TasIMOS System Launched

TasIMOS will focus on monitoring the ocean around Tasmania and understanding the impact of ocean change and variability on marine ecosystems.

Ms White said the Tasmanian Government is a proud supporter of the science and research sector which contributes significantly to the Tasmanian economy.

“Tasmania has the highest concentration of marine scientists per capita of any state in Australia, and events like today’s launch, brings together these researchers who are important contributors to the Tasmanian economy,” Ms White said.

“The science and research sector generates significant benefits to the state, attracts offshore investment and provides high-quality employment opportunities.

“TasIMOS is a great example of how collaborative relationships can lead to excellent research that is being undertaken in Tasmania.”

TasIMOS is co-led by the CSIRO and University of Tasmania through the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies. The Australian Antarctic Division is a collaborating institute.

Senator Brown represented Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr, to launch IMOS, which is supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and the Marine and Climate Super Science Initiative.

Ms White said the research undertaken at TasIMOS would help prepare Tasmania for the challenges of climate change, which could have a significant impact on regional productivity and economic growth.

“One such example is our local aquaculture and fisheries industry. Tasmanian waters support extremely valuable fisheries and aquaculture, including the largest commercial abalone fishery in the world.

“For example, in 2007/2008, the total wild catch was values at over $156 million and aquaculture at $318 million. This is the highest value of production for any Australian state.

“Tasmania is part of the global warming hotspot of south-east Australia, with the waters around Tasmania experiencing warming at a rate much faster than the global average.

“This means Tasmania provides the earliest opportunity to understand how natural resources are responding to climate change.

“We are fortunate to have a very large and active community of marine scientists in Tasmania with strong interest in these observations, and who are leading the country in building whole of ecosystem models to assist in the management of aquatic resources.”