Planktonic heterogeneity in aquatic systems Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Cynthia Bluteau UWA Benthic boundary layer dynamics and internal wave climatology

Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

David Holliday Murdoch Cross-shelf transport of fish larvae when meso-scale eddies occur in the Leeuwin Current

Associate Professor Lynnath Beckley (Murdoch)

Dani Barrington UWA Control of toxin production by cynobacteria Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

David Rivers UWA The role of seedling recruitment in maintaining seagrass diversity

Professor Di Walker (UWA)

Deanna Wilson Curtin University The assessment of coastal groundwater and linkages with Ningaloo Reef

Education

24 25

WAMSI hosted or attended numerous events this year.

17 June 2009 WAMSI-American Chamber of Commerce industry breakfast

WA: The Marine State – Investing in your future

A WAMSI-American Chamber of Commerce breakfast brought senior oil and gas industry figures in touch with Australia’s most senior marine experts. Titled WA: the marine state – investing in your future, the breakfast was sponsored by Chevron Australia Pty Ltd and attracted pharmaceutical experts, bankers and solicitors.

27 March 2009 Climate change symposium

A changing climate: Western Australia in focus

A snapshot into climate change and its effects on WA was the theme of A changing climate: Western Australia in focus, a symposium dedicated entirely to the latest research and predicted environmental effects for the State. Marine life, land life, weather patterns, wind, storms, coral reefs, the coastline, the atmosphere, fish life, birds, biodiversity, changes in ocean currents, changes in large-scale ocean movements and ocean acidification were examined.

The conference was organised by WAMSI and sponsored by CSIRO, the Australian

Marine Observing System, the Bureau of Meteorology, The University of Western Australia and Landgate. It was held at the University Club of WA.

4 March 2009 Launch of WA Marine Bioresources Library

The library – an initiative between the WA Museum and the Australian Institute of Marine Science – was launched by the WA Marine Science Institution’s (WAMSI’s) Chairman, Dr Peter Rogers. WAMBL will be one of only three in Australia, with the other two based in Queensland. The WAMBL is a frozen library of samples taken from sponges and other marine species and will be curated professionally by WA Museum experts. Extracts will be available for use by State, national and international organisations to provide new research opportunities for industry.

14 February 09 Industry briefing of WAMSI’s report A turning of the tide: science for decisions in the Kimberley-Browse region

WAMSI's business breakfast attracted 20 of the State's top oil and gas industry executives, staff from the Premier's office and Government department heads. Speakers were WAMSI Chair, Dr Peter

Rogers, who covered future research in the Kimberley-Browse region, and Dr Neville Smith, Acting Director at the Bureau of Meteorology, who spoke about creating a national framework for marine science, particularly in the Kimberley.

29 October 2008 Data management symposium:

One year on… Marine data management in Western Australia

The conference was organised by WAMSI and iVEC, both sponsoring the event in conjunction with Curtin University of Technology and the Western Australian Satellite Technology and Applications Consortium (WASTAC). Attracting more than 100 people the symposium discussed the latest developments in managing marine data and how to coordinate the vast quantities of information now being amassed.

Thursday 9 October 2008 Governor’s presentation luncheon hosted by WA Governor Dr Ken Michael, Government House

WAMSI Board Chair Dr Peter Rogers was one of three people to deliver presentations about marine research.

10 September 2008 Chevron business briefing

WAMSI CEO delivered a presentation to Chevron executives and financial staff at Chevron’s Perth headquarters. About 50 people attended.

Events and Presentations

The University Club of WA, Banquet Room The University of Western Australia, Entrance 1 Hackett Drive, Crawley

8.30am Friday 27 March 2009

A changing climate: Western Australia in focus

Invitation

National and Western Australian speakers

The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), in conjunction with iVEC and WASTAC, invites you to attend the second Marine Data Management Seminar

Auditorium, ARRC Building, 26 Dick Perry Avenue, Technology Park, Kensington, Perth

8.15am – 1.30pm Wednesday 29 October 2008

One year on... Marine data management in Western Australia

www.wamsi.org.au

RSVPLynneStephensononlynne.stephenson@wamsi.org.au by Friday 24 OctoberForfurtherinformationcontactLukeEdwardsonluke@ivec.org

Student University Research SupervisorsEmily Twiggs Curtin Ningaloo Marine Park offshore geomorphology, surficial

sediments and habitats of Ningaloo Reef. Professor Lindsay Collins (Curtin)

Fiona Patterson UWA Breaking waves and benthic turbulence Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Frazer McGregor Murdoch The trophic ecology and habitat requirements of the manta ray (Manta birostris) in lagoonal systems of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Dr Mike van Keulen (Murdoch)

Janja Ceh Murdoch Coral associated microbes of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia

Dr Mike van Keulen and Dr Bavid Bourne (Murdoch)

Kenny Lim UWA Tidal generation of internal waves Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Kristel Wenziker Murdoch The ecology of Indo Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Dr Mike van Keulen (Murdoch)

Matt Rayson UWA Hydrodynamics of the Browse Basin Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Miles Parsons Curtin The use of acoustic techniques to study fish aggregations Dr Rob McCauley (Curtin)

Paul van Gastel UWA Internal wave climatoloty, North West Shelf Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Saskia Hinrichs UWA Climate change impacts on the oceanographic control of coral nutrition

Dr Ming Feng (CSIRO)

Sarah Fretzer Murdoch Analysing the effects of anthropogenic activities on different aquatic ecosystems in Western Australia and identifying ecosystem-based management policies that provide long-term sustainability

Professor Norm Hall (Murdoch)

Shahab Hosseini UWA Ocean response to tropical cyclones Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

Sharon Yeo Murdoch Population biology of sand dollars – important bioturbating organisms in soft bottom habitats in South-West WA

Dr Mike van Keulen (Murdoch)

Soheila Taebi UWA Hydrodynamic process of fringing reef systems: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Professor Chari Pattiaratchi (UWA)

Thea Linke Murdoch The food web of the Swan Canning Professor Norm Hall (Murdoch)

Thibaut de Bettignies

ECU Linkages between temperate limestone reef and seagrass habitats

Professor Paul Lavery (ECU)

Thisara Welhena UWA Work on data streams derived from the WA Integrated Marine observation System (WAIMOS)

Professor Chari Pattiaratchi (UWA)

Tien Lei UWA Hydrodymanics of the Kimberley Coast Professor Greg Ivey (UWA)

WAMSI’s UWA-based oceanography projects also have external collaborators.

They are:

Leon Boegman, Queens University: Internal waves and resonant forcing;•

Oliver Fringer, Stanford University: Internal wave dynamics on the North West Shelf;•

Jess Koseff, Stanford University: Mixing in stratified flows;•

Ryan Lowe, UWA: Hydrodynamics of coral reef systems and upwelling dynamics; and•

Eckart Meiburg, UC Santa Barbara: Internal wave generation.•

There are also two UWA oceanography research associates.

They are:

Nicole Jones (Internal wave energetics and mixing on the Australian North West Shelf) and •

Michael Meuleners (Circulation modelling on the Australian North West Shelf).•

26 27

9 September 2008 WAMSI Node 2 symposium: Climate processes, predictability and impacts in a warming Indian Ocean

Oceanographic research on climate change and variability in the Indian Ocean and Leeuwin Current was presented to more than 200 people at CSIRO’s Floreat offices.

The symposium highlighted the application of the findings to management strategies, and the benefits of enhanced collaboration and integration between research projects.

3 September 2008 WAMSI public meeting at Notre Dame University Broome

Marine and coastal research in Western Australia and the Kimberley region

WAMSI CEO Dr Steve Blake organised and delivered a presentation at a community meeting in Broome. Other speakers included representatives from the Department of Fisheries WA, the Department of

Environment and Conservation WA, and the Rangelands Natural Resource Management Coordinating Group.

30 July 2008 Node 5 Symposium: Marine secondary metabolites, methods for mass production

Hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Dr David Newman, Chief of the United States National Cancer Institute’s Natural Products Branch Developmental Therapeutics Program, delivered a presentation on biomedicinal discoveries.

He has worked in synthetic organic chemistry since 1963 and won the US National Institute of Health’s Merit Award in 2003 for his work.

25 June 2007 – 21 September 2008 WAMSI Kimberley field trips

WAMSI’s Chief Executive Officer took part in four research field trips in the Kimberley-Browse marine region. The trips took place on the dates below.

Wednesday 25 June 2007 – Thursday 3 July 2008Wednesday 30 July 2008 – Wednesday 6 August 2008Sunday 24 August – Sunday 31 August 2008 Sunday 14 September – Sunday 21 September 2008

Ongoing communication was recognised as being one of the best ways for WAMSI to reach diverse audiences.

This year’s communication took many forms ranging from briefings with senior stakeholders and government representatives to holding media conferences and creating a new website.

The WAMSI Board Chair and WAMSI’s Chief Executive Officer delivered more than 40 presentations to industry briefings, State and Commonwealth representative meetings, international delegations, stakeholders’ breakfasts, symposia, media conferences, public meetings and partner events.

In October 2008 the WAMSI Board Chair released a report outlining a science and business case for research in the Kimberley-Browse marine region, A turning of the tide: science for decisions in the Kimberley-Browse marine region at a media conference. At the same time, State and Commonwealth decision makers, State and Commonwealth agencies, Kimberley stakeholders, industry, Indigenous people, WAMSI’s 16 partners and researchers working on WAMSI projects received copies.

In tandem WAMSI released a documentary, Turning the Tide, to depict the research projects already being carried out and the urgent need for future research in the Kimberley-Browse region. It was shown at presentations, meetings, symposia and other functions.

The WAMSI Board Chair gave a presentation to senior industry and State Government stakeholders at a formal lunch at Government House in November 2008, discussing marine scientific research, current scientific achievements and the role of WAMSI.

Over the year, five WAMSI symposia showcased the latest WAMSI research on sustainable fisheries, Leeuwin Current trends, Ningaloo research, data management and biodiscovery. The Board Chair officially opened or spoke at each event.

WAMSI organised a climate change symposium, A changing climate: Western Australia in focus in conjunction with several partners at the University of WA Club. In addition to its partners, the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society joined forces to sponsor the symposium which attracted a capacity audience of international and Australian researchers. The

WAMSI Board Chair introduced the proceedings which were officially opened by WA’s Chief Scientist.

Liaison with the Chief Scientist continued throughout the year with field trips to the Kimberley-Browse marine region and an official opening at two WAMSI symposia.

A successful industry breakfast attracting a small group of senior gas and oil industry representatives was held early in 2009 followed up with a three-tier business presentation to 80 senior gas and oil industry representatives by WAMSI, the Integrated Marine Observing System and the Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group. The event was hosted by industry group Chevron and organised by the American Chamber of Commerce.

WAMSI took part in several State and Commonwealth Government workshops including those on future activities in the Kimberley region.

Brochures, banners, posters, reports, booklets, bookmarks, invitations, drink holders and communications plans were produced to underpin WAMSI’s strategic direction and take its messages to the community.

Media coverage

Twelve media releases were issued by WAMSI. They were:

Ningaloo rock lobster and octopus survey•

Kimberley quest•

Whale nursery•

Kimberley marine science case report released•

New program monitors climate change on •Ningaloo coral

International speaker on underwater observatory•

Marine bioresources library launch at WA Museum•

Students lead discussions on Ningaloo•

Environmental future under microscope•

Discussions held over Ningaloo Research•

Search for female whale sharks•

WA Chief Scientist to visit Kimberley•

Each was distributed to mainstream media and newsletters. Newspaper, radio and television coverage occurred in WA and interstate outlets.

Performance measuresMilestone reports received

Milestone reports are submitted to WAMSI at the end of each research stage, on a continuous basis throughout the life of the project. Some projects require two submissions a year, and others only one. Timelines of some projects were extended because of delayed research trips or the delayed arrival of international or interstate researchers.

Marine ecosystems science 4Climate processes, predictability and impacts 4Conserving marine biodiversity 11Sustainable marine ecosystems 13Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture 4Ocean predictions for the offshore -and coastal industry 6

Scientific publications

Marine ecosystems science 13Climate processes, predictability and impacts 14Conserving marine biodiversity 22Sustainable marine ecosystems 2Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture -Ocean predictions for the offshore and coastal industry -

Presentations

Marine ecosystems science -Climate processes, predictability and impacts 3Conserving marine biodiversity 14Sustainable marine ecosystems 46Biodiversity, biotechnology and aquaculture 1Ocean predictions for the offshore and coastal industry

General publications

Brochures 6Banners 10Reports 1Invitations to symposia and events 12Bookmarks 1 Reports and symposia papers 2Documentary 1Media releases 12

The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), in conjunction with the

Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship, and Australian Institute

of Marine Science, invite you to attend the WAMSI Node 2 research symposium.

WAMSI Node 2: Climate Processes, Predictability and Impacts in a Warming Indian Ocean

This node is addressing oceanographic research relevant to the climate of Western Australia. It focuses on identifying ocean processes that feed back to the atmosphere and give persistence and predictability to climate anomalies. The research also investigates links between large-scale anomalies in oceanic structure and impacts on the marine environment off Western Australia.

The presentations will provide an overview on climate change and variability in the Indian Ocean and Leeuwin Current system and on

the continental shelf off Western Australia. Sessions will also address effective knowledge transfer between science, policy, management, and the broader community.

The symposium aims to:

• identify key current research findings

• highlight the application of these findings to management strategies

• provide a forum to discuss cross-cutting issues such as research gaps and processes for translating findings into policy and management activities

• enhance collaboration and integration between research projects and programs

Tuesday 9 September 2008

8.30am – 6pm

CSIRO Auditorium, Centre for Life and Environmental Sciences, corner of Underwood Ave and Brockway Drv, Floreat

RSVP by Tuesday 2 September to CSIRO Enquiries via email (enquiries@csiro.au) or phone 1300 361 822

node 2 symposiumClimate Processes, Predictability and Impacts in a Warming Indian Ocean

1st WAMSI Node 2 Climate Research Symposium – Latest findings and implications for management

If you are interested in:• marine science research in Western Australia,• local marine and coastal activities or• marine science development in the Kimberley region

come and hear the Western Australian Marine Science Institution’s public presentation

Venue: NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY, BROOME CAMPUS, LIBRARY GALLERY

FREE 6pm-8pm Wednesday 3 September 2008

Marine and Coastal Research in Western Australia and the Kimberley Region

www.wamsi.org.au

Invitation

Communication

28 29

WAMSI’s new database of research on the west coast. 1. Science and Technology newsletter (1 July 2008)

Ningaloo rock lobster and octopus survey, Northern 2. Guardian and ABC Karratha radio (30 July 2008)

Impact of boating on Kimberley. ABC North West, Karratha 3. (30 July 2008)

Whale maternity ward discovered. Perth Now (10 August 4. 2008)

Shedding light on whale plight, Broome Advertiser (31 July 5. 2008)

Haven for humpback whales off Kimberley, WIN TV WA, 6. WIN TV Ballarat, GWN regional Western Australia, (11 August 2008)

Haven for humpback whales off Kimberley, Channel 9 (11 7. August 2008)

Whale maternity ward discovered, Perth Now (lead story 11 8. August 2008)

Haven for humpbacks found off Kimberley, West Australian 9. (12 August 2008)

Humpbacks use the Kimberley’s giant tides to teach their 10. calves how to survive, Channel 10 (12 August 2008)

Huge whale nursery discovered in the Kimberley, ABC News 11. (web, 12 August 2008)

Haven for humpback whales, all day newscasts: 6PR, 96.1, 12. ABC Sydney Drive, ABC Drive Melbourne (national), 198 FM Wollongong, ABC 1 Perth, ABC 702 Sydney, ABC North West WA, Radio National Bush Telegraph syndicated to ABC Goldfields, ABC Goldfields/Esperence, ABC Great SouthernWA, ABC Kimberley Broome, ABC Midwest Wheatbelt, ABC South Coast WA and ABC South West WA Bunbury; Triple J National (12 August 2008)

Whale nursery, Curtin FM Perth (13 August 2008)13.

Whale nursery discovered, Townville Bulletin (13 August 14. 2008)

Kimberley whale nursery under threat, says green group, 15. Perth Now (14 August 2008)

Whales frolic in the Kimberley. Barrier Daily Truth (13 August 16. 2008)

Humpback whales frolic in the Kimberley, AAP newsline (13 17. August 08)

Humpback playground, Herald Sun Melbourne (13 August)18.

Whales a class act, Sydney Morning Herald (14 August)19.

Overview of whale nursery, Channel 10 National Australia – 20. 32 stations (19 August 2008)

Underwater discovery, Broome Advertiser (21 August 2008)21.

Whale world off our coast, Kimberley Echo (21 August 2008)22.

Adventures in paradise, Broome Happenings (22 August 23. 2008)

Energy safety in the pipeline, Science Network WA (19 24. August 2008)

Coral risk even Race to study untouched Kimberley, The 25. Australian (15 October 2008)

Humpback whales off endangered list. The Australian (12 26. August 2008)

Whales threatened with extinction. ABC radio, Sydney (12 27. August 2008)

Minds meet for mutual benefit: Chief Scientist, West 28. Australian

Perth Underwater Survey Findings ABC television, Perth, (22 29. December 2008)

Scientists want $110m for Kimberley study, The West 30. Australian (18 October 2008)

Four Corners, Bran Nue Deal, Kimberley Coast and gas 31. reserves. Interviews with industry, Indigenous people, conservation groups, WA Premier and WAMSI. (22 September 2008)

Ningaloo ‘safe’ from climate change, theWest.com.au (30 32. September 2008)

Scientists want $110 million for Kimberley study, theWest.33. com.au (21 October 2008)

Scientists want $110 million for Kimberley study, West 34. Australian (18 October 2008)

Kimberley study proposed, WIN TV (14 October 2008)35.

Energy safety in the pipeline, Contractor magazine (October 36. 2008)

WA’s living laboratory has global research significance, 37. Science Network (29 October 2008)

Fish data for the future, Countryman (8 January 2008)38.

Neptune underwater monitoring may have significance in 39. WA. WIN TV (10 February 2008)

Long term Ningaloo studies, WIN TV (3 February 2009)40.

Marine bioresources library to help cancer research. ABC TV 41. news (4 March 2009)

Specimen jars hold key to future, West Australian (4 March 42. 2009)

Race to study untouched Kimberley, feature, The Australian 43. (6 May 2009)

Ningaloo nursery theory on whale shark sightings, West 44. Australian (25 May 2009)

How to do your business better. Science Network (16 June 45. 2009)

Facing the challenge of coastal management. Science 46. Network (16 June 2009)

Ningaloo in the future: integrating science into 47. management. Science Network (16 June 2009)

Archiving marine life for future generations. State of the 48. future (newsletter, Issue 10, May 2009)

WAMSI: Better science means better decisions. Marine 49. Adaptation Bulletin (newsletter, May 2009)

WA: The marine state – investing in the future. Business 50. News (11 June 2009)

Ningaloo fish are homebodies. (CSIRO-WAMSI media 51. release written by CSIRO) ABC North West WA (Karratha) (12:30 News – 18 June 2009)

Ningaloo fish are homebodies. ABC North West WA. A 52. 44 minute interview with CSIRO scientist Russ Babcock syndicated to seven WA ABC stations (18 June 2009)

Ningaloo fish are homebodies – ABC North West, 5.30pm 53. news, followed by 41 minute interview syndicated to five WA ABC stations (18 June 2009)

Ningaloo fish are homebodies. ABC Perth breakfast show, 54. 5.30am, six-minute interview with announcer. (19 June 2009)

ABC Radio 720 Perth: Breakfast (attached) - (CMAR's Russ 55. Babcock interviewed)

ABC Radio North West WA (Karratha) and 7 syndicates: 56. 12.30pm News, 5.30pm News (attached) - (CMAR's Russ Babcock interviewed)

Powerboat-World: Some Ningaloo Reef fish are 57. homebodies (http://www.powerboat-world.com/Some-Ningaloo-Reef-fish-are-homebodies/58019/arc)- (CMAR’s Rich Pillans, Russ Babcock quoted)

PhysOrg: Some Ningaloo Reef fish are homebodies (http://58. www.physorg.com/news164549891.html) - (CMAR’s Russ Babcock quoted)

ScienceAlert: Some Ningaloo Reef fish are homebodies 59. (http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20092206-19324.html) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans, Russ Babcock quoted)

Sail-World: Some Ningaloo reef fish are homebodies (http://60. www.sail-world.com/Australia/pda.cfm?Nid=58019&RequestTimeOut=180) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans, Russ Babcock quoted)

Australian News Net: Reef fish are homebodies, says latest 61. research (http://www.australiannews.net/story/510468) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans quoted)

Thaindian News (India): Reef fish are homebodies, says 62. latest research (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/enviornment/reef-fish-are-homebodies-says-latest-research_100207990.html) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans quoted)

Sulekha (India): Reef fish are homebodies, says latest 63. research (http://newshopper.sulekha.com/news/reef-fish-are-homebodies-says-latest-research.htm) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans quoted)

Cambodian Times: Reef fish are homebodies, says latest 64. research (http://story.cambodiantimes.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/2411cd3571b4f088/id/510468/cs/1/) - (CMAR’s Rich Pillans quoted)

Good science needed to ensure Ningaloo’s future. Northern 65. Guardian (24 June 2009)

Media coverage

30 31

Node 1

Feng, M & K. Wild-Allen (2007). Productivity and nitrogen fluxes along the down welling coast off Western Australia. In: ‘Carbon and Nutrient Fluxes in Continental Margins: A Global Synthesis’. Editors: Kon-Kee Liu, L. Atkinson, R. Quinones, L. Talaue-McManus (in press)

Capulti, N., S. de Lestang, M. Feng and A.F. Pearce. Seasonal variation in the long-term warming trend in water temperature off the Western Australian coast.

Feng, M., A.M. Waite and P.A. Thompson. Climate variability and ocean production in the Leeuwin Current system off the west coast of Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia.

Feng, M. and K. Wild-Allen. The Leeuwin current, In: K-K Liu, L. Atkinson, R. Quinones and L. Talaue-McManus (Eds) Carbon and Nutrient fluxes in Continental Margins: A Global synthesis.

Waddington, K.L., L.M. Bellchambers, M.A. Vanderklift and D.I. Walker. Western rock lobsters (Panulirus Cygnus) in Western Australian deep coastal ecosystems (35-60m) are more carnivorous than those in shallow coastal ecosystems. Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science.

Greenwood, J. and K. Soetaert. Interannual variability in the seasonal cycle of chlorophyll in the Leeuwin current off the southwest Western Australian coast. Journal of Marine Research.

Paterson, M.L., M. Feng, A.M. Waite, D. Gomis, L.E. Beckley, D. Holliday and P.A. Thompson. Physical and chemical signatures of a developing anti-cyclonic eddy in the Leeuwin current, Eastern Indian Ocean. Journal of Geophysical Research.

Phillips, J.C. J.M. Huisman, D. Watson and E. Harvey. Influence of the Leeuwin Current on the marine biota of the Houtman Abrolhos. Journal of the royal Society of Western Australia.

Westera, M.G., G.T. Coupland, J.C. Phillips, A.J. Grochowski and E.S. Harvey. The marine environment of the Capes region (Western Australia) and the influence of the Leeuwin current on diversity and distribution of fishes and algae. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia.

England, P.R., J. Phillips, J.R. Waring, G. Symonds and R. Babcock. Modelling wave-induced disturbance in highly biodiverse marine macroalgal communities: support for the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. Marine and Freshwater Research.

Kleczkowski, M., R.C. Babcock and G. Clapin (2008) Density and size of reef fishes in and around a temperate marine reserve. Marine and Freshwater Research 59: 165-176.

Babcock, R.C., J.C. Phillips, M. Lourey and G. Clapin (2007). Increased density, biomass and egg production in an unfished population of Western Rock Lobster (Panulirus Cygnus) at Rottnest island, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 58:286-292.

Pearce, A. and M. Feng (2007). Evidence for global warming on the Western Australian continental shelf. Marine and Freshwater Research 58: 914-920.

Node 2

Node 2.1

Publications:

Zhao, M. and H.H. Hendon 2008: Simulation and prediction of the Indian Ocean Dipole in the POAMA coupled seasonal forecast model. Quart. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc.

Hendon, H.H., and G. Wang, 2007: Seasonal prediction of the Leeuwin Current. CLIVAR Exchanges, 12, 28-30

Hendon, H.H., and G. Wang, 2007: Seasonal prediction of the Leeuwin Current. Climate. Dyn. (submitted) – newspaper article

Yin,Y, O.Alves, P.Oke and F.Tseitkin,2008: POAMA Ocean Reanalysis Evaluation and Intercomparison, 2008 Ocean Science Meeting, 2-7 March 2008,Orlando, Florida, USA

Conference presentations:

Zhao, M. and H.H. Hendon 2008: Simulation and prediction of the Indian Ocean Dipole in the POAMA coupled seasonal forecast model. Presented at Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting, Cairns.

Wang, G., and H.H. Hendon 2008: Seasonal prediction of the Leeuwin Current. Presented at Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting, Cairns

Alves, O., Yonghong Yin, Peter Oke and Magdalena Balmaseda, 2008: Ocean Reanalysis For Dynamical Seasonal Prediction. Presented at Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting, Cairns

Node 2.2

Publications

Meyers, G., McIntosh, P., Pigot, L. and , M. (June 2007) The Years of El Nino, La Nina and Interactions with the Tropical Indian Ocean. Journal of Climate, p 2872, Vol 20, American Meteorological Society.

Pearce, A., Feng, M. (2007). Evidence for global warming on the Western Australian continental shelf. Marine and Freshwater Research, 58, 914-920.

Moore, T.M., Matear, R.J., Marra, J. and Clementson, L., 2007: Phytoplankton variability off the Western Australian Coast: Mesoscale eddies and their role in cross-shelf exchange. Deep Sea Research II, 54: 943-960.

L. Wainwright, G. Meyers, S. Wijffels, L. Pigot (2008), Change in the Indonesian Throughflow with the climate shift of 1976/1977. Geophysical Research Letters, 35, L03604.

Paterson, H. L., Feng, M., Waite, A. M., Gomis, D., Beckley L. E., Holliday, D., Thompson, P. A. (2008): Physical and chemical signatures of a developing anti-cyclonic eddy in the Leeuwin Current, Eastern Indian Ocean, manuscript submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research, 113, C07049, doi:10.1029/2007JC004707.

Koslow, A.J., Pesant, S., Feng, M., Pearce, A., Fearns, P., Moore, T., Matear, R.J. and Waite, A., 2008: The effect of the Leeuwin Current on phytoplankton biomass and production off Southwestern Australia. Journal of Geophysical Research, 113(C07050): doi:10.1029/2007JC004102.

Alory, G. and Meyers, G. (2008): Warming of the upper equatorial Indian Ocean and changes in the heat budget (1960-2000), Journal of Climate, in press.

Feng, M., A. Biastoch, C. Boning, N. Caputi, G. Meyers, 2008: Seasonal and interannual variations of upper ocean heat balance off the west coast of Australia. Journal of Geophysical Research, in press.

Caputi, N., S. de Lestang, M. Feng, and A.F. Pearce, 2008: Seasonal variation in the long-term warming trend in water temperature off the Western Australian coast. Marine and Freshwater Research, in press.

Dietze, H, Matear, R.J. and Moore, T.M., 2008: The Nitrogen Budget in Anti-Cyclonic Eddies off Western Australia Based on Eddy-Resolving Modelling and Observations, being revised for Deep Sea Research I.

Node 3

Publications:

Cassata, L., Collins L.B. 2008. Coral reef communities, habitats, and substrates in and near sanctuary zones of Ningaloo Marine Park. Journal of Coastal Research, 24(1), 139–151. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Sleeman, JC, Meekan, MG, Wilson, SG, Jenner, CKS, Jenner, MN, Boggs, GS, Steinberg, CC, Bradshaw, CJA. 2007. Biophysical correlates of relative abundances of marine megafauna at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research, 58: 608-623

Wyatt, A, Waite, AM, Lowe, R, Humphries, S. In Press. Coral reefs source particulate food from large-scale oceanic “catchments”. Proc.Nat. Acad. Sci

Irvine, TR, Keesing JK (eds). 2007. The First International Whale Shark Conference: Promoting international collaboration in whale shark conservation, science and management. Conference Overview, abstracts and supplementary proceedings. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Australia. 98p

Irvine, TR, Keesing JK (eds). 2007. Whale Sharks: Science, Conservation and Management. Proceedings of the First International Whale Shark Conference, 9-12 May 2005, Australia. Fisheries Research Special Issue 84

NRCC. 2007. Proceedings of the Ningaloo Marine Park Symposium, 16-17 July 2007, Murdoch University, Perth. Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, WA

NRCC. 2008. Discovering Ningaloo: latest findings and their implications for management. Proceedings of the Second Annual Ningaloo Research Symposium, 28-29 May 2008, Murdoch University, Perth. Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, WA

Waples, Kelly. 2007. Current research in the Ningaloo Marine Park, 2007. Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, WA

Armstrong, Shannon. 2006. Current research in the Ningaloo Marine Park. Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, WA

Scientific publications from WAMSI projects

32 33

Armstrong, Shannon. 2006. Bibliography of marine scientific research relevant to the Ningaloo Marine Park and adjacent waters. Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, WA

Node 3.1.4

Bradshaw CJA, Mollet HF, Meekan MG (2007) Inferring population trends for the world’s largest fish from mark-recapture estimates of survival. Journal of Animal Ecology 76: 480-489.

Bradshaw CJA, Fitzpatrick B, Steinberg C, Brook BW, Meekan MG (2008) Decline in whale shark size and abundance at Ningaloo Reef over the past decade: the world’s largest fish is getting smaller. Biological Conservation 141: 1894-1905.

Castro ALF, Stewart BS, Wilson SG, Hueter RE, Meekan MG, Motta PJ, Bowen BW and Karl SA. Population genetic structure of earth’s largest fish, the whale shark (rhincodon typus). Molecular Ecology 16: 5183-5912.

Sleeman JC, Meekan MG, Wilson SG, Jenner KCS, Jenner MN, Boggs G, Bradshaw CJA (2007) Biophysical correlates of marine megafauna distributions at Ningaloo Reef Western Australia. Marine & Freshwater Research 58: 608-623.

Speed CW, Meekan MG, Bradshaw CJA (2007) Spot the match – wildlife photo-identification using information theory. Frontiers in Zoology 4: 2.

Speed CW, Meekan M, Rowat D, Pierce S, Marshall AD, Bradshaw CJA (2008) Scarring patterns and relative mortality rates of Indian Ocean whale sharks. Journal of Fish Biology 72: 1488.1503.

Speed CW, Meekan M, Russell B, Bradshaw CJA (2008) Recent whale shark (Rhincodon typus) beach strandings in Australia. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK. JMBA2 – Biodiversity Records ref 6092 (published online).

Wilson SG, Stewart BS, Polovina JJ, Meekan MG, Stevens JD, Galuardi B (2007) Accuracy and precision of archival tag data: a multiple-tagging study conducted on a whale shark, Rhincodon typus, in the Indian Ocean. Fisheries Oceanography 16: 547-554.

Sleeman JC, Meekan MG, Bradshaw CJA, Fitzpatrick B, Steinberg C. Oceanographic and atmospheric phenomena influence the abundance of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science.

Node 3.4

Twiggs E.J and Collins L.B. 2007a. Ningaloo Marine Park Inshore Geomorphology, Surficial Sediments and Habitat Linkages. WAMSI Node 3 Project 3.4 Progress Report July 2007.

Twiggs E.J. and Collins L.B. 2007b. Ningaloo Marine Park Offshore Geomorphology, Surficial Sediments and Habitat Linkages. WAMSI Node 3 Project 3.4 Progress Report June 2007

Cassatra L and Collins L.B. (January 2008) Coral Reef Communities, Habitats and Substrates in and Near Sanctuary Zones of Ningaloo Marine Park. Journal of Coastal Research, p. 139, Vol. 24, No 1, 2008.

Presentations and Abstracts

Second Annual Ningaloo Research Symposium, May 2008.

Collins, L.B. 2008. Ningaloo Reef ancestral morphology and growth history

Twiggs, E.J., and Collins, L.B. 2008. Mapping and characterising reef growth, contemporary geomorphology and sedimentary environments for conserving habitats and communities of Ningaloons.

Twiggs, E.J., and Collins, L.B. 2008. Ancestral Foundations and Geomorphology in Conserving Habitats and Communities of the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) July 2008, Florida. Abstract and poster presentation accepted.

Twiggs, E.J., and Collins, L.B. 2008. Geomorphology, Surficial Sediments and Habitats of Ningaloo Reef. WAMSI/AMSA Show and Tell, Feb 26th 2008, Fremantle. Presentation.

Twiggs E,J. and Collins, L.B. 2007. Geomorphology, Sediments and Habitats of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Australian Coral Reef Society Conference (ACRS), Fremantle Oct 2007. Abstract and presentation.

Collins, L.B., Twiggs, E.J., Stevens, A. 2007. Ningaloo reef ancestral morphology: A key to understanding substrates and biodiversity? Australian Coral Reef Society Conference (ACRS), Fremantle Oct 2007. Abstract and presentation.

Twiggs, E,J., and Collins, L.B. 2007. Geomorphology, Sediments and Habitats of Ningaloo Reef. WAMSI Symposium, July 2007. Proceedings abstract.

Collins L.B. 2007. WAMSI Show and Tell, March 2007. Invited delegate and presenter.

Twiggs, E,J. 2006. Geomorphology, Habitats and Surficial Sediments of the Ningaloo Continental Shelf and Reef System: Implications for Biodiversity. INQUA/IGCP 464 field meeting ‘‘Sub-aerially exposed continental shelves since the Middle Pleistocene climatic transition’’, 13–18 August 2006, Exmouth, Australia.

Twiggs, E.J. 2005. Evolution, Morphology and Habitats of Ningaloo Reef: Impacts and Resilience. Consortium for Ocean Geosciences (COGS) of Australian Universities Conference, Orpheus Island Research Station, June 25-29 2005. Abstract publication and presentation.

Node 3.5

The following presentations were made at the WAMSI Show and Tell seminar on Thursday 29th March 2007

Physical Oceanography of the Ningaloo Marine Park – Lagoon and Reef Circulation by Graham Symonds, Richard Brinkman, Chari Pattiaratchi, Ryan Lowe

Hydrodynamic modelling of Ningaloo Reef – Ryan Lowe, Chari Pattiaratchi, Graham Symonds, Richard Brinkman, Greg Ivey

Trophic ecology of coral reefs: the role of oceanographic-to-organism scale processes in trophodynamics and benthic-pelagic coupling – Alex S.J. Wyatt, Anya Waite, Stuart Humpries, Russ Babcock

Node 3.8

Presentations/seminars

WA Marine & Coastal Data Management Seminar

An overview of the Project and its objectives was presented by Mat VanderKilift of the project team. Main message was “Please co-operate”.

Node 4

Node 4.1

Metcalfe, S. (In progress). Draft Report on Conceptual Models.

Dambacher, J.M., Gaughan, D.J., Rochet, M-J., Rossignol, P.A. and Trenkel, V.M. (submitted) Qualitative Modelling and Indicators of Exploited Ecosystems. Fish and Fisheries.

Presentations/seminars

Oral presentations have been made at workshops/meetings (e.g. EBFM stakeholder meetings, Ningaloo Symposium, WASMI Show & Tell, South West Catchment Council Marine Reference Group, Marine Policy Stakeholders Group, Marine Futures Resource Condition Targets meeting).

Node 4.3.2

Presentations/seminars

A preliminary workshop on data available for the Peel Harvey Estuary, which was held on 16 May, 2008, and which was organised by Sarah Fretzer (PhD Student) and chaired by Professor Neil Loneragan, attracted 24 participants, many of whom had been involved in earlier research studies of this Estuary, and who shared their experience at the workshop.

Presentations were given at the workshop by Hector Lozano-Montes, Tom Rose, Karen Hillman, Ian Potter and Sarah Fretzer.

A brief description of the ecosystem modelling study was presented at the WAMSI Node 4 Symposium, in November 2008.

A second workshop on the Peel-Harvey Estuary to review modelling progress and to obtain feedback from those with expert knowledge of the system was held on December 8, 2008, and attended by approximately 20 participants. Presentations were given at this workshop by Sarah Fretzer and David Blockley. The workshop was chaired by Neil Loneragan and organised by Sarah Fretzer. The workshop was also used as a forum, chaired by Peter Rogers, to discuss future research needs, and presentations to stimulate discussion were provided by Michelle Wildsmith and Chris Hallett (PhD Student)

A brief description of the PhD study by Thea Linke (PhD Student) was presented at the WAMSI Node 4 Symposium, in November 2008.

Node 6

Ivey G.N. (2007) The passage of internal waves from generation to propagation

Proceedings 6th International Symposium on Environmental Hydraulics, Arizona, 86:1-6.

Van Gastel, P., G.N. Ivey, M. Meuleners, J. Attenucci and O. Fringer (2008) The

seasonal variability of the large-amplitude internal wave field on the Australian

North West Shelf. Cont. Shelf Res., submitted 25/7/08.

Scientific publications from WAMSI projects

34 35

WAMSI structureWAMSI is an unincorporated collaborative marine research organisation comprising 16 parties from academia, State Government and private industry. They joined forces to create one of Australia’s strongest unincorporated marine research organisations.

A senior representative from each organisation is a Governor. The Governing Board on which he or she sits is the custodian of the WAMSI vision and mission with Governors providing input to WAMSI’s planning process. Each year a Governing Board chairperson and an independent Chairperson is appointed.

WAMSI Governing PartiesAustralian Institute of Marine Science•

Bureau of Meteorology•

Chemistry Centre (WA)•

CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship•

Curtin University of Technology•

Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)•

Department of Fisheries (WA)•

Department of Commerce (WA)•

Department for Planning and Infrastructure (WA)•

Edith Cowan University•

Murdoch University•

The University of Western Australia•

Western Australian Global Ocean Observing System Inc•

Western Australian Museum•

Recognising the complex interactions between the marine environment and the extraction of mineral and energy resources, particularly in the north of the State, WAMSI also has two foundation industry partners:

Woodside Energy Limited •

BHP Billiton Petroleum •

Governors(Representatives of the member organisation)

Governing Board

Chair: Dr Peter Rogers

Strategic Programs Committee

Chair: Dr Peter Rogers

Audit and Finance Committee

Stuart Smith

Communications Group

Chair: Dr Steve Blake [CEO]

Research and Development Committee

Chair: Dr Wally Cox

Operations GroupChair: Dr Steve Blake [CEO]

WAMSI HQManager: Dr Steve Blake [CEO]

Research Node 1

Research Node 2

Research Node 3

Research Node 4

Research Node 5

Research Node 6

Data and Information Management

Communications and Postgraduate Education

WAMSI Governors Dr Peter Rogers Independent Chairman

Dr Ian Poiner CEO Australian Institute of Marine Science

Dr Neville Smith Acting Director, Bureau of Meteorology

Dr Andrew Johnson Group Executive (Environment), CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship

Mr Tony Tate Director Research and Development, Curtin University of Technology

Mr Keiran McNamara Director General, Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)

Mr Stuart Smith Director General, Department of Fisheries (WA)

Mr Brian Bradley Director General, Department of Commerce (WA)

Mr Eric Lumsden Director General, Department for Planning and Infrastructure (WA)

Prof. John Finlay-Jones Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Edith Cowan University

Prof. Jim Reynoldson Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Murdoch University

Prof. Alistar Robertson Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Initiatives), The University of Western Australia,

Ms Diana Jones Acting Chief Executive Officer, Western Australian Museum

Dr Ray Steedman Western Australian Global Ocean Observing System Inc.

Dr Phil Hyde Managing Director, Chemistry Centre (WA)

Mr Stan Stroud Principal Metocean Engineer and Team Leader, Woodside Energy Limited

Mr Robin Wright HSE Team Leader, BHP Billiton Petroleum

The member parties have contributed to the development and implementation of rigorous science, project planning and legal systems to support the management of a growing portfolio of projects across the six nodes.

Interest from potential new parties is welcomed.

The Governors met twice this year.

36 37

Research and Development Committee

The Research and Development Committee assists the WAMSI Board in its examination of WAMSI’s research and development performance. This is in line with the strategic science objectives for WAMSI set by the Governing Board.

Chairman: Dr Wally Cox (EPA)

Members: Ms Diana Jones (Board Member), Dr Ian Poiner (Board Member), Professor Alistar Robertson (Board Member) and Dr Kate Wilson (Board Member).

Observers: Dr Steve Blake (CEO, WAMSI) and Dr Peter Rogers (Chair, WAMSI Board)

The committee met four times this year.

Sub-Committees

There are also two sub-committees, the Communications Group and the Operations Group.

Operations Group

This group is responsible for integrating WAMSI’s research projects across all research areas and compiling them into a portfolio of accessible and usable information.

The Group:

ensures the operational delivery of WAMSI’s projects; •

ensures that research projects which fall across •WAMSI research areas are integrated;

provides accurate assessments on the progress of •research projects and early warning of any issues likely to influence timely delivery;

maintains an awareness of other related (non-WAMSI •funded) marine science research activities in WA;

exchanges ideas in the ‘best practice’ management •of a portfolio of inter-related research projects; and

collaboratively develops and attracts new research •projects.

Chairman: Dr Steve Blake (CEO, WAMSI)

Members: Dr John Keesing (CSIRO, Node 1 Leader), Dr Ming Feng (CSIRO, Node 2 Leader), Dr Chris Simpson (Department of Environment and Conservation WA, Node 3 Leader), Dr Rick Fletcher (Department of Fisheries WA, Node 4 Leader), Ms Fiona vom Berg (Department of Fisheries WA, Node 5 Leader) and Professor Greg Ivey (UWA, Node 6 Leader)

Observer: Dr Peter Rogers (Chair, WAMSI)

Four meetings were held this year.

Communications Group

The Communications Group:

reports to the Governing Board at each Board •meeting through the Chief Executive Officer;

provides advice to the Governing Board; and •

responds to requests for advice from the Governing •Board or any other WAMSI Committee.

Chairman: Dr Steve Blake (CEO, WAMSI)

Members: Sue McKenna (WAMSI), Edwina Hollander (CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship), Andrew Cribb (Department of Fisheries WA, Communications and Education Branch), David Satterthwaite (SciTech and Science Network), Kelly Waples (Department of Environment and Conservation WA), Meg Rive (CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship), Luke Edwards (iVEC)

Four meetings were held this year.

WAMSI’s Board of Directors sets the direction for the ongoing management of WAMSI. It is chaired by Dr Peter Rogers.

Members are:

The Board is responsible for ensuring WAMSI’s research answers high-level strategic questions and provides information for the public.

Four meetings were held this year.

WAMSI has three committees – Audit and Finance, Strategic Programs, and Research and Development.

Audit and Finance Committee

This committee is responsible for WAMSI’s budgets, finance, governance, intellectual property policy and audit and risk management, including its non-financial aspects of management.

Chairman: Stephen Smith (Department of Fisheries, WA)

Members: Ms Denise McComish (KPMG), Mr Charles Thorn (Board Member)

Observers: Dr Steve Blake (CEO, WAMSI), Dr Peter Rogers (Chair, WAMSI Board) Four meetings were held this year.

Strategic Programs Committee

The Strategic Programs Committee meets on an ‘as required’ basis.

It was formed in September 2007 to steer WAMSI’s strategic planning, particularly in the development of the Kimberley Browse marine science and business cases.

It has three elected members from the Governing Board. The Committee is able to invite specialist members to attend for relevant scientific items, and any decisions are made by consensus.

The Committee:

reports to the Governing Board via a written report •from the Committee Chair;

provides recommendations to the Governing Board; •

responds to requests for advice from the Governing •Board or other WAMSI Committees; and

makes decisions on behalf of the Governing Board •where properly delegated to do so.

Chairman: Dr Bernard Bowen

Members: Dr Ian Poiner (Board Member), Mr Keiran McNamara (Board Member) and Dr Kate Wilson (Board Member).

Observers: Dr Steve Blake (CEO, WAMSI), Dr Peter Rogers (Chair, WAMSI Board)

Five meetings were held this year.

WAMSI Board of Directors

WAMSI Committees

Dr Ian Poiner from the Australian Institute of Marine Science,

Dr Kate Wilson from CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans project,

Professor Alan Robertson from The University of Western Australia,

Mr Keiran McNamara from the WA Department of Environment and Conservation,

Professor Charles Thorn from Curtin University,

Ms Diana Jones from the WA Museum and

Mr Stuart Smith from the WA Department of Fisheries.

38 39

WAMSI has a small team of staff – Chief Executive Officer Dr Steve Blake, Dr Blake’s personal assistant Lynne Stephensen, executive officer Linda McGowan and part-time communications manager Sue McKenna.

Based at UWA, they oversee WAMSI’s financial and science planning and provide full secretariat services for the WAMSI Board, committees and sub-committees. Between them they coordinate research activities, legal requirements, data storage, research assessments, communication, conferences and symposia.

Dr Blake is responsible for the organisation’s day to day running. He

carries out presentations, promotions and financial assessments, including contractual arrangements with partners. He m akes strategic recommendations on future research directions to the WAMSI Board.

Ms Stephenson supports Dr Blake in scheduling and coordinating meetings and travel. She is involved in the planning of events and functions, and the distribution of information, website updates and the expansion and maintainance of the WAMSI contact database.

Ms McGowan is responsible for the accurate and effective management of the financial, legal and administrative

operations of the Institution's headquarters. She also manages the research portfolio and ensures compliance with all fiscal, policy and statutory requirements of WAMSI as well as being Executive Secretary to the Governing Board.

Ms McKenna is responsible for media liaison, promotional materials and activities such as the coordination of presentations, breakfasts, conferences, symposia and other events. Web construction and management, and material for distribution to the wider community or as part of WAMSI promotions are part of this role.

The 2008/2009 financial reports were audited by Stantons International and comply with Australian accounting standards.

Western Australian Marine Science Institution BALANCE SHEET

July 2008 through June 2009

ASSETS

Current Assets

Current/Savings 2008/2009 2007/20081000 · MRF State Funds held at Westpac 8,166,348.92 5,709,577.18

1050 · WAMSI Investment Account 4,385.61 1,956.01

Total Current/Savings 8,290,734.53 5,711,533.19

Accounts Receivable

1200 · Accounts Receivable 13,611.13 1,058,715.25

Total Accounts Receivable 13,611.13 1,058,715.25

Total Current Assets 8,304,345.66 6,770,248.44

TOTAL ASSETS 8,304,345.66 6,770,248.44

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable

2000 · Accounts Payable 85,231.99 34,787.47

Total Accounts Payable 85,231.99 34,787.47

Other Current Liabilities

2200 · End of Year Liability 280,511.40 891,910.06

2300 · Deferred Grant Income 5,546,522.51 4,833,791.51

2350 · Deferred Project Income 1,062,026.50 0.00

2400 · Payroll Liabilities

2410 · General Staff 5,745.00 4,776.30

2420 · Academic Staff 4,556.56 3,905.62

Total 2400 · Payroll Liabilities 10,301.56 8,681.92

2500 · GST Payable 51,397.58 -34,067.45

2610 · Provision for LSL GS 15,584.76 8,531.55

2620 · Prov for Annual & Sick Leave GS 21,607.67 21,855.32

2630 · Prov for Ann & Sick Leave CEO 41,106.70 19,725.43

2640 · Provision for LSL CEO 15,434.11 1,825.31

Total Other Current Liabilities 7,044,492.79 5,752,253.65

Total Current Liabilities 7,129,724.78 5,787,041.12

Long Term Liabilities

2650 · LSL Dr S Blake [Anzlic] 16,187.02 27,376.31

Total Long Term Liabilities 16,187.02 27,376.31

TOTAL LIABILITIES 7,145,911.80 5,814,417.43NET ASSETS 1,158,433.86 955,831.01

EQUITY

3100 · Retained Earnings 921,763.56 340,325.65

Net Income 236,670.30 581,437.91TOTAL EQUITY 1,158,433.86 921,763.56

WAMSI Staff Finances

40 41

Western Australian Marine Science Institution PROFIT and LOSS

July 2008 through June 2009

WAMSI HeadquartersIncome 2008/2009 2007/2008

4400 · Interest Received 390,332.88 417,833.84

4600 · MRF Income for HQ 700,000.00 701,613.16

Sponsorship 1,000.00

SGMRF Education Income 66,000.00

Other Income 13,599.65

Total Income 1,090,332.88 1,200,046.65Expense

6000 · Administration6001 · Bank Charges & Fees 184.48 830.29

6003 · Data Management Coordination 20,000.00 17,317.60

6005 · General Office Expenses 3,255.66 5,495.34

6007 · Minor Equipment Purchases 7,863.55 27,443.20

6008 · Postage and Delivery 1,480.08 2,718.52

6009 · Printing and Stationery 10,189.61 7,375.38

6010 · Professional Fees & Consulting 2,494.42 16,094.63

6013 - Rental & Hire charges 2,296.37

6015 · Subscriptions & Journals 1,018.60 774.99

6016 · Telephone/Internet 5,230.67 5,155.41

6017 · Computer Support/Software 1,738.91 156.98

6018 - UWA Facilities Management 3,135.23

6020 · UWA Security & Parking 675.00 10.00

Total 6000 · Administration 54,130.98 88,803.946100 · Administration Staff Costs

6120 · General Staff6121 · General Staff Payroll Tax 13,991.86 7,596.91

6122 · General Staff Salary 158,715.38 113,472.40

6123 · General Staff Superannuation 28,575.45 19,982.22

6124 · General Staff WCI 1,285.38 940.45

6225 · Prov for Annual & Sick Leave -247.65 14,219.92

6127 · Provision for LSL 9,708.42 8,411.45

Total 6120 · General Staff 212,028.84 164,623.356130 · Academic Payroll Expenses

6131 · Academic FBT 3,016.66 6,986.32

6132 · Academic Payroll Tax 10,961.75 10,625.33

6133 · Academic Salary 134,377.48 136,871.69

6134 · Academic Superannuation 24,541.87 23,209.95

6135 · Academic WCI 1,253.74 1,104.35

6136 · CEO Performance Bonus 21,875.52 22,923.24

6137 · Prov for Annual & Sick Leave 18,726.06 7,818.95

6138 · Provision for LSL 13,608.80 965.86

Total 6130 · Academic Payroll Expenses 228,361.88 210,505.69

6140 · Staff Training & Conference Fee 6,366.81 11,731.906141 · Travel

6144 · Car Hire 916.15 1,236.68

6145 · Entertainment 5,590.36 6,506.23

6147 · Travel WA 13,305.43 19,319.53

6148 · Travel Interstate 9,972.68 20,872.19

Total 6141 · Travel 29,784.62 47,934.63

6149 · Vehicle Expense6150 · General Services 1,477.56 5,390.48

6152 · Registration & Insurance 676.26 628.26

Total 6149 · Vehicle Expense 2,153.82 6,018.74

Total 6100 · Administration Staff Costs 478,695.97 440,814.316200 · Board & Communications

6220 · Board Discretionary Fund 6,121.25 1,813.20

6230 · CEO Discretionary Fund 20,000.00 7,818.18

6241 · Chair Allowance 43,476.05 49,695.45

6250 · Communications Group 224.02 11.60

6260 · Governing Board 320.50 1,277.88

6270 - Operations Group 122.80

6280 · R&D Committee 232.24 306.42

6285 · Strategic Programs 114.61 0.00

6200 · Board & Communications - Other 92.56 227.27

Total 6200 · Board & Communications 70,581.23 61,272.806300 · Communications

6360 · Sponsorship 400.00

6310 · Advertising & Public Relations 34,385.58 22,066.28

6320 · Annual Report/Review/Auditors 6,000.00

6330 · Node Wshops & Outreach 1,948.13 8,725.88

6340 · Temporary & Contract Staff 26,008.00 870.47

6350 · Website Development & Mce 11,880.91

Total 6300 · Communications 80,622.62 31,662.6364001 · Education & Training

6410 · Education Program 44,000.00 52,000.00

Total 64001 · Education & Training 44,000.00 52,000.00

Total HQ Income 1,090,332.88 1,200,046.65

Total HQ Expense 728,030.80 674,553.68

Net HQ Income 362,302.08 525,492.97

WAMSI Research6500 · Node 1Research Grant Income 1,240,000.00 620,000.00Research Grant Expenses

6501 · Node 1.1 CSIRO 907,400.00 459,400.00

6502 · Node 1.2 CSIRO 332,600.00 160,600.00

Total 6500 · Node 1 1,240,000.00 620,000.006510 · Node 2Research Grant Income 210,485.00 377,459.00Research Grant Expenses

6511 · Node 2.1 BoM 65,000.00 122,000.00

6512 · Node 2.2 CSIRO 145,485.00 230,493.00

6513 - Node 2.3 AIMS 24,966.00

Total 6510 · Node 2 210,485.00 377,459.006520 · Node 3Research Grant Income 1,023,568.00 1,199,607.82Research Grant Expenses

6521 · Node 3.1 AIMS 70,540.00 877,000.00

6522 · Node 3.2 CSIRO 401,628.00 106,186.00

6524 · Node 3.4 Curtin 27,500.00 55,000.00

6525 · Node 3.5 UWA 59,400.00 88,421.82

6526 · Node 3.6 DEC 183,500.00

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6528 · Node 3.8 DEC 135,000.00 50,000.00

6529 · Node 3.9 DEC 44,000.00 23,000.00

6530 · Node 3.10 Curtin 102,000.00

Total 6520 · Node 3 921,568.00 1,199,607.826540 · Node 4Research Grant Income 434,142.00 195,139.00Research Grant Expenses

6541 - Node 4.1 WA Fisheries 147,755.00

6542 · Node 4.2 UWA 124,930.00 40,971.00

6543 · Node 4.3 Murdoch 174,469.00 6,413.00

6544 · Node 4.4 WA Fisheries 128,329.00

6545 · Node 4.5 UWA 6,414.00

Total 6540 · Node 4 434,142.00 195,139.006550 · Node 5Research Grant Income 36,940.67Research Grant Expenses

6554 - Node 5.4 - UWA 34,588.00

6555 - Node 5 - Other 2,352.67

36,940.676560 · Node 6Research Grant Income 179,074.00 93,750.00Research Grant Expenses

6561 · Node 6.1 UWA 57,324.00

6562 · Node 6.2 UWA 93,750.00 93,750.00

6563 · Node 6.3 BoM 28,000.00

Total 6560 · Node 6 179,074.00 93,750.00

Total Node Income 3,087,269.00 2,522,896.49

Total Node Expense 2,985,269.00 2,522,896.496570 · Node 7 - WAMSI Other ProjectsOther Projects Income

4000 · Kimberley Gas Hub 1,736,709.18 911,498.00

Kimberley Browse Project 110,809.16

4160 · DEWHA Project 12,666.00

4260 · Project Management Income 64,099.72

4300 · NW Inventory Project 15,063.72 40,000.00

4350 · Hyperspectral Project 133,900.36

Total Other Projects Income 1,962,438.98 1,062,307.16Other Projects Expense

6571 · 7.1 Kimberley Browse 60,417.55 124,800.50

6572 · 7.2 Hyperspectral Over the Kimb 133,900.36

6573 · 7.3 Kimberley Gas Hub Project 1,857,732.58 881,561.72

6574 · 7.4 Kimberley Research 23,354.27

6475 · 7.5 DEWHA Project 12,666.00

Total Other Projects Expense 2,088,070.76 1,006,362.22

Net Other Projects Income -125,631.78 55,944.94

Total Income 6,140,040.86 4,785,250.30

Total Expense 5,801,370.56 4,203,812.39

Net Income 236,670.30 581,437.91

WAMSI partnersAustralian Institute of Marine Science http://www.aims.gov.au/

Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/index.shtml

Chemistry Centre (WA) http://www.ccwa.wa.gov.au

CSIRO – Wealth from Oceans Flagship http://www.csiro.au/org/WealthOceansFlagship.html

Department of Commerce (WA) http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/index.htm

Department of Environment and Conservation (WA) http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/

Department of Fisheries (WA) http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/

Department for Planning and Infrastructure (WA) http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/

Curtin University of Technology http://www.curtin.edu.au/

Edith Cowan University http://www.ecu.edu.au/

Murdoch University http://www.murdoch.edu.au/

The University of Western Australia http://www.fnas.uwa.edu.au/

Western Australian Global Ocean Observing System Inc. http://www.bom.gov.au/wagoos/

Western Australian Museum http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/

Industry foundation collaboratorsBHP Billiton Petroleum Pty Ltdhttp://www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/ourBusinesses/petroleum.jsp

Woodside Energy Ltdhttp://www.woodside.com.au/

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WAMSI HeadquartersWestern Australian Marine Science Institution The University of Western Australia35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009AUSTRALIA

Call +61 8 6488 4572 Fax +61 6488 4575Email queries@wamsi.org.au

www.wamsi.org.au