Consortium members

AMSAT is made up of eleven specialist agencies, each with extensive consultancy and research experience both in Australia and overseas. Each agency has a worldwide reputation for its expertise, particularly in the Asia Indo Pacific region.

	Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics  (ABARE)
	Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
	Australian Maritime College (AMC)
	Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
	Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
	Bureau of Meteorology (BMet)
	Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS)
	CSIRO Marine Research (CSIRO-MAR)
	Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO)
	Geoscience Australia (GA)
	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE)

ABARE, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE), is located in Canberra, Australia. ABARE is an Australian government economic research agency noted for its professionally independent research and analysis.

In its history of almost sixty years ABARE has amassed a wealth of expertise in applied economic research using the latest innovative modeling techniques and extensive corporate databases contain data not available elsewhere.

ABARE contributes to some of the most important items on the Australian and international policy agendas:

• multilateral trade negotiations and more open agricultural markets
• greenhouse gas emissions and climate change response policies
• water policy reform
• salinity management
• international energy developments
• energy market reform
• minerals exploration and policies
• issues in regional Australia
• Australian farm performance

ABARE also produces regular quarterly forecasts for the full range of export commodities, so that industries can plan their future better, based on sound research. ABARE’s commodity results cover agriculture, minerals, energy, fisheries and forestry.

ABARE is one of the few bodies producing medium term and regular quarterly forecasts for the full range of export commodities and its forecasting reputation is built on reliability and quality.

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Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is one of the most innovative and progressive research laboratories in the world with unparalleled capability in the field of cutting-edge tropical marine science and technology. 

AIMS was established by the Australian Government in 1972 under the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972 in recognition of the importance of marine assets, especially the Great Barrier Reef, to Australia . 

Today AIMS is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research into marine environments, and their resources including biotechnology and aquaculture. 

Our role 
AIMS' mission is to conduct innovative research that advances understanding of our oceans and coastal ecosystems, facilitates good stewardship of marine resources, develops sustainable wealth creation opportunities, and contributes to the discovery and development of new marine-based bioproducts for industry and human health. 

To do this, AIMS surveys and documents marine life – from the coast to the edge of the continental shelf; monitors changes and identifies trends in the marine environment; and searches the seafloor for novel compounds that can be used to develop pharmaceuticals, health care products, crop protection agents, and applications for environmental remediation. The organisation is also developing aquacultural techniques for the production of food, materials and fine chemicals. 

AIMS has an active programme for patenting and commercialising technologies developed within the Institute, including those developed in conjunction with academic or commercial partners. AIMS takes seriously its responsibility to transfer its intellectual property to users. 

Our research 
Put simply, AIMS finds out what's out there, how it works, develops knowledge to protect it and benefit from it. The Institute's expertise in tropical marine ecosystems combined with a multidisciplinary capability enables the full spectrum of scientific investigation to take place, from the seafloor to the lab bench. Using a collaborative approach, AIMS further enhances its capacity and capabilities ensuring maximum effort to improve our understanding of our complex marine ecosystems. 

Specialised infrastructure supports our research capabilities which include coral reef ecology; water quality; biodiversity assessment; coastal oceanography and modeling; coastal ecosystems and sustainable development; climate change and impacts; long term monitoring and datasets; tropical aquaculture; systematics; marine microbiology; marine natural products chemistry; marine physiology; evolutionary biology; and functional genomics. 

Australian Maritime College (AMC)

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) was established by an Act of Federal Parliament in 1978 to service the needs of the Australian maritime industry. Since that time it has grown from a small institution focusing on short sea-going courses, to a much larger institution of higher education, providing programs from certificate to doctoral levels and attracting staff and students from over 38 countries.

The College Mission is ‘the provision of the highest quality education, training and consulting, and the conduct of applied research of international distinction, to meet the needs of the maritime sector.'

Its major goals include:

• Providing educational services that meet the customer need for quality, relevance and accessibility
• Ensuring AMC's viability as Australia's national maritime academic institution
• Pursuing research excellence within the maritime sector

AMC courses fall within seven main discipline areas:

1. naval architecture
2. ocean engineering
3. marine engineering
4. fisheries
5. marine resource management
6. maritime business
7. maritime operations (nautical studies and navigation)

To support its teaching, research and consultancy activities, the AMC has $110 million worth of infrastructure located on two major campuses in Northern Tasmania.

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Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the national safety agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment and aviation and marine search and rescue.

AMSA's key operational areas include:

Maritime Safety and Environmental Strategy , responsible for providing strategic advice and operational oversight on maritime safety matters and associated environmental and navigational issues, which involves:

• Representing Australia at the International Maritime Organisation in the development, implementation and enforcement of international standards governing ship safety, navigation, marine environment protection, ship operations, maritime security, crew competency, training and fatigue management, and the provision of the national network of integrated aids to navigation and coastal traffic management measures.

Maritime Operations, responsible for monitoring ship, crew and coastal pilot compliance with maritime safety standards, which involves:

• Conducting inspections of ships (including foreign flag ships), cargoes and related equipment to monitor compliance with standards for the condition of ships, compliance with operational, occupational, occupational health and safety and coastal pilotage requirements, correct handling and loading of certain cargoes, ensuring safety training and maritime qualifications of crew and the administration of the licensing system for coastal pilots.

Emergency Response, responsible for delivering national search and rescue coordination and marine pollution response services, which involves:

• Provision of a 24 hour Rescue Coordination Centre servicing the internationally agreed Australian Search and Rescue Region for the aviation and maritime sectors, and responsibility for coordination of maritime and aviation search and rescue incidents within this region.  Emergency response extends to providing a maritime distress and safety communications network, administering a ship reporting system, the provision of specialist search and rescue equipment around Australia, and oil and chemical pollution preparedness and response services.

Additionally AMSA has a Corporate area and an office of General Counsel to support staff in the execution of their duties.

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Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia 's national nuclear research and development organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise. ANSTO is responsible for delivering specialised advice, scientific services and products to government, industry, academia and other research organisations. It does so through the development of new knowledge, delivery of quality services and support for business opportunities.

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Bureau of Meteorology

With capital investment in coastal regions increasing dramatically every year, industry and business must have access to high quality, detailed and timely forecasts of atmospheric and marine conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BMet) through its Special Services Unit (SSU) provides specifically tailored services to support operations and strategic planning in weather-sensitive industries such as mining (both onshore and offshore), manufacturing, energy production, construction, tourism, agriculture, defence, shipping and aviation.

Environmental impact assessments, long-range forecasting, and installation and training in the use of meteorological equipment are among the other services SSU's highly trained meteorologists can provide.

They will discuss with a client their individual needs, and design and implement specific services based on the latest technologies, to meet those needs.

SSU offers a range of products to aid in project design and management, and contingency planning. They include:

• Specialised marine forecasting
  Using state-of-the-art computer modelling to study wind, waves, currents and tidal variations and their effects on problems such as oil spill and pollution dispersal, and coastal and off-shore development.
  
  
• Climate change analysis
  With access to all Australian and most overseas climate data since records began, monitoring climate change and assessing the impact of change on specific regions or areas.
  
  
• Severe weather forecasting
  Providing detailed information on the risk and strike probabilities of severe weather phenomena, including tropical cyclones and storm surges, and their projected impact on operations.

While it cannot change the weather, SSU can provide detailed information to minimise its impact on industry operations, and so increase efficiency, competitiveness and return on investment.

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Bureau of Rural Sciences

The effective management of natural resources and the survival and growth of primary industries, depends heavily on research and development and the adaptation of the latest technologies for industry use.

The Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), along with its Advanced Systems Institute (ASI), is one of Australia's foremost research agencies, alerting industry and government to key domestic and international issues which may effect natural resources.

The BRS is a professionally independent agency in the Department of Primary Industries and Energy. Its role is to enhance the sustainable development of Australia's natural resources and associated industries by providing high quality scientific advice to government, industry and the community.

In fulfilling its role, the Bureau carries out the following functions:

• Scientific research
  Analyses research outputs and facilitates and conducts specific research programs relevant to Australia's natural resources and their associated industries.
  
  
• Analyses
  Assesses and reports on the status of Australia's natural resources, giving special attention to trends in their quantity, quality and distribution.
  
  
• Liaison
  Maintains effective professional liaison with national and international scientific research efforts relevant to Australia's natural resources and associated industries.
  
  
• Information on residues
  Maintains scientific information on residues in agricultural and fisheries commodities.
  
  
• Information and advice
  Publishes and provides information and advice to government, industry and the public on national and international resource science issues affecting agricultural, petroleum, mineral, forestry and fisheries industries. The Bureau also facilitates access to and improves the use of resource information at the national level.

BRS is an organisation of multi-disciplinary scientists and dedicated support staff who undertake analysis and resource assessments covering all of Australia's natural resources and its industries. They have expertise in agricultural science, forestry, veterinary science, mineral and petroleum geology, fisheries science and information technology.

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CSIRO Division of Marine and Atmospheric Research

With increasing attention being focused on the impact of offshore and coastal developments on the marine environment there is a growing demand from government and industry for more detailed knowledge of our ocean regions.

Oceanography is providing many of the answers and is playing a central role in determining the future management of these regions. It is the science that defines the constituents of the sea, its physical structure, its currents, tides and waves, and the array of chemical and biological processes that make up the marine environment.

The Division of Marine Research of the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's largest civilian oceanographic institution, with specialised expertise in a broad range of scientific and technological subjects.

The Division is also studying the influence of regional oceans on the global climate and is part of a major international effort to understand the El Nino phenomenon.

It gathers its extensive data through the use of the latest equipment and technology such as ships, satellites, surface and subsurface moorings, and fixed stations. It also operates the RV Franklin, a fully equipped, multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel.

These include:

• Ocean modelling
  Developing and applying one, two and three-dimensional models to predict tides, currents, waves, storm surges and general sea circulation to assist offshore engineering, shipping, fisheries and other resource industries.
  
  
• Remote sensing
  Using satellite technology as a cost-effective research and management tool for gathering and recording detailed information about vast land and ocean areas.
  
  
• Instrumentation development and calibration
  Developing specialised oceanographic technology, including remote sensing products, laboratory and shipboard instruments and sensors, surface and subsurface moored, drifting and towed instruments, and monitoring equipment.
  
  
• Organic and inorganic chemistry
  Identifying and analysing the concentrations of trace metals and organic compounds in seawater and investigating their distribution in relation to the complex chemical and biological processes that occur in seawater and sediments.

The research and services provided by the CSIRO Division of Oceanography are essential to a wide range of marine activities including navigation, fisheries, environmental protection, search and rescue, and offshore construction, exploration and exploitation.

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Defence Science and Technology Organisation

The defence of a sparsely populated island continent such as Australia rests largely with high level technology and a detailed knowledge of the oceans which surround it – elements which are becoming increasingly important to industry.

Australia's second largest research and development agency, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), is charged with developing capability in these areas.

DSTO is increasingly using its knowledge to develop high technology to solve local industry problems and sharing information to avoid costly duplication of effort.

DSTO's specific maritime expertise also includes ocean acoustics, acoustic modelling, signal processing, and anti-fouling coatings. Its facilities include acoustic testing and modelling equipment, and coating evaluation facilities, both atmospheric and immersion, for temperate and tropical conditions.

Of particular interest to industry is DSTO's expertise in:

• Underwater detection systems
  Showing the world new directions in underwater detection systems and assisting industry to apply these systems in the search for offshore oil and mineral resources.
  
  
• Materials research
  Developing materials, such as high strength steels, advanced welding and fabrication, and composite polymer materials, to enable ships and other marine structures to withstand high-level shock, fire and chemical spills.
  
  
• Equipment development
  Developing advanced technologies, such as laser airborne depth sounders which enable hydrographers to chart coastal waters ten times faster than traditional methods allow.

Through its extensive international research and development links, DSTO remains abreast of leading-edge technologies and their application.

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Geoscience Australia

Australia's national agency for geoscience research and geospatial information is located within the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio.

Geoscience Australia (GA) has research and information that contributes towards enhancing economic, social and environmental benefits for the community - by providing input for the decisions that impact upon resource use, management of the environment, and the safety and well-being of Australians.

Major ongoing outcomes are:

• enhanced global attractiveness of Australia's offshore and onshore exploration;
• improved resource management and environmental protection; and
• safer communities and transportation.

Project activities include:

• monitoring earthquakes and nuclear explosions, making earthquake and landslide risk-assessments, studying risks faced by communities, and providing technical test-ban-treaty advice to a range of clients in government and the community;
• providing information on the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, mineral exploration, geological dating, dealing with hazards related to the geomagnetic disturbances, and many other applications;
• mapping the outer limits of Australia's juridiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea;
• studying the environmental impacts of hydrocarbons, researching estuarine health and participating in the international Ocean Drilling Program;
• identifying new prospective basins in Australia's offshore territory and promoting them as areas appropriate for exploration investment;
• producing national geoscientific maps, databases and information systems;
• conducting regional and mineral-systems studies;
• advising on Australia's mineral resources for land-use planning and management;
• promoting opportunities for minerals exploration; and
• providing fundamental spatial information related to national mapping, maritime boundaries, remote sensing and geodesy.

Every project progresses us towards our overall aim by contributing to one or more of the major outcomes, via a work program that builds on our solid achievements of previous years.

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

With responsibility for 344,000 square kilometres of the world's most diverse marine ecosystem, the experience of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in planning and managing coral reef, marine, estuarine and coastal environments is unique.

The Authority's challenge is to preserve the Great Barrier Reef in perpetuity, while at the same time providing for varied and often conflicting activities, ranging from strict environmental preservation to fishing, tourism and other commercial uses.

The Great Barrier Reef region contains a range of environmental conditions, natural resources and uses common to many tropical maritime and island countries.

The Authority's planning and management model can be modified and transferred to any area or country with tropical shallow water ecosystems, particularly coral reef environments, and is adaptable to operations in other countries.

GBRMPA staff have experience in:

• Multi-use planning and management
  Developing zoning plans, and establishing managing and monitoring coastal and marine areas to foster the care, wise use, enjoyment and conservation of coral reef, marine, estuarine and coastal resources.
  
  
• Environmental impact assessment
  Assessing and monitoring the environmental impacts of human activities proposed for locations, both coastal and offshore, in or near sensitive marine and coastal habitats.
  
  
• Research evaluation
  Reviewing and interpreting research into the processes which are vital to maintaining the natural qualities of marine ecosystems.
  
  
• Public information and education
  Developing public education campaigns to influence the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of the public towards the Reef, and to generate support for its ecologically sustainable use.

With a strong professional team, the Authority responds to international calls for assistance, and its staff can provide advice, technical skills and training for clients establishing, planning, managing and/or monitoring coastal and marine areas.

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