Presentation to the joint meeting of the Australian Meteorological - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presentation to the joint meeting of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) & the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA)

Steve Blake, CEO, WAMSI 29 Feb 2012

Overview of talk

 Brief history - WAMSI 1 establishment  WAMSI 1 high-level achievements  WAMSI 2  Ongoing challenges for WAMSI/ Marine Science in WA

Caveat: WAMSI fully acknowledges the broad spectrum of marine, coastal and climate science activities underway in WA

WAMSI right now!

“Perfect Storm” WAMSI 1 completed [end 2011] WAMSI 2 Kimberley Science Planning WAMSI 2 Dredging Science Planning WAMSI 2+ MRI decision pending – Knowledge for Marine Resource Decisions

Brief history of WAMSI

 Mission: WAMSI will establish a world leading research

capacity that underpins the conservation and sustainable management of the marine environment - and its resources

• for the economic, social and environmental benefit of the

State of Western Australia & all Australians

 Vision: To improve knowledge & understanding of Western

Australia’s marine environment for better resource development, management & conservation outcomes

WAMSI purpose

“bring together marine researchers with differing disciplines &

backgrounds to build on the strong marine research capacity already in the State & to pursue world class marine science, technology, education & training for the economic, social & environmental benefit of the State of WA”

Major Strategic Objectives

 Strengthen coordination & capacity  Transfer of research outputs into outcomes for take-up

Schematic: Pathways to Adoption

? Broader Stakeholder Group including General Public

Funders Key Stakeholders Key Stakeholders

Science Delivery Agency

Science uptake consideration Science QA/QC + Synthesis + Reporting Science Delivery

Science Delivery Agency Science Delivery Agency Science Delivery Agency Pathways to Adoption ? ?

Schematic: Pathways to Adoption

Broader Stakeholder Group including General Public Funders Key Stakeholders Key Stakeholders Independent Honest Broker Role

Science Delivery Agency

Science uptake consideration Science QA/QC + Synthesis + Reporting

Science Delivery Science Delivery Agency Science Delivery Agency Science Delivery Agency Pathways to Adoption

Target Outcomes

1.

Improved coordination of marine science in WA

2.

Improved understanding of marine ecosystems WA

3.

Enhanced predictive capacity to model natural & anthropogenic effects

4.

Improved management decision making from

• utputs

5.

Ongoing investment in WAMSI & value recognised

WAMSI Strategic Plan 2010-2014

2014 Targets 2014 Outcomes Pathways 2010 Milestones

1. Secured “in principle” agreement for WAMSI 2 & funding commitment

• 2. Key WAMSI 1 science outcomes being

realised

• 3. Utilisation of current project outputs in

policy & management

• 4. Science Plan for WAMSI 2 in the NW

being developed in association with key stakeholders incl. Indigenous groups

• 5. Becoming the WA strategic marine

science focal point of reference

• 6. Ongoing focus on leaving a marine data

& information management legacy

19 Dec 2009

Highly skilled workforce Quality benchmarked science Facilitated knowledge exchange Open information Access Leveraging infrastructure & investment Showcase science uptake Independent science well packaged Cross– sectoral collaborations

Integration & reference point for WA’s strategic marine science priorities Quality outputs that are relevant & influence decision making Next generation of marine scientists Collaborative & multi- disciplinary approach to marine science delivery Optimal use & investment in shared infrastructure Leadership & stewardship in marine science delivery Facilitating State, National & International agendas

Buy & supply side see WAMSI as honest broker WAMSI seen as the “go-to” body for advice Independent strategic science highly valued WAMSI science informing decisions Government seeking advice Industry seeking advice Good mid-career researcher opportunities in WA Increasing numbers of marine scientists in WA WA, the “place to be” for marine science Increasing breadth & depth of collaboration WAMSI the focus for the “hard to do” projects Project & team development skills in demand Increased utilisation levels of shared facilities Number of inter-institutional projects increasing New opportunities presented to partners Recognised leaders in strategic marine science & program development in WA Facilitation & coordination role highly valued Increasing no. of externally funded projects Increasing involvement in external Programs Creating linkages across all three tiers

Brief history of WAMSI 1

 Continuation of approach first started in SRFME  Context:

 Lack of regional contextual information;  One third of Australian coast;  A need to develop a critical mass of expertise & skilled people;  Growing pains [Industry, population, tourism etc];  More extremes of climate variability

Brief history of WAMSI 1

 Original Business Plan – est. 2005  3 WAMSI Critical Success Factors 2006 – 2011:

Critical Success Factor 1: Improved understanding of the marine & coastal ecosystems of WA Critical Success Factor 2: Improved coordination of marine science activities in WA Critical Success Factor 3: Dynamic Joint Venture partnership with a secure future

Brief history of WAMSI 1

WAMSI approach

 Reducing the total cost of future research for specific new

development & planning initiatives;

 Co-investment = share & reduce costs to all;  Facilitates timely, less risk adverse & more comprehensive

decision making;

 Enlarges, consolidates & improves access to all relevant data;  Better decisions & improved outcomes

Themes and Nodes

Ocean Systems Forecasting Biodiversity Conservation Natural Resource Management

Node 1 Marine ecosystems science Node 2 Climate processes, predictability and impacts Node 3 Managing and conserving the marine estate Node 4 Sustainable ecosystems for sustainable fisheries Node 5 Marine biodiscovery, biotechnology and aquaculture Node 6 Marine science for

• ffshore and

coastal engineering

Integrated and collaborative research

Western Australia’s Maritime Estate

WAMSI 1 Statistics

Operated mid 2006 – end 2011; 250 scientists, 35 PhDs & 4 post-docs to-date; 28 Major Projects – across 6 Nodes; $87 + $5 million/ 5 years 36 public science fora/ symposia/ conferences

Selected Research Highlights

 Ningaloo Marine Park  Offshore and Coastal Engineering  Oceanography and Climate  Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management  Biodiscovery and Biotechnology  Data & Information Management

Ningaloo Marine Park

 Iconic place  Significant research (~ GBR)  Significant Co-Investment

(Collaboration Cluster and others)

 $5million to ~ $35 million  150+ projects  ~ 80 scientists/ 12+ institutions

 Relevant science addressing

management needs in NMP MP

Image: DEC

NMP - Better Understanding

 Physical structure and processes  Spatial distribution of key habitats  Diversity, abundance and

distribution of key species

 Ecological and and physical

processes that feed and sustain the reef system

 Human use – tourism and

recreation

Image: AIMS Image: M.Meekan AIMS Image: WATC Image: WATC

NMP - Key Outcomes

Increased capacity:

 To identify and manage human uses and to

predict risks, including climate change

 To model future use and impact scenarios  To develop community understanding and

support

 To provide effective and efficient planning

and management of State conservation programs and marine reserves

Image: DEC

Offshore & Coastal Engineering

• Understanding the physical
• ceanographic processes across NW

Shelf to deep water to

• model loadings on structures from

tides and internal waves at different depths and locations

• Outcomes
• Greater security and safety of design
• f offshore structures and pipelines
• Efficiencies and cost savings

Image: UWA Image: UWA

Offshore & Coastal Engineering

 Effects of climate change on mean sea

level, astronomical tides, storm surge & wave climatology of SW WA

• implications for management of coastal

facilities under climate change

• Inundation & stability

 Outcomes

• Increased understanding of climate

change effects on coastal regions e.g. Peel-Harvey Inlet, Yanchep Lagoon

Image: stevemark Image: compiled by Sarah Fretzer, Murdoch University

Oceans Systems Forecasting

 Downscaled Nested Hydrodynamic

Models for Western Australia

• Oceanic -> shelf (Leeuwin Current) ->

lagoon (Ningaloo and Marmion)

 Downscaled climate change projections

and predicted year-to-year variations in the marine environment of WA

Outcomes – increased understanding of

• transport mechanisms; and
• key drivers of variations in WA marine

environment (El Nino/IOD)

Oceans Systems Forecasting

 supply of nutrients to

shelf waters

 retention and dispersal of

water and particles e.g. eggs and larvae of scallops

Image: CSIRO

High retention rate along the shelf Scallop fisheries boundaries

Feng, Slawinski, Beckley, Keesing 2010

Leeuwin Current Dynamics and Variability

Fisheries Management

 Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management

• Risk based management/prioritisation

system

• Ecological, social, economic values/assets

in single multi-criteria analysis - world first

 Outcomes:

• major shift in policy and management

from single species management to assessment & management of all ecological impacts & socio-economic

• utcomes

Image: DoF Image: WAMSI

Fisheries Management

 West Coast Bioregion research

 Spatial dynamics of iconic demersal fish

species with larval drift patterns

 Outcome - possible change in

management of West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery

 Statewide recreational fishing survey

 Outcome –better understanding of non-

commercial catch, patterns & modelling recreational fishing behaviour

Images: DoF

Biodiscovery, Biotechnology

 new bioprospecting legislation (2012)  Establishment of WAMBL & structure for

handling specimens in WA Museum

 Molecular biological research - screening for

anti-tumor & anti-bacterial drugs Outcomes:

 System for management of specimens  Sound platform for potential new industry  greater certainty for investment

Image: AIMS Image: AIMS

Data & Information Management

 Legacy of marine data from WAMSI

 Project data discoverable &

accessible through iVEC or partners

 Supports national eResearch

initiatives (WA Node of AODN)

 Outcomes

 Increased transparency  Reduced duplication & cost  Data will contribute to new

discoveries & time series

Image: L. Edwards Image: L. Edwards

Information Portal Websites

WAMSI 1 -Summary of Outcomes

 Excellent science generating relevant and timely information  Increased certainty and reduced risk for decision making  Greater capacity to manage marine estate & uses  Collaborative & cooperative research community  Enhanced marine science capacity  Wealth of data & information widely available  Co-Investment 3 x original State Government grant  Alignment with State S&T Evaluation Framework

2010/11 La Nina “Heatwave”

 February 2011 large rise in SST

 caused by the combined effects of long term warming trends, a

decadal strengthening of the Leeuwin Current & one of the strongest La Nina events in history

 immediate effect - fish kills, coral bleaching

Learnings:

• Baseline datasets
• Bring together WA

science community at short notice

• Improved capacity for

fisheries & marine parks management

WAMSI 1 high-level achievements

Critical Success Factor 1: Improved understanding of the marine & coastal ecosystems of WA KPIs:

 Project outputs delivered to marine management agencies  Science Quality   Increased level of marine information available for decision

making 

 Enhanced predictive capacity to understand ecosystems   Major geographic/ subject knowledge gaps identified &

addressed 

WAMSI 1 high-level achievements

Critical Success Factor 2: Improved coordination of marine science activities in WA KPIs:

 Focus retained on cross-disciplinary strategic science   Inter and intra-Nodal communication effective   Improved capacity building for marine researchers in WA   Integrated government, academic & industry project teams

• perating 

WAMSI 1 high-level achievements

Critical Success Factor 3: Dynamic Joint Venture partnership with a secure future KPIs:

 JV Parties fully engaged as benefits clearly understood  A trusted Institution & brand attracting new Parties  Increasing ongoing investment [projects and funding]  Strategic Plan in place, communicated & updated annually

WAMSI 1 high-level achievements

 WAMSI Independent Mid-Term Review 

Moving to a WAMSI 2

 Major Research Initiatives Proposal – Sept 2010  Listing of Strategic Priorities for WA – Dec 2010  Dredging Science Node [industry funds]  May 2011 WA State Budget Announcement:

 Kimberley Marine Science Program - $12 M over 6 yrs  WA IMOS - $6 million over 4 yrs  IOMRC - $4 million  Non-Kimberley - $1.5 million

Direct Relevance to Government & Industry

WAMSI 2 – time to reflect!

WAMSI 2

 WAMSI 2 kicked-off 1 Jan 2012  New State Funding Agreement  Timetable:

 Kimberley Marine Science Plan – approved  Kimberley Science Concept Planning - underway  Dredging Science Plan – approved  Dredging Science Concept Planning - underway  Knowledge for Marine Resource Decisions MRI – May 2012

WAMSI 2+

WAMSI 2+ Case to State Govt = $23 million/ 5 years; WAIMOS = $6 million/ 4 years; IOMRC = $4 million

MRI Bid [WAMSI 2+]

Knowledge for Marine Resource Decisions

Opportunities in WAMSI 2+

 New areas of focus:

 Multiple-Use:

 Shark Bay WHA  Pilbara Coast  South Coast

 Climate Change  Capacity Building  Marine Wildlife  Dredging  Kimberley   New Nodes?

Unique marine environment [Coral Reef Province of global significance] Rich in natural & mineral resources [gas, petroleum, minerals] High marine biodiversity Significant cultural, heritage, indigenous, conservation & recreational values

WAMSI 2 - Kimberley

Direct Relevance to Government & Industry

Informing Public Policy

Images: WAMSI & B.Wilson [top left]

Kimberley Science Node

Specific queries/ details on the Kimberley Marine Research Program, please address to: Dr Chris Simpson [KMRP – Node Leader]Chris.Simpson@dec.wa.gov.au

• r

Dr Kelly Waples [KMRP – Science Coordinator Kelly.Waples@dec.wa.gov.au

KMRP Outcomes

• Plan & manage Kimberley marine park

network;

• Identify & manage human impacts & potential

risks;

• Understand, adapt to and mitigate climate

change impacts;

• Better understand impacts tourism,

recreational & commercial activities;

• Further include indigenous knowledge &

participation in marine management

KMRP Science Plan

Developing a regional perspective across two major research areas:

• Bio-physical and social characterisation –

foundational information

• Understanding key ecosystem processes –

ecosystem function & response to human impacts

Kimberley Science Concept Plans [in development]

1.1 – Distribution, species composition & environmental drivers 1.2 – Marine Fauna/ Mammals 1.3 – Reef Growth and Maintenance 1.4 – Remote Sensing 1.5 – Key Ecological Processes 1.6 – Hydrocarbon Baselines 2.1 – Human Use patterns 2.2 – Indigenous Coastal Knowledge 2.3 – Physical and Biological Oceanography 2.4 – Benthic Primary Productivity 2.5 – Ecological Connectivity 2.6 – Terrestrial-Ocean Linkages 2.7 – Knowledge integration & predicting responses

Dredging Science Node

Dredging Science Node

 Industry funded [at this point]  Stakeholder Reference Committee [DSAC]  Components [9 themes – in development]:



REVIEW AND CONSOLIDATION Theme 1: Review & consolidation of available environmental data previously collected



PRESSURE FIELD PREDICTION AND CHARACTERISATION Theme 2: Predicting & measuring the characteristics of sediments generated by dredging Theme 3: Characterisation & prediction of dredge-generated sediment plume dynamics and fate

Dredging Science Node - cont

 Components in-development - cont:



ECOLOGICAL RESPONSE PREDICTION Theme 4: Defining thresholds & indicators of Coral response to dredging-related pressures Theme 5: Defining thresholds & indicators of Primary Producer response to dredging- related pressures



CRITICAL ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND WINDOWS Theme 7: Effects of dredging-related pressures on critical ecological processes for Coral Theme 8: Effects of dredging-related pressures on critical ecological processes for Finfish Theme 9: Effects of dredging-related pressures on critical ecological processes for Other Organisms (including potential re. establishment of invasive species)

Dredging Science

Specific queries/ details on the Dredging Science Program, please address to: Dr Ray Masini [Dredging Science – Node Leader-Policy] Ray.Masini@epa.wa.gov.au

• r

Dr Ross Jones [Dredging Science – Node Leader-Science] R.Jones@aims.gov.au

• r

Dr Cam Sim [Dredging Science – Science Coordinator] Cameron.Sim@epa.gov.au

Ongoing modus operandi

• 1. Co-investment
• 2. Collaboration
• 3. Innovation
• 4. Science Quality
• 5. Sum of whole > sum of parts
• 6. Delivery across multiple objectives
• 7. Benefits for the State/ partner organisations/ Community/

Government[s]/ industry

• 8. Reducing costs / competitive edge for WA/Oz

Future challenges for WAMSI

• 1. Relevance to governments [policy & management]
• 2. Multiple [new] business models
• 3. Getting budget support for a 5 year + program
• 4. Committee consensus processes working
• 5. Effective engagement by agencies/ researchers in the Science

& Project planning

• 6. Co-badging science outputs
• 7. Sense of belonging/ ownership

The Future Ocean

Discussion Points

 Utilisation of the Oceans

 Industry – “social licence to act”  Government – provide timely services & information  International - coordination efforts

 Coastal Seas – pressure points  Multiple stressors – Multiple Use Marine Management  Policy and management relevant - servicing different Sectors/

Communities of Practice

 MetOcean survey  Manage, curate, maintain, use & re-use data

Future challenges for WA

• 1. Poor cousin to the E. States [inclusion on national initiatives]
• 2. Budget support for “market failure” regions
• 3. Realisation of the Indian Ocean leadership vision
• 4. Labour/ capacity/ skills in the “boom” times
• 5. Getting the climate change likely impacts communicated
• 6. Increased partnering opportunities & respecting our various

roles

• 7. Building the broad base

Elements of Success

Tropics 2010/521: Barramundi 2010/524: Recreational fishers 2010/532: Biodiversity governance 2010/536: Tourism 2010/542: Blueprint 2010/554: Coral Trout 2010/565: Fisheries 2011/503: Knowledge South East 2010/506: Monitoring species change 2010/510: Deep water 2010/532: Biodiversity governance 2010/533: Seabirds 2010/534: Oyster industry 2010/542: Blueprint 2010/564: Species reintroduction 2011/503: Knowledge 2010/040: Estuaries 2011/039: Fishery adaptation 2011/233: Supply chain South West 2010/535: Fisheries 2010/542: Blueprint 2011/503: Knowledge

Credits

Acknowledge & thank:

 The WAMSI partners  The Board & Governors  The WAMSI Chairs [Bernard Bowen & Peter Rogers]  The Node Leaders  The Project Leaders & their teams  Those who have given of their time freely  The long-suffering WAMSI HQ staff !

HQ Honour/ Battle Roll

 Shelley McAlpine [2005/6]  Jill Stajduhar [2006/7]  Mishelle Tarling [2006/7]  Linda McGowan [2007 - ]  Lynne Stephenson [2007 – 2011]  Luke Edwards [2008 - ]  Sue McKenna [2008 – 2011]  Michael D’Silva [2011 - ]  Steve Blake [2006 - ]

Thanks for your ongoing support