The Great Barrier Reef was severely buffeted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish, which roared down a substantial part of the reef system, causing widespread though variable damage and in some places reducing coral cover from 70 per cent to 10 per cent.
AIMS welcomes the announcement made overnight in Zurich that the Great Barrier Reef is among the finalists for the title of "New 7 Wonders of Nature".
A $55 million boost to Tropical Marine Research will greatly increase understanding of Australia's complex marine ecosystems and support jobs, particularly in regional areas, according to Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
A global survey of coral reefs has shown that, while reefs face many threats, fears of a takeover by seaweed have so far not been realised.
Female whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park are being electronically tagged to discover their migratory pathways.
At a time of expansion of its research activities in the West, AIMS has appointed world renowned marine biologist Dr Jamie Oliver as its Western Australian research leader and head of the Exploring Marine Biodiversity research program based in Perth.
The Federal Budget delivered in Canberra last night (Tuesday 12 May 2009) has boosted AIMS' research capacity with $55 million in new infrastructure funding over three years.
The Australian resources company, BHP Billiton, has a growing pool of marine science knowledge and appreciation in its ranks, thanks to a successful employee engagement program in the Australian node of the international CReefs project.
Stressed reef fish mothers produce highly active babies, and this affects survival and has important implications for fish populations in a changing environment, according to new research.
They are sea creatures that have no neural system, just sit still in one place, and are far less studied and understood than more charismatic species such as corals.
