Capability Statement

AIMS: Australia’s tropical marine research agency

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is one of the world’s most prolific and innovative marine research agencies. Consistently ranking among the top one per cent of specialist research institutions internationally, AIMS is known for its unique capacity to investigate topics ranging from broad-scale ecology to microbiology. Highly specialised facilities, world-renowned staff and well developed partnerships have secured the Institute’s position as a global leader in tropical marine science.

AIMS is committed to the sustainable use and protection of Australia’s marine resources. The Institute’s research programs support the management of tropical marine environments around the globe, with a primary focus on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and pristine Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia.

Reef tourism, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, mining and aquaculture industries have all benefited from AIMS research that is geared towards the sustainable development of key marine industries. These benefits will extend into the future and underwrite new areas of the economy such as the emerging environmental biotechnology industry.

Cutting-edge infrastructure supports cutting-edge science

The Institute operates from bases in Townsville, Perth and Darwin and is home to a dynamic team of 167 scientists and support staff plus visiting scientists and post-graduate students.

Townsville - The main location of AIMS near Townsville is an international landmark in tropical marine science. Sitting adjacent to the centre of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by national park and marine reserve, it is free from development, is biosecure and has access to clean seawater and a protected harbour. The site features high-tech laboratories, an aquaculture centre, a mechanical and engineering workshop developing instrumentation required for research and a research vessel support facility. This enables a seamless transition from the sea to the laboratory, an advantage for cutting edge laboratory-based studies of chemicals, microbes, plants and animals.

Darwin - AIMS research in Darwin is based at the Arafura Timor Research Facility (ATRF). These laboratories provide support for a range of marine research and are equipped with analytical equipment such as a Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and molecular research facility, which enable scientists to conduct advanced studies.

Perth - AIMS has conducted research in support of sustainable marine resource management of northwest Australia for more than a decade. Its base on the campus of the University of Western Australia provides research to support the offshore oil and gas industry including co-investment in cutting edge core science, provision of advice and research related to development and operational needs. Specialised tools provide the means to assess and map marine biodiversity in deeper water communities and longer term data are providing understanding to support the management of the Ningaloo Marine Park and the region’s growing portfolio of marine-protected areas.

Aerial view of AIMS looking easterly.
Photo: Steve Clarke

November 13, 2007