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SIMS achieving excellence in marine research, education and community engagement -
SIMS, achieving excellence in
marine research, education and
community engagement. -
SIMS, achieving excellence in
marine research, education and
community engagement.
Research themes
Urbanisation
Sydney Harbour is Australia's largest, and most iconic, urbanised estuary. This makes SIMS an ideal place from which to understand, and help manage the pressures of urbanisation on the harbour and coastal ecosystems.
Biodiversity
Sydney Harbour is one of the most biologically diverse harbours in the world. SIMS scientists are using both traditional and modern molecular techniques to expand our knowledge of this immense biodiversity.
Climate Change
The oceanography of the east coast of Australia is dominated by the East Australian Current. This current is increasing in strength making South-East Australia a global hot spot for climate change. SIMS is ideally placed for studying the causes and impacts of climate change in marine systems.
Ocean Resources
The ocean provides a wealth of resources for our use. SIMS scientists' research on the sustainable use of ocean resources is comparably broad, ranging from studies of the molecular mode of action of potential new pharmaceuticals to enhancing fish and prawn stocks along our coast.
Marine Management
From exploitation of key fisheries to conservation of endangered species, marine management relies on science to inform policy decisions. SIMS research is playing a critical role in managing our marine environment.
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*NEW* Marine Science Workshops
for Secondary Science StudentsDetails:
Would you and your colleagues like to expand your current science teaching further into the marine domain?
SIMS is offering two new 3-hour science workshops that align with the NSW 7-12 Science Syllabus providing an exciting opportunity to engage your students in hands-on, enquiry-based learning at our modern research facility.
Workshops are facilitated by an experienced marine scientist, and provide a unique and challenging learning experience for students.
For more info visit at www.sims.org.au/education, or take a look at our SIMS flyer highschools
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Oceanography in the Days of Sail
When:
E- Book
Details:
The waters of the Pacific have played an important part in the development of the science of oceanography.
Expeditions organised in the days of sail power were conducted in the face of hardships and dangers unknown today.
This book will be of interest to those drawn by the romance of the sea: to sailors, yachtsmen, and hydrographers.
To read the e-book authored by Professor Ian Jones, and Joyce Jones, please see the link below.
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2013 Tony Roach Prize
Details:
SIMS and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) are pleased to announce the winner of the 2013 round of the Tony Roach Prize in Marine Environmental Science. Ariell Friedman, from the University of Sydney is honoured to receive the award this year for his paper "Multi-scale measures of rugosity, slope and aspect from benthic stereo image reconstructions".
The prize is in memory of Dr. Tony Roach and his long career and contributions to marine science in New South Wales, and is awarded to the best paper by a young scientist on any aspect of marine or estuarine environmental science, for research done in NSW.
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Underwater Secrets Harbour Cruise
When:
First Cruise, 17th April, 10.30
Details:
Join the Sydney Heritage Fleet on a revealing harbour cruise aboard Lady Hopetoun, a 1902 Steamship and the flagship of the fleet while enjoying a running commentary by expert marine scientists from SIMS revealing the “Underwater Secrets” of Sydney Harbour.
For details and online bookings click here
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Seafood sustainability
Details:
James Smith from the University of New South Wales speaks to the topic that "Seafood sustainability is not a sustainable reality".
James reflects on eminent English biologist Thomas Huxley's now infamous quote that "Probably all the great sea fisheries are inexhaustible".
Roll forward 100 years and what a different picture we have!
Read the full article from The Conversation here.
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Tagged seals help find missing piece in global climate puzzle
When:
Nature News, 24 February 2013
Details:
Researchers have pinpointed the fourth known source of bottom water, a crucial ocean-water sink.
By tracking the voyages of elephant seals off Antarctica, and with the help of satellite imaging and undersea sensors, researchers have discovered a long-elusive source for the deep-ocean streams of cold water that help to regulate the Earth's climate.
Read the full article below...it's fascinating.
Tagged seals help find missing piece in global climate puzzle Nature News & Comment[5]
Elephant Seals are tagged acoustically as part of the SIMS operated Australian Animal Tagging and Monitoring System (AATAMS), which is run under the IMOS umbrella of facilities.
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Release of prawns goes swimmingly
When:
The Age, 25 February 2013
Details:
300,000 post larval prawns are released into Lake Tyers, Victoria in the hope of creating sustainable prawning in the area.
The release is part of a $232,000 Fisheries Victoria project to stock the native eastern king prawn into the area.
Professor Iain Suthers, of UNSW and SIMS explains why it is an ideal location for the prawns.
View the video and full article
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Marine Matters - Issue 13
Details:
Issue Thirteen of Marine Matters is now available via the enclosed links or by visiting the IMOS website.
This issue features:
- Report card shows Australia¹s oceans are changing
- IMOS ocean gliders prove irresistible for sharks
- Satellite Altimeter news from Venice
- Marine Biodiversity in the frame
- Animal tag detections hit 10 million and rising
- International relations buoyed by marine recovery mission and more!
Marine Matters Issue Thirteen, December 2012
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Great Barrier Reef at threat
Details:
Scientists say Australia's east coast is showing an alarming temperature rise as the effects of global warming are felt.
For the full ABC news report on Port Hacking station, IMOS measurements and their relevance for detecting changes click here.
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IMOS Annual Highlights
Details:
The Annual Highlights document for 2011/12 was published last month and is available for download from the IMOS website: http://imos.org.au/highlights.html
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Tiny solution for climate change shown to be a big waste of money
When:
Sydney Morning Herald December 17, 2012
Details:
Could a tiny plankton that spends its days bobbing in the chill waters of the Southern Ocean hold the key to solving climate change?
Research by Sydney University and The Sydney Institute of Marine Science found large scale iron fertilization would be a waste of time and money.
Read more about Daniel Harrison work here.
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SIMS Foundation Newsletter
When:
December 2012
Details:
Want to keep up to date with what’s happening at SIMS? The SIMS Foundation newsletter for December 2012 is now available and can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
SIMS Foundation Newsletter December 2012
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Who's afraid of Whom
Details:
SIMS Associate scientist, Vic Peddemors, of the NSW Department of Primary Industry, presents a fascinating talk challenging our fear of sharks and dispelling that most enduring of films... Jaws.
Learn what scientists have to say about the real habits and behaviour of the Great Whites, & Bull Sharks. You may be surprised. Click on the link to view the video.
At least this soundtrack won't give you nightmares.
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Wave Powered Robot arrives in Australia
Details:
In a world record setting crossing, the first wave powered autonomous marine robot arrived in Queensland after its lonely 17,000 kilometre journey from San Francisco.
The data collecting & transmitting robot, part of the Integrated Marine Observing System navigated along a prescribed route, collecting high-resolution images and data that are being made available free and in real time for anyone to use, from oceanographers, geographers, marine biologists and other scientists.
Read about this impressive technology, and the research possibilities it provides by clicking on the link to SBS News Video
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Top 100 Sydneysiders
Details:
SIMS board member, and Dean of Science at UNSW, Merlin Crossley was selected in the Sydney Magazine's 2012 Top 100 Sydneysiders....not surprisingly under the category of "The Thinkers".
The son of a zoologist and a mathematician whose "urban farm" in Melbourne gave him a lifelong love of the natural sciences, Crossley is passionate about nurturing talent and cutting bureaucracy. "The most important thing is that when you find a tall poppy, you water it," he says. "You really have to nurture your stars".
Read more here
Long Term Projects
Facility Upgrade
In 2009 SIMS received $19.5 M from the Commonwealth Education Investment Fund, further augmented by $1.2 M from The Ian Potter Foundation and the NSW Government Science Leveraging Fund, to enhance its facilities. These infrastructure grants have resulted in a world class marine facility.
IMOS
SIMS operates the NSW node of the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). IMOS is a nation-wide collaborative program which uses the latest advances in technology to observe the oceans. The program has strong links with similar international programs and agencies.
Sydney Harbour Research Project
SIMS is planning a multidisciplinary research project. The objectives are to identify, preserve and enhance the resilience of those species and habitats in Sydney Harbour that have high ecosystem and conservation value, and to enhance the capacity of relevant government departments to make key management decisions regarding the Harbour.
