Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Australia has gained stewardship over a vast ocean territory that covers an area more than twice that of the continental landmass. Along with the rights to explore and exploit living and non-living resources in the Australian Marine Jurisdiction (AMJ) have come responsibilities to protect and conserve its inherent values. For a small nation, this is an immense challenge that is made even greater by the richness of habitats, biota and non-living resources contained within the AMJ. The intellectual challenge is compounded by the costs of probing a vast ocean space that can be hostile to people and equipment.

The marine environment is and will continue to be a significant contributor to the wealth and social prosperity of the Nation. In 1995-96, marine industries already contributed 9% of GDP and this sector has expanded rapidly compared with traditional ones. Apart from its role in wealth creation, the sea enriches the daily lives of many Australians. In a country where more than three quarters of the population lives on the coastal margins of the continent, the estuaries and coastal seas provide focal points for development as well as our places for recreation. Inevitably, these high and competing demands create resource conflicts and pressure the natural environment.

The huge challenge of understanding the ecosystems and managing the resources in the AMJ will require expensive platforms and tools, which can only be met by a national effort. The Commonwealth Government's "Oceans Policy for Australia", released in 1998, established a broad policy framework calling for action from governments, the private sector, and the wider community to ensure the wise and sustainable use of marine environments. In 1999, the Industry, Science and Resources (ISR) Portfolio released a companion document, "Australia's Marine Science and Technology Plan", which described a set of strategies for implementing the goals of the Oceans Policy.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is a Statutory Authority within the ISR Portfolio and is the only science agency wholly committed to the conduct of marine science in the national interest. As such, the Institute is very aware of its obligation to support the national aspirations to understand, use and care for the marine environment. In this document, we describe a series of actions to be undertaken during the next triennium of Commonwealth funding.

One of the landmarks of the last triennium was an inquiry into research needs for northern Australia by the Chief Scientist of Australia, Dr Robin Batterham. In his preliminary report, dealing with infrastructure issues in the Townsville region, Dr Batterham found that AIMS is delivering excellent, internationally-recognised science, while enhancing the capacity of the region to support existing and emerging marine industries. As a result, the Institute's capacity will be strengthened through a refurbishment of the Cape Ferguson laboratories, and the replacement of its oldest research vessel. This investment will assist AIMS scientists to remain at the leading edge of world-class research in support of ecologically sustainable development and profitable marine industries.

John D. Bell
Acting Director