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Australian and New Zealand marine scientists will meet in Hobart this week for the first time to assess joint research opportunities and issues of common interest.
Marine science is now big science and requires the cost-effective use of research ships, satellite information, research results and scientific and support staff.
This historic meeting is the first step in bringing together Australia's and New Zealand's marine science endeavours, so that both countries can manage better the marine environment based on sound scientific advice.
Hosted by the CSIRO's Divisions of Oceanography and Fisheries, the two day meeting starts Monday at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories. It will involve New Zealand's senior marine scientists and advisers in discussions on a range of marine science, including future programs of collaboration.
Meeting Chairman, Dr Angus McEwan, said today that the review of collaborative marine science opportunities between in both countries is timely.
"New Zealand has undergone a major re-organisation of its scientific effort in recent times influencing its ability to do things in marine science, which is heavily dependent on Government and public commitment."
"Fortunately, Australia shares with the New Zealanders many areas of collaborative opportunity and this meeting will allow us to determine where we have complementary strengths and can work together to optimise resources in the increasingly important field of marine science," he said.
Dr McEwan said both countries shared similar interests in the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean and were influenced by climate variability in the south west Pacific.
In addition, Australia and New Zealand are experiencing similar economic pressures on fish stocks and assessment of offshore geological potential.
Dr McEwan said the meeting would also consider more specific issues such as remote sensing, ocean observations and marine toxins and pests.
The New Zealand delegation will be led by Dr Gerald Rys, Assistant Chief Scientist with the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.
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