To learn about our research capabilities including climate change, physiology, ecotoxicology, and more, contact us today by calling +61 7 4753 4444 or via email atseasim@aims.gov.au
Research Capabilities
Read more about SeaSim's research capabilities including climate change, physiology, ecotoxicology, and more!
The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a world-class marine experimental research facility located at Cape Ferguson, about 50km south of the CBD of Townsville, Queensland.
SeaSim’s advanced capabilities allow researchers to precisely control water quality parameters such temperature, pH, salinity, light, and water chemistry, enabling researchers to simulate various scenarios and examine the responses of marine organisms to environmental changes.
In 2021, the Australian Government announced a $36.3 million SeaSim expansion as part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) in recognition of the role that SeaSim plays in facilitating crucial research for marine research.
We are excited to announce that NCRIS funding will support the National Sea Simulator Funded Access Program. National and international researchers will soon be able to apply for merit-based access to use the facility for their research.
If you’d like to be the first to know about upcoming calls for proposals and updates about the National Sea Simulator, sign up to our mailing list below!
To receive the latest information about SeaSim, the Funded Access program, and more, subscribe to our email list!
Long-Term Monitoring Program Annual Summary Report of Coral Reef Condition 2023/24
Coral cover remains high while impacts of mass coral bleaching yet to be determined
Published 7th August 2024
Components
There are many ways to measure the status of coral reefs. One of the most common is to use percent hard coral cover as an ‘indicator’ of reef condition because it describes the abundance of a critical ecosystem engineer on coral reefs. This measure describes the proportion of the seafloor that is covered in live hard coral. Percent hard coral cover is widely used by scientists worldwide and is a standard measure that applies to all locations. While it does not tell us anything about the diversity or composition of coral assemblages, it provides a simple and robust measure of reef health.
Percent hard coral cover can be estimated using various techniques. The technique used for this report is manta tow surveys, which are visual estimates of percent hard coral cover over the area covered by an observer during one 2-minute tow (~2000m2). The percent hard coral cover for a reef is then estimated as the average of the estimates from all tows around a reef and reported as broad categories (e.g., 0 = 0%, >0% – 10%, >10% – 30%, >30% – 50%, >50% – 75% and >75% – 100%; See video below).
A coral reef consists of more than just hard coral and contains a diverse array of other corals, sponges, algae, sand, rock and invertebrates. It is relatively rare for GBR reefs to have 75% to 100% hard coral cover and AIMS defines >30% – 50% hard coral cover as a high value, based on historical surveys across the GBR.
Other techniques for determining percent hard coral cover involve counting the number of points within sampling units (quadrats, photos), as used by LTMP in fixed site surveys, or the linear distance along a tape measure (line-intercept) that intersect live hard coral colonies. Adding up the total number of points of live hard coral cover and then expressing this as a percentage of the total number of points within a sample yields the estimates of hard coral cover. Data from both the fixed site and manta tow surveys conducted by the LTMP are highly correlated and show the same trends in hard coral cover estimates. However, manta tow estimates are generally lower than those obtained from fixed site surveys as they encompass the entire reef, including sandy back reef habitats that have low coral cover.
A visual guide to the different categories of coral cover used for reef surveys.
AIMS is a world leader in tropical marine science and conducts research supporting environmental sustainability and economic growth in Australia’s tropical oceans.
Our highly skilled and innovative science staff and valued support staff use state-of-the-art infrastructure, alongside strong national and international collaborative relationships to help to build Australia’s national marine science capability.
Together we can meet the challenges facing our marine estate.
Here are some helpful hints and tips to assist you with preparing your application, and an overview of what to expect during the recruitment process.
Components
To be appointed by AIMS on a Temporary, Fixed Term or Indefinite basis you will need to:
be an Australian Citizen, or
hold Permanent Resident status in Australia.
hold an appropriate visa with working entitlements if you are a non-Australian Citizens. The visa must allow for paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment.
AIMS may consider sponsorship for international applicants. If a position is eligible for consideration, it will be noted in the advertisement. You must be eligible to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or another appropriate working visa as determined by the Department of Home Affairs. Visit the Australian Government’s Home Affairs website for more information on Australian citizenship and visa requirements.
Found an opportunity you are interested in? Review the role requirements and if you feel your qualifications, experience and professional/technical capabilities align we encourage you to apply. Your application must contain:
A current resume
Response addressing each of the key selection criteria for the position
A short cover letter (optional)
Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your skills and experience relevant to the role you are applying for.
Selection criteria is found in the position description and outlines the skills, qualifications and abilities required by a candidate to perform the position. A response to each of these criteria’s is required as part of your application.
Applications must be submitted electronically via our website. Applications must be submitted prior to the specified closing date and time noted in the advertisement.
Completed applications are assessed on merit by a selection panel with knowledge of and/or involvement in the relevant area of work.
Shortlisted applicants progressing to the next stage will be contacted to arrange an interview time to attend either via video conference or in person.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications received and detail contained within these applications, this process can take several weeks.
If you are invited to attend an interview, it will be conducted by a selection panel which generally consists of the hiring manager and employees with knowledge of and/or involvement in the relevant area of work.
You can prepare for the interview by:
doing some research. Look over AIMS’ website to give more insight into what we do, review the job advert and position description, consider why you applied for the role and your interest in working for AIMS.
preparing to discuss specific examples of your experience and skills relevant to the key skills required for the role. Consider the STAR methodology.
thinking of any questions you would like to ask the panel about the role or working at AIMS. If you’re completing the interview via video conference, find a quiet place to do the interview where you are unlikely to be disturbed or distracted and have good internet connection.
As part of or in place of an interview, you may be asked to complete activities such as work sample text, a presentation or other recruitment activities.
Following an interview, AIMS will contact your referees to conduct an employment reference check as confirmation of your skills, abilities and experience. Referees’ details are requested in your application and will be confirmed at the interview.
All applicants will be advised in writing or from the panel chair the outcome of the recruitment process at the earliest possible date. This can take some time, as our recruitment stages are thorough. Until the successful applicant accepts the position, other interviewed applications remain active.
Individual feedback is available upon request from the hiring manager should your application be unsuccessful.
If you are successfully appointed to join the AIMS team, you can expect to undertake a pre-employment medical with an AIMS nominated medical provider to certify you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the role.
AIMS appreciates the value inherent in a diverse workforce. Employees who belong to a wide range of demographic groups can use their varying backgrounds, experiences and skills to help deliver innovative and creative science excellence while allowing staff to reach their full potential.
We are committed to maintaining a workplace where social identities such as age, gender, orientation, disability status, race, and more have no impact on an individual’s opportunity to succeed and thrive.
The National Sea Simulator is now taking applications for merit-based access to our facility, supported by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Successful applications will receive access to SeaSim space and capability and full support from knowledgeable and skilled staff to conduct their research. Don't miss this opportunity to conduct your research in this world-class experimental research facility.
Crown-of-thorns starfish (also known as COTS) are a major driver of coral loss throughout the Indo Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef. The native starfish eat living hard coral and when in large numbers, can decimate reef-building coral communities. Four waves of starfish outbreaks have been recorded on the Great Barrier Reef since the 1960s.
To learn about our research capabilities including climate change, physiology, ecotoxicology, and more, contact us today by calling +61 7 4753 4444 or via email atseasim@aims.gov.au
Research capabilities
Read more about SeaSim's research capabilities including climate change, physiology, ecotoxicology, and more!
