About SRFME SRFME final report (interim) 2005 [PDF 9MB] Role and purpose of SRFME SRFME is a 6-year (2001-2006), $20 million joint venture between CSIRO and the Western Australia Government. The State Government is represented in the joint venture by the principal agencies involved in marine resource development and conservation: Department of fisheries, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Department of Environment, Department of Industry and Resources, and Office of Science and Innovation. SRFME was established with the following high-level goals: Build capability and capacity in marine science in Western Australia (in particular through re-establishing CSIRO’s marine research capacity in Western Australia and a postgraduate fellowship program) Facilitate strong collaboration among the Western Australian marine science community Conduct fundamental and strategic research that is of benefit to Western Australia and Australia The most important characteristic of SRFME is that it has been established to invest in and carry out “strategic” research rather than “applied” or “tactical” research. A strategic approach allows us to gain a broad understanding of the WA marine ecosystem and in particular how it functions and varies over time. With these goals and focus in mind, SRFME has invested in strategic research on the Western Australian marine environment in a way which enhances capability and capacity for marine science, encourages collaboration amongst the Western Australian research community and delivers strategic research outcomes which will have long- term benefits to the state. As a result of this foundation SRFME adopted the following as its mission: SRFME will enhance Western Australia’s marine research capability and capacity, deliver strategic research outcomes of benefit to Western Australia and enhance collaboration among marine researchers in Western Australia. Background to the SRFME In July 1998 CSIRO Marine Research (now CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research) approached the Western Australian Government and began a dialogue aimed towards strengthening CMR’s presence in Western Australia. The State government formed the Marine Research Taskforce, which conducted a two-day workshop in October 1998 to identify the State’s marine science priorities. The workshop involved over ninety representatives from peak industry bodies, research, academic and training institutions, community bodies and state and federal government agencies. A major outcome of the workshop was a strong identification of the need for strategic research to support decision making for ecologically sustainable development and conservation in the marine environment. Additionally, the limited funding available to support such research was identified as a major constraint. In June 1999, the outcomes of the workshop were handed to the Coordination Committee on Science and Technology (CCST) by the Marine Research Taskforce for implementation and the CCST established a Marine Science Working Group to work with CMR to develop a solution to this funding situation. In January 2000, the Western Australia Government agreed to jointly establish and manage the Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Environment (SRFME) with CSIRO Marine Research. In July 2000, following the Western Australian Government’s endorsement of the structural and administrative arrangements for the fund, a Joint Venture Management Committee was established with the immediate task of negotiating the Joint Venture Agreement. This Joint Venture Agreement was entered into on 4 January 2001 pledging $10 million from each of the joint venture partners over six years. More information: > Joint Venture Management Committee's report on the research portfolio for the SRFME [PDF* 236kb] > SRFME final report (interim) 2005 [PDF* 9 MB] *Adobe Acrobat Reader (software) is required to read this document. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free from the Adobe Website.

 

CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research | Department of Premier and Cabinet| Department of Conservation & Land Management | Department of Fisheries WA| Department of Environment | Department of Industry & Resources SRFME is a joint venture between the Western Australian State Government and CSIRO