New NMSC reports guide future of Australian marine science.
The National Marine Science Committee (NMSC) has today launched three new reports outlining future priorities for marine science in Australia.
These reports are the result of collaboration between NMSC members and the marine science community and represent a comprehensive overview of their latest findings.
The reports cover a range of topics, from marine conservation and biodiversity to fisheries management and sustainable aquaculture. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers working in the field of marine science.
"We are thrilled to be sharing these reports with the wider community," said Patrick Hone, Chair of the NSMC and Managing Director of Fisheries Research Development Corporation.
"The marine environment is essential to our planet’s health and wellbeing, and it's critical that we understand and address the challenges facing our oceans.
“These reports provide a wealth of information and recommendations to guide the future of Australian marine science and investment to drive positive change across our oceans, coasts, and marine ecosystems," Dr Hone said.
The technical reports are accompanied by easy-to-understand summaries and address specific recommendations from the National Marine Science Plan 2015-2025. The new reports are:
- Establishing and supporting a national marine baselines and monitoring program
- National integrated approach to coastal experimentation
- Implementing Integrated Ecosystem Assessments (IEAs)
They form a series along with a previously published report called Research training for Australia’s future blue economy published in 2021.
Progress against Australia’s National Marine Science Plan 2015-2025 was recently reviewed, with the outcomes published in The Midway Point. The review provided an assessment on progress made in marine science in Australia since the publication of the decadal plan.
The report notes that significant progress has been made in several areas, including the development of a national marine research infrastructure plan, enhanced marine biodiversity assessments, and the establishment of a national network of marine parks. However, the report also highlights ongoing challenges, such as limited funding for marine science research and the need for greater coordination and collaboration across different sectors.
About the National Marine Science Committee (NMSC)
The NMSC is a committee made up of representatives from Australia’s federal and state government marine science agencies, academia and industry. Its purpose is to provide leadership and coordination for marine science in Australia, and to advise on matters related to the marine environment and resources.
The NMSC facilitates collaboration between stakeholders and provides strategic guidance and advice to government and other organisations on marine science issues. Its goal is to support sustainable management and use of Australia’s marine resources and environment.
Media contact
Chris Gerbing
chris.gerbing@csiro.au
0418 800 778
