Marine science priorities to enable the blue economy and Australia’s economic recovery.
The future of marine science in Australia, and its recent achievements, has been laid out in a new report by the country’s leading marine and coastal research organisations, including The University of Queensland.
Today, the National Marine Science Committee (NMSC) released its report The Midway Point, a detailed look at the sector’s progress in achieving eight recommendations first described in the National Marine Science Plan 2015 – 2025, released six years ago. The report introduces three new recommendations.
Toni Moate, Chair of the NMSC, said that increasing pressures on our marine environment and new emerging priorities have driven the need to produce the report which provides a roadmap for how marine science can contribute to a prosperous and healthy blue economy.
“The Midway Report makes it clear that sustainable management of Australia’s marine estate is essential for future-proofing the health of our oceans, coasts, economy and people,” said Ms Moate.
“This review of Australia’s marine science priorities arrives at a crucial time for collaboration and progress in marine sciences given this year’s commencement of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Australian Government’s commitments through the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy”
“Our report reflects the discipline and ambition of Australia’s marine science community, and our commitment to collaborate at a scale large enough to tackle the most pressing challenges facing ocean and coastal ecosystems,” said Ms Moate.
“With a strong blue economy, we can chart a course through the uncertainties of the future and create long-term prosperity of all Australians,” said Ms Moate.
Kim Picard, Deputy Chair of NMSC, said that the report brings our attention to success stories from marine science and the blue economy that demonstrate the advances of the research community that have better prepared Australia to apply its science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and Traditional-knowledge capabilities to tackle threats to our oceans and coasts.
“Our report celebrates the achievements of marine scientists and science organisations in driving evidence-based sustainable growth of the blue economy and identifies priorities for the future of marine science,” said Ms Picard.
“Examples of success include the establishment of the Blue Economy CRC, funding of national research vessels and the expansion of the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).
“The Report calls on all sectors of society to play their part in the development of Australia’s blue economy through a series of actions, like the development of truly national research programs, industry science collaborations, post-Covid investment in science, and sharing responsibility for the long-term health of our oceans and coasts,” said Picard.
The National Marine Science Plan 2015-2025: The Midway Point can be accessed at www.marinescience.net.au/midway
Media: Associate Professor Michael Noad, mnoad@uq.edu.au, +61 416 270 567; Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
