Mr Green said Government support of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) would ensure the highest quality research and development for the States fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Work will start soon on a new Commonwealth-funded A$45 million purpose-built facility for the Institute on Hobarts waterfront.
This will build the reputation of UTAS and Tasmania as the centre for Antarctic, marine, aquaculture, and fisheries research that is both nationally and internationally recognised, Mr Green said.
Mr Green said detailed design work was almost complete for the project on Princes Wharf.
The Government has been working pro actively with UTAS to make the land available for this exciting development to go ahead."
Mr Green said the transfer of the site would be completed soon with building works to start later this year.
This is obviously a prime location and will be a wonderful asset to Hobarts waterfront.
The former Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) was recently incorporated into IMAS as part of a new collaboration agreement between the Government and the University of Tasmania.
The Government is supporting the new initiative with annual funding of A$2.605 million.
It is extremely important that we use the expertise of the Institute to achieve the best possible outcomes for commercial, recreational and conservation stakeholders.
The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Peter Frappell, said the focus of key IMAS research was aligned with the needs of the States fisheries and aquaculture industries.
Through this partnership with the State Government, the University will deliver research and extension in these vital primary industries, Mr Frappell said.
We very much enjoy the collaboration and the direct impact our research has in industry application, he said.
Mr Green said a key aim of the IMAS was to be responsive to the needs of the States fishing and aquaculture industries.
The Institute has joined efforts in the fight against the long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus) which is threatening marine ecosystems off the States East Coast.
The sea urchin is a serious threat to abalone and rock lobster habitats and is extremely difficult to manage, he concluded.
Tasmania: Funding For Marine Research
TASMANIA - The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Bryan Green, has announced that Tasmania will continue to be a world leader in marine and Antarctic studies with an ongoing commitment to funding for research in this years Budget.
