Message from the Director

On behalf of the team, I welcome you to the first e-newsletter of the Wealth from Oceans National Research Flagship. The newsletter provides a window into the activities, outcomes and people of the Flagship and will be produced on a quarterly basis. I welcome your comments and suggestions on the newsletter and should you wish to find out further information on the Flagship then please contact the office or refer to our website www.csiro.au/oceansflagship.

Wealth from Oceans is one of six National Research Flagships established by CSIRO to focus Australia’s significant scientific resources on issues of national importance. The Flagships are backed by the Commonwealth government’s commitment of $305M over the seven year period commencing in 2004/05. Through re-direction of CSIRO funding and partner arrangements the total investment in Flagships is projected to be nearly $1,500M over the seven years.

The Wealth from Oceans Flagship offers a substantial opportunity for Australia to deliver world-best economic, social and environmental wealth from our vast ocean territory through leadership in understanding important ocean systems and processes. While we are only a short way down the journey of realising the opportunity, the Flagship has laid important foundations during this past 12 months.

The Flagship was launched at the National Maritime Museum in August this year by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson and the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment and Heritage, Dr Sharman Stone. The photograph from the launch shows the Minister, Dr Stone and the Chief Executive CSIRO (Dr Geoff Garrett) after the firing of a replica HMS ENDEAVOUR cannon.

In addition to a large number of ‘adult guests’ the launch was attended by more than 150 secondary students from Glebe High School and St Andrews Cathedral School. The students participated in an ‘Ocean Rave’ which included direct interaction with some of Australia’s leading marine scientists and participation in a fun quiz about the oceans.

Wealth from Oceans research investment spans four major themes including The Springboard: Ocean system prediction (physical, biogeochemical, climate and seabed); Oceans to Rain: Ocean based forecast of climate variability; Blue GDP: Marine industry development and growth; and Marine Nation: Multiple use management of the marine environment. The portfolio is well balanced and will provide significant outcomes for Australia.

While the large gains from this strategic research will take some time to fully realise, progress through the first 12 months has been extremely pleasing. The following provides a snapshot of some of the outcomes of scientific endeavour over this initial period:

• Publishing of daily updated images of ocean temperature and currents for waters around Australia
• Identification of a potential region of enhanced ocean warming off the NSW South Coast and into Bass Strait
• Assessment of the value of advanced electromagnetic techniques to offshore oil and gas exploration, bathymetric survey and other marine applications
• Understanding the drivers of water table changes and likelihood of resulting subsidence due to offshore oil and gas activity advanced through a Gippsland region case study.

From a personal perspective, the Flagship environment is an exciting environment. We are early in the second year of operations, and the work is as exciting as on the first day – how could one not enjoy working with some of Australia’s leading scientists on a national program designed to deliver substantial benefits to Australia? Engagement with partners and stakeholders is a real highlight.

This first issue of Update includes a number of short articles on a selection of our research activities and profiles one of Australia’s leading marine scientists, Dr Keith Sainsbury. Keith is the joint leader of the Marine Nation theme.

In closing, I recognise the contribution of our partners, the more than 100 scientists working on Flagship outcomes and our external Flagship Advisory Committee – it is through a coordinated and collaborative approach that we will deliver real benefits to Australia.

Craig Roy
Director, Wealth from Oceans Flagship

Update Home

Message from the Director

Flagship Advisory Committee

And now for today’s ocean weather conditions…

Ocean corals provide key to climate changes

Healthier marine systems

Mapping our ocean beds

 
Meet Keith Sainsbury

About this email

The Wealth from Oceans Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.