AIMS currently occupies two sites: Townsville, Queensland, and Dampier, Western Australia. The Institute's headquarters at Cape Ferguson near Townsville consist of a main complex of 10,000m², established on a 200ha beach front site surrounded by National Park and Marine Reserve. Recent decisions by the Federal Government to refurbish the facilities at Cape Ferguson will see the addition of a state-of-the-art biotechnology centre, which will increase by about one third the floor space devoted to scientific activities.

The Cape Ferguson complex includes purpose-built laboratories for organic chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, microbiology, radioisotope analysis, NMR and mass spectrometry, solvent distillation, and analytical chemistry as well as flexible laboratories for the support of ecological tasks. Visiting scientists and staff working outside normal hours can stay on site in five houses and six motel-style units. Other physical assets include meeting rooms, auditorium, computer centre, library, mechanical workshop, and a field operations centre with berthing facilities for vessels up to 30m. Dedicated support sections provide science communication, administration and logistic support (see Support Services).

The Institute's Dampier facility has laboratories for both chemical and biological work, a wet laboratory, office space for scientists and support staff, vehicles and small boats, including a 7.5m twin-engined catamaran (RV Dorado). There are two accommodation units for visitors.

AIMS operates two major research vessels. RV Lady Basten is 27.4m in length with 5.7m² of wet laboratory and 18.7m² of dry laboratory space. It accommodates seven researchers. RV Harry Messel is 20.7m in length with 13.2m² of dry laboratory space and accommodates six researchers. In addition, an 11m self-propelled barge (RV Hercules) and a 9.5m twin-engined monohull (RV Titan), as well as a variety of small trailer-mounted boats for coastal and river work are located at Townsville. Approximately $3.5m of the capital equity injection for refurbishment will allow the Harry Messel to be replaced with a modern research vessel, RV Cape Ferguson, of 24m providing support for up to 10 scientists. Once this vessel is commissioned (late 2000), the Institute will have two research vessels capable of supporting coastal research across all of northern Australia.

Skilled people are our most valued asset. To attract commitment, the Institute provides

• a science culture of creativity and innovation with a client focus
• effective and efficient management practices that reward achievement
• career development strategies
• equal employment opportunities
• a healthy and safe environment
• good internal and external communications

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is headed by a Director, who reports to a Council appointed by the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources (Senator the Hon. Nick Minchin). The Director manages the Institute with the assistance of an executive group responsible for the areas of Science, Business and Finance, and a range of Support Services. The Executive is supported by a small secretariat, a Chief Scientist, and a Science Policy and Liaison Officer who maintains regular contact with the Institute's clients and stakeholders. AIMS' Dampier facility is administered by a Scientist-in-Charge, which is done on a part-time basis by a senior resident scientist.