Full media release 

Full media release 

Full media release 

Amendment 

Australian Institute of Marine Science researchers are conducting a major expedition to the coastal communities of Arnhem Land, to canvas the potential for cultivating sea sponges.

If commercial sponge species are identified, pilot farms could be set up within a few months, and a cottage industry within a year.

Research from the Australian Institute of Marine Science has found low levels of contaminants could retard the success of the biggest reproductive event in the animal kingdom.

The mass coral spawning was discovered 20 years ago unlocking the key to the survival and renewal of the reef, but until now, knowledge about the sensitivity of the larvae produced by the spawning has been very limited.

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) researchers believe the sophisticated chemistry of the humble sea sponge may lead to a breakthrough in the fight against cancer and provide the first drug from the sea.

One of the country’s leading marine chemical scientists Dr Chris Battershill of AIMS will reveal the medical marvels unfolding from the ocean floor when he addresses the launch of the "WA Aquaculture Industry Development Plan" in Perth on Saturday November 1.

Researchers helping lobsters to look their red best for market may have unravelled a natural phenomenon unique to the western rock lobster.

The western rock lobster is the only known lobster to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime colour change called the ‘white’ phase which occurs during their migration to breeding grounds offshore.

Australian Institute of Marine Science researchers studying the sexual chemistry that triggers coral to spawn on the Great Barrier Reef have found some early risers.

Principle research scientist Dr Andrew Heyward said the mass coral spawning was not expected until the next full moon in November but sexual activity had started with a few species after the October full moon, which augered well for a spectacular x-rated natural phenomenon next month.

New leader for Arafura Timor research

Full media release 

New research by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will provide science-based advice on development issues impacting on major Northern Territory rivers such as the Daly, Mary and Roper estuaries.

Leading AIMS Scientist Dr Eric Wolanski FTSE will give a seminar tomorrow (noon, Sept 24) at Charles Darwin University (formerly NTU) on a new study aimed at predicting the impact on coastal ecosystems of more intensive land-use practices and freshwater usage.

Full media release 

Media Release

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha visited the Institute today to learn more about AIMS research on mangroves and coral reefs.

This visit was the result of a visit to Thailand by the Governor of Queensland Major General Peter Arnison in October 2001, during which he had a private audience with the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince and his party where shown around the Institute by Professor Stephen Hall and AIMS staff.

Dr Lyndon Llewellyn from the Australian Institute of Marine Science will take on the Queensland Parliament next week to drive home the importance of biodiscovery to the State’s future.

Dr Llewellyn is the Leader of the Biodiscovery Team at AIMS and will be part of a contingent of Townsville scientists determined to capture the undivided attention of the State’s politicians on at least one day of the year (Wed Aug 20).

Coral Geographic is a web-based tool for scientific work and conservation planning that will pave the way for an exciting new era in reef research.

Dr Veron has been dubbed "King of Coral" for his leading role in identifying coral, and he continues to break new ground, formally naming and describing more than 100 new coral species.

Full media release 

Washington, DC: Queensland Premier Peter Beattie today witnessed the signing of a ground-breaking US-Australian deal allowing marine life from the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef to be used in research which may lead to a cancer cure.

The Townsville-based Australian Institute of Marine Science has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US National Cancer Institute in Washington DC and handed over its first consignment of 400 samples from Queensland marine organisms.

Full media release 

Coastal oceanographers have discovered a new source of CO₂ (carbon dioxide) that is likely to alter climate change models used to predict rates of global warming.

An international consortium of scientists, led by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) researcher Dr Gregg Brunskill, has disproved the long-held belief that continental shelves in wet tropical areas around the world act as significant carbon sponges, removing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by burying organic matter in sediment.

Full media release 

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and CRC Reef Research Centre will jointly launch a book at 11.30am today presenting the first comprehensive description of the Great Barrier Reef catchment and an estimate of run-off to the Reef based on direct measurements.

This information has not been available previously to the public, and draws on 15 years of original scientific research at AIMS, as well as a range of information sources.

Full media release 

Cruise leader Dr Mark Meekan of AIMS has returned from a 20-day research trip at Ningaloo Reef where he trialled a Crittercam provided by the National Geographic Society.

Full media release 

An ambitious new documentary contributing to public debate over the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef centres on the work of Australian Institute of Marine Science coral ecologist, Dr Katharina Fabricius.

The film, to be premiered in Townsville tomorrow night, highlights changes to inshore reefs affected by nutrient and fertiliser run-off near Tully, and compares them to reefs in more pristine waters off Cape York Peninsula. It also details the increasing compliance issues, and environmental and financial pressures, facing modern farmers.

Full media release 

The Australian Institute of Marine Science welcomes funding of $5 million in the Federal Budget to help implement a new venture in collaboration with James Cook University.

Professor Stephen Hall said the joint venture would be known as AIMS at JCU and would be overseen by a board comprising representatives of both organizations and in consultation with the Queensland Government.

Full media release 

Leading scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Dr Eric Wolanski, FTSE, has been awarded an Australian centenary medal for his contribution to society in Estuarine and Coastal Oceanography.

The Centenary medal is awarded by the Prime Minister to recognise those who have helped significantly to enhance the well being of Australia.

Full media release 

Coral bleaching – will global warming
kill the reefs?

Coral reefs are sensitive to environmental change. Recently, the frequency and distribution of coral bleaching have increased, and in 2002 the Great Barrier Reef experienced its worst case of coral bleaching on record.

As the world's oceans become warmer, this scenario is taking place more frequently, on the Great Barrier Reef and on coral reefs all over the world. Coral bleaching has never been more common or widespread, prompting the question: are rising sea temperatures killing the reefs?

Full media release 

Research by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University into coral hybridisation offers new hope for the ability of the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs around the world to adapt to a changing environment.

AIMS geneticist Dr Madeleine van Oppen has discovered that the abundant Acropora genera of corals can cross-breed and does so in nature.

Acropora is considered one of the most important corals in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and in the Caribbean Sea because it is one of the most plentiful, at 180 species rich.

Full media release 

In a world first, a "Crittercam", a camera provided by the National Geographic Society, will be attached to a whale shark’s head, to reveal exactly what lures them so predictably to Ningaloo Reef every year.

Cruise leader for the whale shark project Dr Mark Meekan from AIMS said, "It will be like sending down a pair of human eyes on the back of a shark. They can show us what is of interest to them rather than us second guessing."

Full media release 

Townsville is justifiably proud it has the Cowboys competing in the National Rugby League. The Crocs are among the best basketball team in the country and attract similar community support.

There’s another local team that’s competing on the world stage and doing better than any other you could name.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has paid its dues over the last 30 years and is now standing up to be counted.

Full media release 

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is hosting a workshop on the 10^th and 11^th of April to plan research that will help Australia’s aquaculture industry meet strict new environmental standards.

The workshop will review the technologies being used around the world to manage water resources in prawn farming.

Full media release 

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) researchers believe bizarre looking fish species caught in deep sea far off Townsville could be the first of their kind to be documented in Australian waters.

Townsville based long-line fisherman Warren Williams enlisted the expertise of AIMS scientists after hauling three unidentified fish species and a weird looking shark he thought was the missing link between shark and fish.

Full media release 

Full media release 

Full media release 

Scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science will soon embark on a genetic study of box jellyfish in a bid to build the understanding needed to develop an antivenin for Irukandji Syndrome.

AIMS geneticist Dr Madeleine van Oppen is leading the research into the species thought to be causing the debilitating illness.

"Irukandji Syndrome" is an extremely painful jellyfish sting and can be fatal.

Full media release 

The Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation has allocated $267,000 in funding to support further research into "Irukandji Syndrome".

"Irukandji Syndrome" is an extremely painful jellyfish sting and can be fatal.

The rising number of reported stinging incidents in North Queensland over the past 24 months has prompted authorities to act to both protect swimmers and mitigate the impacts on the tourism industry.

Full media release