News & events > News Releases Investment in marine research a boost for environment and industry Government of Western Australia Media Statement The Hon. Geoff Gallop BEc MA MPhil DPhil MLA Premier; Minister for Public Sector Management; Federal Affairs; Science; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Statement Released: 29-Aug-2001 Premier Geoff Gallop said today a $20 million partnership between the State Government and CSIRO would safeguard the future development and conservation of Western Australia's extraordinarily diverse marine environment. The project, known as the Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Environment (SRFME), is a State Government-CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation ) joint venture, which got under way on July 1. Results from the research would provide the State's resource management and conservation agencies with vital information and tools to assist in decision-making. CSIRO has also confirmed it will be relocating 20 scientists and staff to WA within the next six months. Arrangements regarding the necessary transfers have commenced and advertising is in train for four new specialist appointments, which will be fully based in WA. Dr Gallop said SRFME was a significant investment that would also help ensure WA retained, nurtured and attracted the best scientific talent. "These scientists are contributing to a vital scientific area," he said. "The challenge of protecting our marine species and habitats, as well as our marine industries, will only be met if science is used to protect the State's bio-diversity. "This is a particular challenge in the marine context because of the extent of WA's coastline, the poorly understood diversity and complexity of its ecosystems and the growing value of the State's marine-based industries." The research - to which the State Government is contributing $10 million over six years - will result in a more strategic understanding of the marine environment, allowing existing marine industries such as fisheries, gas and petroleum to demonstrate acceptable levels of environmental impact; and emerging industries, such as marine tourism, to develop. Dr John Keesing has been appointed research director of the project. Dr Kessing is based at the WA Department of Industry and Technology and also has an office at the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Perth laboratory. [news releases]

 

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