Australia and Taiwan are poised to increase their collaboration on marine research with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Townsville today.

Delegates from the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the National Science Council (NSC) of Taiwan will sign the memorandum at AIMS’ headquarters, surrounded by national park at Cape Ferguson, close to the Great Barrier Reef.

The CEO of AIMS, Dr Ian Poiner said he welcomed the signing of the MOU.

"International scientific collaboration is the key to unlocking many of the secrets of our oceans. The oceans cover 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface but are less studied, less known and less understood than the land. Sixty four percent of the oceans are outside national jurisdictions in the open oceans and deep sea areas, which highlights the need for international scientific cooperation in studying the oceans," he said.

"Through this memorandum, we will encourage our respective researchers to embark on collaborative research projects, mutual visits and joint workshops, all focussed on marine science."

Dr Poiner said researchers from both organisations were already exploring potential projects that would benefit marine science in both nations.

He said AIMS’ core research strengths include: marine biodiversity; tropical crustacean aquaculture; water quality and ecosystem health; climate change and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems; and understanding marine microbes and symbiosis.

"We look forward to welcoming Taiwanese researchers to AIMS in the near future, to work with us on collaborative projects that utilise our world-class facilities."

The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Science Council and the Australian Institute of Marine Science will be signed by Deputy Minister of NSC Dr. Wen-Chang Chang and CEO of AIMS Dr Ian Poiner.