15 April: AIMS and Chinese counterpart to establish Sino-Australian Centre for Healthy Coasts

Australian Government Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, has today announced the creation of six new Joint Research Centres aimed at building stronger innovation and science links between Australia and China. The Sino-Australian Centre for Healthy Coasts (SACHC), a partnership between the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science (IOCAS), will explore solutions for management of coastal pollution and ecosystem protection.

Dr Richard Brinkman, leader of AIMS’ Sustainable Coastal Ecosystems and Industries research program said that “The Sino-Australian Centre for Healthy Coasts will allow researchers from AIMS and IOCAS to work together on projects directly relevant to major challenges associated with management of multiuse coastal zones”.

Research conducted through the Centre will initially focus on integration of monitoring data, model outputs and other information, and the development of management products and tools to guide sustainable coastal use and development.

“While both countries have invested in coastal observing and monitoring programs over the years, there remains an urgent need to bridge the gap between science and management actions. This funding announcement will pave the way for outcomes directly relevant to major challenges associated with coastal biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, sustainable coastal development, aquaculture and food security”, said Dr Brinkman.

For more information: http://www.science.gov.au/international/CollaborativeOpportunities/ACSRF/jointResearch/Pages/Sino-Australian-JRC-for-Healthy-Coasts.aspx