The Western Australian Government has announced $6 million in funding over three years to deliver ‘crucial’ climate and marine research under the Integrated Marine Observing System.

 

State Science and Innovation Minister John Day said the Western Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) utilised a new array of moored buoys, ocean gliders and acoustic listening stations that were gathering important climate and weather data. 

 

“The ocean off WA influences our climate and weather every day - it also contains valuable fisheries, oil and gas reserves and unique marine biodiversity that attract tourists from across the world.

 

“The Government’s $6million investment provides research infrastructure to enable the State’s world-class marine and ocean scientists to generate new insights and understanding, ensuring the sustainable management of waters off the coast of WA for future generations. 

 

Working from its Research Vessel Solander, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is operating moored buoys at four sites near Broome on the Kimberley coast, and three near Dampier on the Pilbara coast, in water depths from 50 to 400 metres.

 

The buoys have sensors measuring ocean temperature, salinity, currents and water quality. This data will be used to improve numerical models of the ocean, used by scientists and managers in government and industry. Later this year, Curtin University will deploy acoustic listening stations to provide new information on a range of ocean phenomena, including movements of whales and fish.