Research Strategy 2018-2021 - UWA Oceans Institute
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Research Strategy 2018-2021
oceans.uwa.edu.au 1
Strategic research vision
The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Oceans Institute Research
Strategy 2018 – 2021 has been developed by the Senior Leadership
Team with input from the Advisory Board and a range of Institute
Members to reflect the Institute’s newly refined research vision and
ensure commitment to achieving its mission of providing innovative
and effective solutions to challenges facing the world’s oceans.
Critical aspects of our lives rely upon the seas. and ocean engineering, but its research also
Transport, food, energy, recreation and the reaches into the social sciences, particularly
industries and livelihoods related to them through marine environmental law, resource
inextricably link human activity with the ocean, economics, history and archaeology. In each of
yet centuries of overuse and neglect threaten to these disciplines, new knowledge advances our
leave our marine environment a vast and empty social and economic development. Together,
blue desert. these capabilities have the capacity to solve
major challenges and deliver significant
Through collaborative, interdisciplinary societal benefit.
research, the UWA Oceans Institute is
supporting and promoting smart, sustainable The strategic objective of the Oceans Institute
and secure uses of the oceans to meet the is not to arrive at these solutions separately but
needs of a rapidly increasing global population. to explore and devise approaches that connect
Desalination, wave energy, algae biofuel them; these approaches balance utilisation
research, ocean nourishment and aquaculture and conservation and maximise outcomes as
are just some of the ways ocean-based efficiently and effectively as possible.
solutions are emerging within the Institute
to safely and sustainably provide critical By focusing on solution-oriented ocean
resources for human development, water, food, research, there is immense scope for innovation
energy and bio-resources. Researchers at the and growth of new industries and associated
Institute are equally committed to reconciling businesses to address these challenges.
the delivery of wealth from the oceans, while The success in providing smart, sustainable
conserving the biodiversity and ecosystems and secure oceans will enable governments,
that support these resources. industries, non-government organisations and
the community to make decisions that protect
The strength of the UWA Oceans Institute lies in and sustain ocean resources for current and
its ability to call upon its breadth and depth of future generations.
marine expertise. Its core disciplines are marine
biology and ecology, physical oceanography Oceans Institute Senior Leadership Team
2 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 3
The UWA Oceans Institute heralds
a new era in marine research
As the world’s population biophysical sciences, and and Regional Development. IOMRC current flows along the coast, and gas infrastructure and major are not experienced in Australia,
grows, the ocean will become social sciences. is the largest research facility in affecting both the marine ecology ports shipping gas and iron ore. as a developed country in the
an increasingly important the Southern Hemisphere and and the coastal climate and The south coast is shortly to Indian Ocean region, we have an
source of food and energy, as The UWA Oceans Institute is Indian Ocean region. carrying a clear signature of climate become a hub for wave energy obligation to contribute to their
well as continuing to provide a large-scale enterprise with variation. The tropical north is research. Along the coast there development agenda, and most
opportunities for enhanced significant breadth in research Western Australia is a unique exposed to the impacts of tropical are wild fisheries dominated importantly on the issues focused
trade and livelihoods. However, activities, external collaboration, physical and ecological marine cyclones, including intermittent by rock lobster and a fledgling on the blue economy through
the ocean can also be a source and sources of finance. Institutes environment. It is an area inshore flooding events, while aquaculture industry. partnering on research and
of danger for people and are flagship units in the appreciated for its aesthetic and the south is subject to extra- capacity-building projects.
infrastructure; and anthropogenic University’s structure and the recreational values, but also one tropical cyclones and persistent The majority of the Western
activities can have negative existence of the Institute helps to that is home to diverse industries large swell from storms in the Australian coastline is bounded The global quest for economic and
impacts on the marine accelerate the quality and impact that face significant engineering Southern Ocean. by the Indian Ocean, a diverse ecological sustainability in coastal
environment and resources. of UWA’s research performance and sustainability challenges. region that is under-researched oceans, under the pressure of
Safeguarding the health of our and better position the University From a base of wide experience The Western Australian coast and encompasses vast areas and onshore and offshore development
oceans and marine resources, as in international affairs. across local ecosystems and supports a wide range of resources, as well as numerous and climate change, is exemplified
well as addressing maritime safety industries, Oceans Institute representative maritime activity. peoples and cultures. Millions in Western Australia. With its local
and security issues, is a critical UWA is part of a groundbreaking researchers are engaged Much of the State’s recreation of people in this region rely experience, disciplinary breadth
need of the twenty-first century. marine science collaboration in expanding international takes place on Perth’s coast, on oceanic industries for their and geographic location, UWA is
advancing ocean research partnerships and applications and much of the State’s most livelihoods. While the blue positioned to partner with Indian
Marine research provides in Perth and acting as a hub across the Indo-Pacific region expensive property and important economy agenda is strongly Ocean, Asian and global agencies
the path to address the for researchers, industry and and involving multiple disciplines infrastructure is there. Half of pertinent to the region, in many that face similar marine challenges.
simultaneous challenges of governments worldwide. The and sectors. Perth’s water supply is based on areas living and non-living The UWA Oceans Institute aims
benefiting from, living safely Indian Ocean Marine Research
coastal desalination. Australia’s resources are poorly understood. to be a global leader in delivering
with, and protecting the ocean. Centre (IOMRC), where the The University is strategically
submarine fleet is headquartered Many of the nations are developing relevant knowledge and practical
To address these challenges, Oceans Institute is based, is a located on the Indian Ocean coast
off the WA coast with the naval countries with governance, solutions to the grand challenges
the UWA Oceans Institute was collaboration including UWA, of Australia, and its coastline spans
base serviced by a prototype food security and poverty of food and energy supply, and
established in 2010 to build the Australian Institute of the tropical north to the temperate
wave-energy farm. The north of concerns. Even though many of human health and security.
on the University’s strength Marine Science (AIMS), CSIRO south, with coral and rocky reef
Western Australia is resource- the challenges faced by Indian
in ocean research across the and the Fisheries Division of the systems rich in biodiversity and
rich, with significant offshore oil Ocean neighbouring countries
disciplines of engineering, Department of Primary Industries endemism. The warm Leeuwin
4 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 5
A high proportion of the protein in intrusions as the freshwater Human health and wellbeing in
the diets of coastal communities volume declines. Perth also the ocean is often an issue of
around the Indian Ocean is relies on desalination plants. safety. The dangers associated
sourced from fish. Wild fisheries Such plants are necessarily with maritime activity, including
are difficult to manage because located on the coast, and will be fishing, transport and sub-
fish stocks can only be inferred, subjected to changes in sea-level surface activity like drilling,
not observed (although new and storm-occurrence over their can be significantly reduced
technologies are enhancing operating lifetimes. Their main with accurate forecasts of
our capacity to gather data) environmental impact is the winds, waves and currents
and globally many are fully or release of concentrated brine, and and appropriate cessation or
The importance of ocean research over-exploited. Expansions
of wild fishery operations are
they require clean seawater for
their intake. They are also energy-
avoidance under predicted
adverse conditions. Threats to
problematic but do feature as intensive but do not necessarily humans and property at the
part of the blue economy agenda; require electricity to operate. For shoreline, caused by breaking
Like its neighbours, Australia confronts the challenge of maintaining and making it imperative to ensure example, the direct use of wave- waves and beach erosion, can
that government-supported pumping is a possibility. be alleviated by good coastal
improving the health, safety and prosperity of its citizens in a time of climate activities are well-researched. planning and warning systems, as
change, population growth, rapid technological advances and globalisation.. Environmental security, more well as engineered and nature-
New ocean-based aquaculture often called environmental based solutions. Dangers from
Many of these large national knowledge of nearshore water facilities are more likely to float, faces all of the complications of sustainability, is a consideration marine species and the ocean
and international challenges and beach conditions; and naval rather than being fixed to the any monoculture: nutrient supply, in most maritime activity. Marine environment itself are likely to be
are expressed in terms of the bases are exposed to changes seabed, resulting in different disease, environmental impact, sanctuaries are established reduced by better understanding
security of our various supply in sea-levels and storm events. environmental exposure and new genetic vulnerability, escapees primarily to protect habitat and of animal and ocean behaviours,
systems: defence, energy, food, Environmental data is critical to engineering design challenges. and an often hostile and hard-to- fish populations from over-fishing, and the identification of ways
water, environmental security, these operations, as is engineering Meanwhile, the imperative to predict environment in which to and operate in conjunction with and means to minimise negative
and human health and wellbeing. and technical knowledge related transition to renewable energy contain and manage the species. fisheries management regimes. interactions. Populations will be
In this context, security and to remote sensing, navigation is increasing. In the ocean, All disciplines have a role to Such areas provide opportunities healthier if nutritional seafood
sustainability are synonymous. and vessel behaviour. In addition, renewables include: the extraction play, including engineering for for marine-based tourism which is made more widely available
Services must be maintained sociocultural and geopolitical of energy from waves, currents efficient operations, social science is economically valuable and through improved aquaculture
in such a way that they persist information is critical to and tides, and thermal gradients; research around consumer also plays an important role in and fishing practices.
into the future and are not self- maintaining an effective workforce offshore wind energy; and marine choice (such as labelling and raising community awareness
defeating, cross-destructive or and successful operations biofuels. Whereas offshore wind certification), and business about the value of our oceans. The ocean is also likely to be
exhaustible at the system level. across the regions in which the farms are widely established in logistics (port facilities, transport Construction and maintenance the source of base chemicals
Royal Australian Navy operates. the Northern Hemisphere, there solutions and supply chain of ports and other coastal or for pharmaceuticals and
All of these supply systems have Increasingly, security operations are few examples of commercial- management). Another aspect of offshore installations cause loss nutraceuticals through so-called
important representation in the involve other government scale energy extraction from food security is understanding of habitat, but dredging and bioprospecting – that is, the
ocean, all have the potential to be bodies such as the Australian the ocean. There are dynamic the role of the ocean in climate, construction can be undertaken massive collection and screening
advanced through research, and Federal Police as well as private opportunities for research in this especially rainfall, for onshore in ways to minimise impacts. The of marine organisms for their
all require attention across the security agencies. space, particularly in light of the food production. Aquaculture planned or accidental release of biochemical properties. Further,
marine-related disciplines at UWA: wind and wave environment in offers opportunities beyond fish pollutants from the shore, ships a healthy coastal ocean promotes
engineering, biophysical sciences Energy security is complex in a Western Australia, government and food security as products or platforms, has the potential a healthy coastal community
and social sciences. time of climate change. Offshore support for wave energy, and may be farmed for industrial to damage marine organisms, through its role as an aesthetic
infrastructure, in the form of similar work being undertaken in applications; research is required as does runoff from land-based and recreational amenity.
For maritime security, Australia platforms, pipelines, wells and the region. Additionally, any move to explore opportunities in this activities. International shipping Beyond this, interactions with
as an island nation relies heavily other seafloor hardware, require to use new technology in the form area for Western Australia. may carry exotic marine species, oceans, coasts and estuaries
on its Navy for military and foundations and through-water of floating wind towers and marine creating biosecurity challenges; are part of the cultural heritage
constabulary purposes and is engineering designed to survive biofuels, most likely sourced from Water security requires knowledge and vessel antifouling is often of indigenous peoples and both
poised to make multi-billion cyclones, energetic waves and phytoplankton, would require of both the seasonal and toxic. Increasingly, attention is traditional and contemporary
dollar investments in new patrol currents and corrosive seawater much more research, particularly multiyear rainfall variability. being drawn to the effects of coastal communities. Humans
vessels, submarines and facilities. over structural lifetimes of combining engineering and science, At these timescales, rainfall plastics in the ocean. Marine have always interacted with the
Surface vessels are exposed decades. At the end of their field if these examples are to become a prediction depends on knowledge conservation requires deep oceans, and many traditions,
to wind and wave conditions; life, these structures must be large-scale, viable reality. of the ocean, which stores knowledge of ecological practices, knowledge and beliefs,
ships and submarines rely on decommissioned, by complete or many times more heat than the systems, the cumulative nature of both tangible and intangible
acoustics, which are controlled by partial removal and/or potential The obvious manifestation of atmosphere. For cities like Perth of many of these impacts and heritage, are associated with
sub-surface ocean temperature; conversion into artificial reefs. food security in the ocean comes that source groundwater, the implementation of efficient, ocean areas.
amphibious operations require Next-generation production through fisheries and aquaculture. ocean is implicated in saltwater effective monitoring programs.
6 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 7
UWA Oceans Institute’s
Mission and Vision
The UWA Oceans Institute is committed
to research that has positive and clearly
articulated outcomes.
To maximise these outcomes, it will fully
utilise the multidisciplinary marine research
knowledge and expertise available within
the University of Western Australia.
Between 2018-2021 the Institute will:
• continue to grow strategic local, national,
regional and international collaborations;
• establish partnerships with government
Mission
agencies, non-governmental organisations,
To provide innovative and effective solutions
industry and communities; and
to challenges facing the world’s oceans.
• deliver the highest quality research, and The Oceans Institute’s mission reflects its
ensure this research is adopted and ambition to use marine research to tackle
applied for the benefit of Australia and issues of national and global significance.
the global community.
Vision
To be the leading global oceans research and
training centre focused on the Indian Ocean.
The Institute’s vision demonstrates its ambition
in relation to marine research and dissemination
through training and capacity building.
8 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 9
Multidisciplinary marine research at the
UWA Oceans Institute
The strength and potential of the UWA Oceans Institute resides in its ability Marine species, Using the latest techniques and global warming. Based
ecosystems, impacts such as stereo-video cameras, on multidisciplinary expertise,
to call upon its breadth and depth of marine expertise. Its core disciplines are and management animal tagging and specialised researchers at the UWA
laboratories, researchers study Oceans Institute can create
Healthy marine environments
marine biology and ecology, physical oceanography and ocean engineering, are at the core of sustainable the physiology, ecology and a holistic understanding of
global development. To behaviour of marine species. marine ecosystems, which
but its research reaches into the health and social sciences, particularly sustainably manage complex This research includes coral reef leads to better strategies to
marine ecosystems, it is critical health, fish biodiversity, benthic safeguard marine conservation
through marine environmental law, resource economics, history and to understand biological and microbiology, plant ecology and and restoration as well as to
ecological processes. marine neurobiology as well as manage human activity. Our
archaeology. In each of these disciplines, new knowledge advances our research on seabirds, reptiles researchers are involved in
Researchers study the marine and invertebrates. key, global research projects
social and economic development and wellbeing. Brought together, these environment at the species to support, promote and
and ecosystem levels and work Researchers also examine improve the development of
multidisciplinary capabilities have the capacity to solve major challenges, in the tropical and temperate marine food-web interactions, sustainable management of
waters off the Western nutrient cycles and the marine resources.
delivering significant societal benefits. Australian coast, as well as impacts of climate change
nationally and internationally. including ocean acidification
10 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 11
Ocean engineering, Ocean dynamics, coastal
innovation and enterprise processes, observations
The Blue Economy is a promising and hazards
sector for economic growth. Reliable marine forecasts and
The UWA Oceans Institute brings knowledge of the physical marine
together researchers from environment are vital to all human
offshore, geotechnical and coastal activities in the oceans and coastal
engineering as well as resource zones. The UWA Oceans Institute
economics and business to develop hosts a range of academics
innovative and multidisciplinary who conduct research into the
solutions for a sustainable fundamental physical, biological
blue economy. and bio-geochemical processes
occurring within the oceans and
Using world-leading testing the coastal zone. Scientists use
facilities and numerical models, the latest field instrumentation,
Oceans Institute members physical laboratory experiments,
conduct research on offshore remote sensing as well as computer
fixed and floating structures, models to understand the impacts
fluid-structure interactions, of climate change, sea level rise
seabed characterisation, waves, and extreme events across a
extreme hydrodynamics and asset range of scales from the nearshore
management. Specific areas of zone to larger-scale studies of
research address the performance shelf systems and ocean basins.
and risk factors of offshore Researchers are investigating the
foundation systems, hydrodynamic implications of global change such
load on structures, scour around as marine heat waves and ocean
structures and pipelines, port acidification, oceanic and coastal
development and logistics. responses to tropical cyclones and
storm surges, and the dynamics
In collaboration with industry
of large-scale currents. They are
partners, our researchers deliver
also studying the transport of key
applied solutions for marine material along the coast by ocean
renewable energy, oil and gas, processes (e.g. contaminants,
and coastal infrastructure and larvae and nutrients).
operations. Examples include the
development of novel anchoring Research conducted at the Oceans
systems for wave energy devices, Institute improves computer
assessment of the integrity of models to better predict the role of
offshore and deep-sea structures, the ocean in climate models, wave
as well as the design of floating and sediment processes in reef
liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities environments, and marine hazards
and electric and autonomous such as storm surges and tsunamis.
vehicles for ocean operations. The improved prediction of present
Researchers in the UWA Business and future ocean conditions is
School work on innovation and critical to support a wide range
enterprise, optimum governance of ocean applications, from
structures and strategic leadership. forecasting ocean climate change
If technological developments variability, to the risks and impacts
are to be commercialised then of contaminant spills and ocean
efficient and effective business hazards, as well as assessing the
solutions are critical. resilience of marine ecosystems.
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Human health, biomedicine and water quality
The oceans host a range of opportunities for human health, beyond
nutritional benefits of seafood. Unlocking the genome of marine
organisms has opened the door to ground-breaking developments
in a range of industries such as food, cosmetics and biomedicine.
Researchers at the UWA Oceans Institute explore how living marine
resources – from entire organisms to molecules to genomes – can
benefit human health and wellbeing. This involves biomedical
engineering focusing on better diagnosis, treatment and prevention
of disease, as well as translational engineering and medicine.
Climate change will have further impacts on human health as disease
vectors change and medical researchers focus on predicting and
addressing these challenges. Other researchers also focus on the
adverse impacts of human activity on the oceans and human health
such as contaminants, pollution and diseases. Examples of this
research include transport of decomposing seagrass wrack in coastal
waters, groundwater nitrogen plumes in coastal waters and water
quality management. Water quality issues are critical for coastal and
estuarine health, to support opportunities for aquaculture and to
ensure sustainable use of the ocean for recreation and tourism.
14 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 15
Maritime histories, Oceans governance,
coastal communities and economics and
ocean values buisness strategy
Human culture and history’s Sustainable management of the
inherent links with the coasts and oceans requires good governance,
oceans affect our relationships policies and economic incentives.
with the ocean today as well as The UWA Oceans Institute involves
our approaches to managing a range of academics from various
it. The UWA Oceans Institute disciplines working in these areas.
involves academics from various Predominantly, these scholars are
disciplines who explore the social scientists in fields such as
human dimension of the oceans. law, justice and regulation, public
Researchers in this area of expertise policy, international relations
are social scientists from the and politics, economics, human
fields of maritime archaeology, geography, business management
environmental history, Indigenous and workforce planning,
cultural heritage management, and psychology.
anthropology, maritime crime,
coastal zone management, marine Specific areas of governance
ecosystem management as well expertise include law of the sea,
as recreational and commercial marine environmental law, fisheries
fisheries management. Their regulation, energy law and tourism
research interests concern the regulation. The Oceans Institute
human relationship with the ocean covers a wide range of topics in
over time and seek to identify how marine policy and economics.
social interactions and values can They include optimal management
be harnessed to benefit people, of marine systems, cost-benefit
coasts and oceans. analyses, community preferences
and values, social licences, market
This area of research explores analyses, policy evaluations,
the human interactions with the market based incentives, and
ocean addressing contemporary productivity and risk analyses. In
issues such as management of the this context, economic frameworks
land-water interface, imperatives of and models provide a platform to
marine management in Small Island integrate multidisciplinary data
Developing States, identification from the natural and social sciences
and protection of tangible and to quantify outcomes. This is
intangible heritage, and the drivers particularly useful when providing
of negative human behaviour advice on the performance of a
such as piracy. project, policy or management plan.
16 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 17
Integrated Research Themes The UWA Oceans Institute will pursue solutions to major socioeconomic and environmental challenges by establishing large projects that utilise the full breadth of its disciplinary skills. In these projects, it will work closely with industry, government and community partners who are able to adopt and apply research to achieve long-term impacts. The Institute’s cross-disciplinary research over the next four years will be grouped under five integrated themes: • Energy from the oceans • Maritime security, safety and defence • Fisheries, food security and aquaculture • Marine conservation, ecology and climate change • Coasts and communities 18 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 19
Theme 1: Energy from the oceans
The UWA Oceans Institute will Meanwhile, across the world, the costs and benefits of full
continue to improve the safety established oil and gas or partial removal, and in situ
and efficiency of, and play a part installations are approaching decommissioning must be
in leading, the development the end of their operating quantified and compared.
of the offshore oil and gas lifetimes. Under many regulatory Legal frameworks must
industry in Western Australia, agreements, companies are accommodate the range of
nationally and internationally. required to remove such decommissioning options
It will seek to support and grow structures entirely. Removal and determine how long-term
a significant marine-based is a potentially dangerous benefits and responsibilities are
renewable energy industry, both activity, both for humans and to be apportioned. Additionally,
locally and internationally. It ecosystems. It also ignores the through social engagement, the
will also develop engineering, potential benefit of a structure broader community must be
legal, economic and ecological beyond its utility for the oil and kept informed and comfortable
frameworks to support gas industry. Even during its about decisions that are made
new initiatives to provide operational phase, a subsea on a case-by-case basis.
energy solutions from the structure will become a thriving
ocean and to guide potential artificial habitat for colonies There are ageing platforms
decommissioning of offshore of marine creatures that could in Australia that will provide
structures at end-of-life. be (preferably) maintained. A case-studies for the UWA
platform may be retained as a Oceans Institute, working with
The UWA Oceans Institute site for long-term environmental local industry and government.
has a significant record and data collection and could The decommissioning issue is
reputation for the design of become a point of tourist international and the Institute
anchoring systems and sea-floor activity. As an alternative to will play a critical role in regional
structures, and for the analysis complete removal, a structure capacity building.
of forces on fixed and floating can be transitioned to other uses
structures resulting from ocean by removing components that While work with the oil and
waves and currents. This work may endanger other maritime gas industry will continue, the
combines expertise in seabed activity, and decontaminated renewable energy industry
dynamics, fluid dynamics and to eliminate the possibility is opening new research
wave dynamics through a of long-term damage to opportunities and challenges.
combination of civil, structural local ecosystems. Options include the extraction
and mechanical engineering. of energy from waves, winds,
The offshore oil and gas industry Decommissioning of offshore tides, currents and from vertical
faces certain engineering oil and gas infrastructure is a thermal gradients as well
challenges as it moves to deeper multidisciplinary challenge the as biofuels.
and more remote offshore UWA Oceans Institute is uniquely
reserves. It is also challenged positioned to address. From an Energy extraction from tides
socially by community concerns engineering perspective, the and waves has been under
about climate change, energy structure may require partial consideration for decades
security, and accidents that lead removal, decontamination and with many devices suggested
to oil spills. The UWA Oceans stabilisation, and understanding and prototyped. However,
Institute has the disciplinary of the possibility of future there are few economically
breadth to address both corrosion and collapse. Across viable installations anywhere
the engineering and social the disciplines of ecology, in the world. Economic
feasibility of the industry’s fisheries and resource viability depends on the
planned activities. economics, particularly, costs of construction and
20 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 21maintenance, the consistency Across its expertise in Marine biofuel production is a
and predictability of the energy economics, wave dynamics and form of aquaculture. The farmed
source, the environmental engineering, the UWA Oceans organisms are phytoplankton
impact, the cost of connecting Institute will be able to assess (microalgae), and potentially
to the electricity grid and the combination of wave climate, macroalgae (seaweeds), that
the regulatory environment. device efficiency, and scale and require nutrients (nitrogen
Devices will often be large and cost of operation that would and phosphorous) and
visible from the coastline, and make wave energy viable off micronutrients (e.g. iron) to
will need to be socially, as the Australian coastline and thrive. While equivalent to biofuel
well as environmentally and overseas. It can also assess production on land, marine
economically, acceptable. community attitudes to potential production does not displace
wave farms and the sociolegal food crops from farming land.
UWA is recognised as a global and socioeconomic issues and The scale of marine production
leader in ocean engineering and concerns. The Institute can must ultimately be large, and the
recently received $3.75 million explore alternative utilisation of containment, environmental,
from the Western Australian wave energy, including testing economic and social-acceptance
State Government to establish if wave-energy extraction can challenges are significant. As with
the Wave Energy Research be incorporated directly into seafood aquaculture, the UWA
Centre (WERC) in Albany. A offshore desalination-plant Oceans Institute has the breadth
team of over 20 researchers, designs, both to pump saltwater of skills to address challenges
including those from the Oceans through membranes and to presented in offshore farming.
Institute will be based at both move freshwater onshore. In the context of biofuels, the
Albany and UWA Perth, creating Institute has particular expertise
a multidisciplinary research hub In contrast to direct energy- in ocean primary production
for wave, tidal and offshore wind extraction from the ocean, – that is, in the ecology of
energy industries. Researchers offshore wind-farm design and phytoplankton, macroalgae
will work closely with Carnegie construction is well established. and seagrass.
Clean Energy Limited in their UWA Oceans Institute engineers
development and deployment and oceanographers are well Beyond existing clients, financial
of a novel 1.5 MegaWatt wave placed to contribute to research support for renewable energy
energy converter device. This on floating wind towers that will research could be expected
prototype will make Australia be larger, more easily serviced from federal government
the first in the world to deliver and deployable in deeper water agencies, resource companies
wave energy to an onshore than towers built on the seabed. exploring diversification and
power station at this magnitude. Planning for establishment and international agencies such as
WERC will also partner with operation of floating wind farms development banks that are
other developers of wave will stimulate legislative and looking to new energy (and water
energy technology and extend resourcing questions similar to supply) opportunities for poorer
existing infrastructure to serve those for wave farms. coastal communities and small
the entire marine renewable island nations.
energy community.
22 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 23The UWA Oceans Institute will help protect the There is broader opportunity for social,
health and safety of Australians by delivering biophysical and legal researchers to investigate
research outcomes and practical advice to and address the causes of illegal maritime
Theme 2: agencies responsible for managing people activity. Piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing
and property along our coastline, military may, for example, result from the collapse
Maritime security, safety and defence agencies and private security forces involved in
defence, and industry involved in ocean-related
of traditional industries and livelihoods,
or environmental degradation and marine
activities. Issues in focus will include not only pollution. Poor governance will also be a
traditional defence, but international criminal contributing factor. While punitive responses
activities such as piracy, illegal fishing and may be necessary, the affected community will
trafficking of people, drugs and weapons. need the restoration of alternative livelihood
to replace illegal income. Obvious maritime
To improve the national security and safety of alternatives are fishing, aquaculture and
the Australian community, the Royal Australian tourism. Each case would require identification
Navy is in the process of commissioning a of opportunities, and establishment of
new fleet of surface and submarine combat operations that sustain resources (such as fish
and patrol vessels. The vessels will be or tourist attractions). Importantly, sustainable
comprehensively instrumented with sensors industry requires appropriate administrative
for measuring physical parameters in the arrangements, subject to national and
near-surface atmosphere and ocean. The UWA international law.
Oceans Institute will work with the broader
Australian research community to support the Many illegal maritime activities are
Navy’s deployment of these vessels. While the transnational, in the sense that they take
Institute is positioned to deploy its science place across international boundaries and
and engineering skills, its interpretation and affect communities in different countries.
communication expertise can also ensure Any response to such activities must involve
knowledge is delivered to the Navy in its most international cooperation. Responses include
accessible and usable form. both restricting opportunities to commit
illegal practices and establishing sustainable
Illegal maritime activities are conducted with alternatives. This must be done in the context
vessels that authorities attempt to track using of international law, but also with international
on-board vessel motion sensors (VMS), and agreement on how ‘sustainability’ is to be
remote techniques including radar, satellites defined and monitored, and how appropriate
and aerial photography from manned and governance is to be set up and maintained.
unmanned aircraft. Identification of illegal Target countries will not necessarily have the
activity is a research interface between law and most stable governments, good governance or
technology, with a range of possible challenges the rule of law. International engagement across
including, for example, image processing and the research disciplines will need to be creative
admissabiity of evidence. and persistent.
Vessel movements are not mandated and Within the Australian context, funding for
tend to follow patterns determined by factors research on security and community safety is
such as trade routes, fish stocks and territorial most likely to come from the Department of
boundaries. Illegal activity will often be Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs
distinguished by vessel routes that are outside and Trade. Internationally, it will be supported
expected behaviour. Vessel tracks associated by trade organisations and development
with illegal fishing may, for example, be banks. The UWA Oceans Institute will work in
apparent to an expert in “normal” fishing fleet partnership with such agencies, acknowledging
dynamics. However, data sets, particularly from their priorities, and establishing the best
radar and satellite surveillance, will be too large internal and external collaborations to address
for analysis by eye. There is scope for fisheries their research needs.
scientists to work with algorithm developers
and researchers in international law to create
automated detection and response techniques.
24 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 25Theme 3: Fisheries, food security The UWA Oceans Institute
will support government and
Catching and consuming seafood
is a significant economic and
industry to ensure sustainability cultural activity for all coastal
and aquaculture of fish stocks and enterprises communities. The sociocultural
at all scales that depend on foundation can be harnessed
them: commercial, recreational, to engage people in fishing
community and co-operative enterprises; however, as coastal
fisheries. It will also seek to populations grow and pressures
drive sustainable growth in on the coastal ocean increase,
the national and international the livelihoods and lifestyles
aquaculture industry. Australia associated with fishing may be
ranks only 46th in world rankings threatened. Sustainable fisheries
of seafood industry size, yet the management is a challenging
size of its marine estate suggests area, made more complicated
scope for growth, particularly in by difficulties in monitoring as
high-value aquaculture products. well as non-compliance including
By virtue of its developed illegal fishing. Furthermore, the
economic and educational base, impact of climate change, both in
Australia has the potential to play the form of increased sea surface
a major role in the development temperatures and increased
of aquaculture, as well as storm frequency, may require
build capacity for sustainable the reassessment of many
fisheries management practices, aquaculture locations.
across the Indian Ocean and
Southeast Asia. Seafood comes in the form of a
variety of animals, particularly
Seafood has important finfish, shellfish and crustacea,
nutritional value, particularly and some plants such as
because of its high protein levels, seaweed. All may be harvested
low saturated fat content and from the wild, and all probably
minimal use of fresh water in its have the potential to be farmed.
production. It is a primary source The UWA Oceans Institute
of protein for many Indian Ocean has considerable expertise in
region communities, traditionally marine flora and fauna and
supplied through artisanal so has a crucial role to play in
and small-scale fisheries. In developing viable techniques
Australia, despite a significant for aquaculture. It also has the
commercial fishing industry, expertise to assist in protecting
seafood consumption falls below and building the Western
dietary recommendations. In Australian fisheries brand, and
both developed and developing preventing seafood fraud in
nations, limited seafood supply Australia and abroad through
is reflected in high prices, better research into fishery
preventing greater nutritional supply chains and the role of
benefits from being realised. labelling regulations.
Opportunities must be identified
to increase seafood production Internationally, both wild
and bring greater supplies to fisheries and aquaculture
markets without impinging tend to have problems with
on marine environments and sustainability; many wild fisheries
wild stocks. are in decline or abandoned
26 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 27because of overfishing by locals of activities associated with assessment skills, employing Institute can contribute to a undesirable, creating local perceived as sensible and stable.
or by foreign vessels, often capturing wild fish stocks as well some of the most sophisticated new approach to aquaculture in environmental damage to To encourage such a framework,
fishing illegally or in unpoliced as aquaculture. modelling available to natural Western Australia, at the same the seabed and shoreline. the Institute would work with
ways. Aquaculture ventures fail resource managers. The time establishing a template for In response, the industry is state and federal fisheries and
for reasons familiar in land- Both commercial and UWA Oceans Institute offers new regional and international increasingly moving its cage development departments.
based farming, such as disease, recreational fishers remove fish complementary research skills protocols. The Institute can operations further offshore. Potential investors are highly
irreparable damage to the local from the ocean. Fisheries are across the range of biophysical apply its multidisciplinary The UWA Oceans Institute is likely to be from overseas,
environment, or unanticipated managed by a combination of and socioeconomic disciplines to perspective to assessing perhaps uniquely placed to seeking reliability and quality
external impacts like storms restrictions on vessels and their assess, tune and improve these past ventures and exploring lead development, through of supply both for domestic
or ocean-warming, as well gear, and numbers, size, gender models to predict the impacts of the opportunities and risks its experience in the design of and overseas markets. To work
as supply chain and logistics and age of fish caught, together different management options associated with different species anchoring systems and floating with international investors and
limitations. with limitations on the length on fish stocks and human and locations. It can position structures. Its links to maritime agencies, the Institute will also
of the fishing season. Fisheries communities. Improvement of itself to make recommendations and sub-sea engineering partner with the Department of
In Western Australia, wild regulation must balance the empirical (statistically-based) for the improvement and industries, developed through Foreign Affairs and Trade.
fishing is dominated by the expectations of both commercial models requires access to, expansion of existing operations, work with offshore oil and
rock lobster industry. This fishers, who supply food to the and analysis of, specialised and to advise on new prospects. gas, provide a route to exploit Seafood aquaculture is
was the first fishery in the non-fishing population, and observational data on both new high-technology options widespread around the Indian
world to receive international the large recreational fishing fish-community and human- Critically, the UWA Oceans for aquaculture. Ocean and in east Asia. Much
Marine Stewardship Council community. If the sociocultural community dynamics. Institute has the multidisciplinary of this farming is based right on
certification for sustainability issues are not addressed, strength to focus on species Similarly, the Institute can the shoreline, alienating other
and provides a model for other then any attempt to restrict The UWA Oceans Institute also selection and management, but provide leadership and advice activity and causing significant
seafood production. Meanwhile, catch becomes controversial, has a comprehensive range of also on the economic and social on regulatory frameworks that adverse environmental impacts.
Western Australia accounts (in with the potential to become skills relevant to aquaculture: viability and attractiveness of will both enhance the uptake The UWA Oceans Institute’s
financial terms) for only just confrontational if not managed engineering for design and aquaculture. Coastal aquaculture of aquaculture and introduce capability, once refined locally,
over one per cent of Australia’s socially as well as scientifically. anchoring of cages, and the can be controversial. It is seen appropriate safeguards. will be relevant to the entire
aquaculture, despite occupying development of monitoring to occupy valuable nearshore Significant private investment Indo-Asian region.
about one-third of the coastline. Most marine creatures have a systems; insight into wind, real-estate and is regarded in aquaculture is only likely if
Western Australia’s clean larval phase in their life cycle, wave and current conditions; by some as aesthetically the regulatory framework is
ocean environment presents during which they drift with knowledge of the biology of
opportunities for marine currents. For example, in Western species with farming potential,
aquaculture based on high-value Australia’s dynamic ocean including their nutritional
products, but new ventures environment, with longshore requirements; critical experience
must accommodate generally currents and cross-shore swell, in the identification of novel
low water nutrient content, it may be difficult to establish sustainable food sources;
highly exposed shorelines, the source stock for a fishery. understanding of possible
lack of local populations and Fish biologists, larval ecologists, environmental impacts of
infrastructure at many coastal physical oceanographers and the facility, including on the
locations, and vast geographic geneticists are all presently farmed species themselves; site
distances requiring complex engaged in interpreting larval selection for higher production
supply chain management. movement. Other disciplines with minimum impact in the
Australia can play a leading role may well become involved, for ecosystem; ability to conduct
in demonstrating the sustainable example through tracing the cost-benefit analyses; and an
expansion of aquaculture in this history of fishing efforts and appreciation of governance
context. Furthermore, fisheries returns. Similar knowledge and arrangements, including
for economic development interpretation will be required permitting systems and
feature prominently in the blue in other fisheries around the environmental standards.
economy agenda throughout Indian Ocean.
the Indian Ocean region, which With appropriate political
demonstrates a pressing In Australia, fisheries support, and working with
need for research in relation management agencies tend to be industry and management
to the potential scaling-up strong in fish biology and stock agencies, the UWA Oceans
28 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 29management tools, in conserving A particular strength of the over tens of thousands of
and managing our oceans. Institute is its work on coral years, and to the description
Despite the best science, reefs and seagrass beds; of exploration and settlement
predicting the future for the the conservation of both is over the last few centuries. The
marine environment is difficult. important for marine ecosystem differing patterns of settlement
Because of this, adaptive health and also to underpin and use of coastal and marine
management approaches economic development goals areas inform conservation and
are preferred, whereby the associated with tourism, for management efforts for the
impacts of marine activities and example. The UWA Oceans future. Engineers and biophysical
conservation tools, including Institute will also use its skills and social scientists work
the designation of MPAs and to provide advice on climate together to protect and stabilise
NTRs, are carefully monitored. change responses, marine these windows into our past
If the impacts are different from geohazards and the transport behaviour and present values.
those anticipated, the activities and mixing of nutrients, Regulations and management
and management regime sediment and contaminants, activities must reflect the values,
are modified appropriately. alongside species conservation practices and lifestyles of the
However, such approaches and sustainable utilisation, bio- diverse range of stakeholders
present a challenge for fouling and invasive species. whose support is essential
legislative and regulatory for the long-term success of
frameworks which seek to Similarly, the Institute’s conservation activities.
create certainty. Facilitating social sciences assets make
Theme 4: effective adaptive management
requires careful design,
a significant contribution to
marine and coastal conservation
Monitoring is essential to
ensure that marine assets
Marine ecology, conservation and management taking into account social,
scientific and developmental
and management. Geographers,
environmental management
and systems continue to exist
and function for both their
consideration and approaches scholars and anthropologists intrinsic and practical value.
to operationalisation that are ensure that conservation works The design and implementation
The UWA Oceans Institute will use. Ocean biomass and research. UWA Ocean Institute’s participatory and transparent. for, rather than against, those of cost-effective monitoring
provide both fundamental biodiversity, and sites of natural social and scientific research who utilise and depend on requires multidisciplinary skills
knowledge and practical and cultural heritage, may is fundamental to informing The UWA Ocean Institute’s coastal resources. This work in ecosystem understanding,
conservation and management be damaged or diminished and educating government, marine biology and contributes to best practice mathematical modelling,
approaches to ensure that by: fishing and aquaculture; industry and communities on ecology expertise includes marine and coastal management sensor engineering, human
Western Australia’s unique physical destruction, for conservation challenges, and understanding species and and also the sustainability of resources and policing.
marine cultural assets and example by dredging; to ensuring that conservation marine ecosystem processes, livelihoods at the land-water Monitoring must encompass
ecosystems are preserved for contaminants introduced by outcomes match community enhancing marine conservation interface. Heritage sites add to the time and space scales of an
future generations. Research at runoff, outfalls, dumping and expectations without unduly and restoration, and addressing the understanding of indigenous ecosystem’s variability, and be
the Institute will provide marine spills; exotic species introduced hampering economic activities. anthropogenic impacts – peoples’ migration and lifestyle focused on key locations and
conservation and management or translocated by shipping; particularly climate change.
guidance for the benefit of erection and dismantling of One mechanism for ecosystem Studies of individual organisms
the broader Indian Ocean and offshore structures; and climate protection is the establishment or species are ultimately scaled-
Southeast Asian regions. change. Ultimately, conservation of Marine Protected Areas up to provide a description of
requires a compromise between (MPAs), in which human activity how whole ecological systems
Marine conservation is a feature preservation, or restoration, is restricted, and no-take Marine function and how they respond
of many national and regional of an existing ecosystem Reserves (NTRs), in which fishing to specific threats. In most
agendas, as well as a significant and disruption caused by and destruction of habitats cases, the aim is to quantify
aspect of most maritime activity. human activity. Decisions is prohibited but science, and minimise damage to the
Blue economy goals can only be on conservation will depend educational and recreational ecosystem or assist its recovery.
achieved if ocean environments on social and ethical values, activities are encouraged. MPAs Work on fish and lobster, for
and resources are healthy; which should be guided by and NTRs have an important example, provides fundamental
therefore conservation must the best environmental, role to play, alongside fisheries new knowledge with relevance
be balanced with sustainable economic and sociocultural regulation and other marine to industry and government.
30 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 31species. Ideally, monitoring will the Institute is well-placed to may cause physical damage Oceans Institute researchers, as demonstrate the environmental and coordinating role in defining
minimise labour and vessel address the cross-cutting nature and limit recovery; and in sea are innovative and integrated and social implications of research priorities. International
costs, and include strategies of these challenges through level, to which reef and shoreline approaches to marine and human activity in the ocean, and development banks and aid
that utilise technologies such interdisciplinary research. habitats may have to adapt. coastal zone management for ensure these are communicated agencies are likely to support
as remote sensing, combining These changes may affect the climate change adaptation. to policy-makers and the deployment of expertise in
physical inspections and air and Climate change presents ability to achieve blue economy broader community. stressed marine environments
satellite surveillance. a special challenge to goals and also violate the Based on its fundamental around the Indian Ocean region.
conservation. Mitigation is a stability and security of coastal research on the properties and In general, regulatory Commercial beneficiaries will
Sensor design is an advancing global issue, rather than one areas including heritage sites. function of marine systems, agencies of the federal and include the fishing and tourism
field, as is automated processing that can be locally controlled, The role of research at individual the UWA Oceans Institute will state governments will guide industries, which comprise
for imaging techniques such whereas successful adaptation ecosystem levels is to determine harness its multidisciplinary Australia’s priorities and mostly relatively small individual
as video and radar; these are tools and activities must be the impact of climate change expertises to design and provide financial support for operators who depend on
areas of strength for the UWA tailored to the specific local and to foresee its implication implement effective monitoring marine conservation research, conservation for their long-term
Oceans Institute. Social science environment. Climate change will beyond the ecosystem, programs, to demonstrate and although non-governmental success, as well as governments
engagement will ensure that manifest in the ocean in many including for human well- promote adaptive approaches to organisations have a significant and corporations engaged
policies, legislative frameworks, ways: in ocean temperature, being. Thereafter, adaptation conservation management, and role to play. Internationally, the in ocean-going trade. More
industry and community salinity and acidity, to which solutions must be directed to advise on the manifestations Australian experience will be broadly, Australian and regional
acceptance keep pace with different organisms will have towards lessening the effects of climate change. Critically, relevant across the Indo-Pacific communities benefit through
technological developments. different sensitivities; in ocean of climate change. Research it will integrate new scientific region. Here, intergovernmental protection and increased
UWA Oceans Institute currents, which may change projects on engineering, as well knowledge into advice on legal organisations and treaty appreciation of their maritime
researchers with expertise patterns of connectivity; in storm as nature-based solutions to and policy frameworks. It will secretariats will play a critical environment and heritage.
in these areas confirm that frequency and intensity, which mitigation, are a focus for UWA
32 The University of Western Australia oceans.uwa.edu.au 33You can also read
