Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group

1. Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group Providing a framework for our Marine Nation Dr Kate Wilson June 2009 OPSAG was established to provide science advice into Australia�s Ocean Policy and its implementation. OPSAG currently provides a forum for coordination among Australian Government marine agencies. OPSAG sponsors whole-of-Government initiatives, such as the Integrated Marine Observing System promotes coordination + info sharing between Australian Government marine science agencies + the broader Australian marine science community OPSAG was established to provide science advice into Australia�s Ocean Policy and its implementation. OPSAG currently provides a forum for coordination among Australian Government marine agencies. OPSAG sponsors whole-of-Government initiatives, such as the Integrated Marine Observing System promotes coordination + info sharing between Australian Government marine science agencies + the broader Australian marine science community

2. Australia is a marine nation. Our economic, social and, indeed, our life-support systems, depend on our oceans � or more accurately, the one global ocean we all share. This shared ocean flows around the world in a grand system of currents that drive waters, oxygen, nutrients heat and more throughout the planet. In every second breath you take the oxygen comes from ocean algae � not trees. Without oceans, 25 per cent more greenhouse gases would have accumulated in the Earth�s atmosphere since industrial emissions began. Our oceans contribute nearly $40 billion to Australia�s economy each year. Ocean science targets areas that concern us all, because oceans support the essentials of life: air, water, food and energy. Our safe access to all of these resources relies on how well we understand, and can therefore protect and use, our oceans.Australia is a marine nation. Our economic, social and, indeed, our life-support systems, depend on our oceans � or more accurately, the one global ocean we all share. This shared ocean flows around the world in a grand system of currents that drive waters, oxygen, nutrients heat and more throughout the planet. In every second breath you take the oxygen comes from ocean algae � not trees. Without oceans, 25 per cent more greenhouse gases would have accumulated in the Earth�s atmosphere since industrial emissions began. Our oceans contribute nearly $40 billion to Australia�s economy each year. Ocean science targets areas that concern us all, because oceans support the essentials of life: air, water, food and energy. Our safe access to all of these resources relies on how well we understand, and can therefore protect and use, our oceans.

3. Teeming with biodiversity our ocean territory spans tropics to the poles includes many biodiversity �hot spots� recognised globally Australia is custodian of amazingly rich marine biodiversity - biodiversity hot spots tropics to the poles Australia is custodian of amazingly rich marine biodiversity - biodiversity hot spots tropics to the poles

5. Economic value of our oceans >4 % of GDP contributed by ocean energy, tourism, food + recreation industries 90% of our liquid hydrocarbon comes from offshore, (only 20% of prospective basins under license) maritime trade = $340 billion pa + investment in ports maritime industries = $38 billion pa (42% increase since 2000) emerging ocean industries have great potential bio-discovery, minerals, carbon capture + storage, renewable energy, offshore aquaculture -�AIMS Index of Marine Industry 2008 Key Points: Huge development in offshore O&G, ports. Tourism � although currently facing issues with the GFC � international, national, recreational fishing. Fisheries � food security, lead the world in approaches to fisheries management in many ways. Aquaculture - While not huge producers of aquaculture product we�re at the forefront of new genetic and feed technologies aimed at revolutionizing the way aquaculture feed is produced and reducing the impact of these industries on marine populations/ecosystems. Key Points: Huge development in offshore O&G, ports. Tourism � although currently facing issues with the GFC � international, national, recreational fishing. Fisheries � food security, lead the world in approaches to fisheries management in many ways. Aquaculture - While not huge producers of aquaculture product we�re at the forefront of new genetic and feed technologies aimed at revolutionizing the way aquaculture feed is produced and reducing the impact of these industries on marine populations/ecosystems.

6. A Marine Nation: a national framework for marine R&D involves key agencies, government departments, universities The Framework sets out the rationale for, key elements of, and critical requirements for a National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation, and is based on extensive consultation with the marine R&D provider community. OPSAG Submission to the Review of the National Innovation System identified major science issues/challenges highlighted systemic weaknesses + gaps in capability + infrastructure involves key agencies, government departments, universities The Framework sets out the rationale for, key elements of, and critical requirements for a National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation, and is based on extensive consultation with the marine R&D provider community. OPSAG Submission to the Review of the National Innovation System identified major science issues/challenges highlighted systemic weaknesses + gaps in capability + infrastructure

7. Opportunities and challenges for Australia�s coastal and ocean domain Discussion among OPSAG and with stakeholders identified 5 broad areas, representative of the challenges facing this nation over the coming decades For the Framework, these challenges are complex and interlinked Resources: Oil and Gas; Fisheries and aquaculture; Biodiscovery; Minerals; new activities such as desalination and energy generation Biodiversity: Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act; ecosystem services; Coastal marine environment: Coastal zone use and impacts; coastal management; NRM 2006 Framework for a National Cooperative Approach to Integrated Coastal Zone Management Climate Change: Climate variability and change (droughts & floods); severe events; sea level change; uncertainty Safety and Security: Maritime hazards; biosecurity; marine forecasts Summary of key issues: A national approach. Australia requires a renewed, strengthened and cohesive national approach to marine research and innovation, to be achieved through more effective coordination and increased investment in Australian marine science guided by an agreed National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation. Industry engagement. Supporting the growth and development of Australian marine industries requires strong and expanded engagement between industry and marine research and innovation providers, based on the development of innovative technologies and solutions, and improved partnerships. Skills. Australian marine science suffers from acute shortages of skilled marine scientists and technologists including chemists, economists, engineers, geographers, mathematicians, microbiologists, modellers, physicists, statisticians, and taxonomists. Shortages are compounded by the lack of career pathways for early career researchers. Coordination and linkages. Australian education and training in marine science, technology and innovation needs to provide for new human capability through better coordination, linkages and investment to meet current and future demand for qualified marine scientists and technologists, and redress the massive taxonomic knowledge gap currently existing in Australia. Discussion among OPSAG and with stakeholders identified 5 broad areas, representative of the challenges facing this nation over the coming decades For the Framework, these challenges are complex and interlinked Resources: Oil and Gas; Fisheries and aquaculture; Biodiscovery; Minerals; new activities such as desalination and energy generation Biodiversity: Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act; ecosystem services; Coastal marine environment: Coastal zone use and impacts; coastal management; NRM 2006 Framework for a National Cooperative Approach to Integrated Coastal Zone Management Climate Change: Climate variability and change (droughts & floods); severe events; sea level change; uncertainty Safety and Security: Maritime hazards; biosecurity; marine forecasts Summary of key issues: A national approach. Australia requires a renewed, strengthened and cohesive national approach to marine research and innovation, to be achieved through more effective coordination and increased investment in Australian marine science guided by an agreed National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation. Industry engagement. Supporting the growth and development of Australian marine industries requires strong and expanded engagement between industry and marine research and innovation providers, based on the development of innovative technologies and solutions, and improved partnerships. Skills. Australian marine science suffers from acute shortages of skilled marine scientists and technologists including chemists, economists, engineers, geographers, mathematicians, microbiologists, modellers, physicists, statisticians, and taxonomists. Shortages are compounded by the lack of career pathways for early career researchers. Coordination and linkages. Australian education and training in marine science, technology and innovation needs to provide for new human capability through better coordination, linkages and investment to meet current and future demand for qualified marine scientists and technologists, and redress the massive taxonomic knowledge gap currently existing in Australia.

8. A National Framework Exploration, discovery and sustainability The development of an integrated and collaborative marine exploration, discovery and sustainability program will provide the foundation for better informed management of Australia�s marine resources, marine biodiversity, coastal zone, marine climate change impacts and marine safety and security. Observations, modelling and Prediction: This second major element is directed at integrated coastal and marine observations, and process studies for generation of knowledge and understanding that will enable the development of predictive models. Marine industries: The third element of the proposed national framework is directed at marine industries development. This envisages involvement in marine technology and engineering, materials science (new materials, advanced sensors), robotics, and marine information and communications technology. Engagement and knowledge transfer: The development and delivery of marine research and innovation requires effective engagement and close interactions between research providers and stakeholders. It also requires the development of shared visions of future requirements and effective and targeted information exchange; including the definition of their requirements by users of information, technology and outputs. Framework identifies research, development + innovation required to: respond to government, industry + community needs deliver knowledge, data + new technologies realise the opportunities + respond to the challenges Framework allows for a renewed national effort in marine science through nationally coordinated research involving all marine science providers + users education + training marine science skills career pathways for early-career researchers capability + infrastructure Marine National Facility vessel remote sensing high-performance computing monitoring marine collections � Exploration, discovery and sustainability The development of an integrated and collaborative marine exploration, discovery and sustainability program will provide the foundation for better informed management of Australia�s marine resources, marine biodiversity, coastal zone, marine climate change impacts and marine safety and security. Observations, modelling and Prediction: This second major element is directed at integrated coastal and marine observations, and process studies for generation of knowledge and understanding that will enable the development of predictive models. Marine industries: The third element of the proposed national framework is directed at marine industries development. This envisages involvement in marine technology and engineering, materials science (new materials, advanced sensors), robotics, and marine information and communications technology. Engagement and knowledge transfer: The development and delivery of marine research and innovation requires effective engagement and close interactions between research providers and stakeholders. It also requires the development of shared visions of future requirements and effective and targeted information exchange; including the definition of their requirements by users of information, technology and outputs. Framework identifies research, development + innovation required to: respond to government, industry + community needs deliver knowledge, data + new technologies realise the opportunities + respond to the challenges Framework allows for a renewed national effort in marine science through nationally coordinated research involving all marine science providers + users education + training marine science skills career pathways for early-career researchers capability + infrastructure Marine National Facility vessel remote sensing high-performance computing monitoring marine collections �

9. Oceans are vast and data poor Megan quote: Mapping our oceans with just one research vessel is like mapping Australia with only a golf buggy. Since its inception about 10 years ago, the global Argo project � which uses an armada of robotic floats to gather data on ocean conditions around the world � has generated about 16GB of data. In comparison, the Square Kilometre Array is expected to generate that much data in 160 milliseconds, pathfinder 3 sec. Brian Boyle says that � in its first week of operation � the Square Kilometre Array will generate more information than the total words ever spoken by humanity. In comparison, Southern Surveyor voyages generate about 10 TB a year of ocean-related data. This is highly skewed towards physical data, not biological. As Stephen Miller of Scripps Institution of Oceanography lamented last year, we know far more about the surface of Mars from a few weeks of radar surveying in orbit than we know about the bottom of the global ocean after two centuries.Megan quote: Mapping our oceans with just one research vessel is like mapping Australia with only a golf buggy. Since its inception about 10 years ago, the global Argo project � which uses an armada of robotic floats to gather data on ocean conditions around the world � has generated about 16GB of data. In comparison, the Square Kilometre Array is expected to generate that much data in 160 milliseconds, pathfinder 3 sec. Brian Boyle says that � in its first week of operation � the Square Kilometre Array will generate more information than the total words ever spoken by humanity. In comparison, Southern Surveyor voyages generate about 10 TB a year of ocean-related data. This is highly skewed towards physical data, not biological. As Stephen Miller of Scripps Institution of Oceanography lamented last year, we know far more about the surface of Mars from a few weeks of radar surveying in orbit than we know about the bottom of the global ocean after two centuries.

10. Improved governance a national steering committee for marine research + innovation to: bring together all marine science providers provide a cohesive strategy for investment provide an appropriate policy interface provide for annual reporting + accountability advise Government on marine R&D A national steering committee for marine research and innovation The proposed national steering committee for marine research and innovation would report to the appropriate Government policy interface (as discussed below) and have the responsibility to further develop, manage and implement the National Framework. Responsibilities would be to: Have oversight of major opportunities and challenges for Australia�s coasts and ocean domain, and to advise relevant governments and/or agencies (Australian, State/Territory, Local) of possible responses; Consult with marine industry stakeholders on priorities and directions in marine research and innovation; Develop national high-level priorities for marine research and innovation; Implement national marine research and innovation initiatives; Coordinate the national effort in marine research and innovation; Develop a national strategy for education, training and career pathways in marine research and innovation; and Provide high-level annual reports on developments and achievements in marine science, and accountability for new initiatives in marine research and innovation. A national steering committee for marine research and innovation The proposed national steering committee for marine research and innovation would report to the appropriate Government policy interface (as discussed below) and have the responsibility to further develop, manage and implement the National Framework. Responsibilities would be to: Have oversight of major opportunities and challenges for Australia�s coasts and ocean domain, and to advise relevant governments and/or agencies (Australian, State/Territory, Local) of possible responses; Consult with marine industry stakeholders on priorities and directions in marine research and innovation; Develop national high-level priorities for marine research and innovation; Implement national marine research and innovation initiatives; Coordinate the national effort in marine research and innovation; Develop a national strategy for education, training and career pathways in marine research and innovation; and Provide high-level annual reports on developments and achievements in marine science, and accountability for new initiatives in marine research and innovation.

11. Marine science in the spotlight "Australia has unique natural resources and distinctive flora and fauna. Our resource profile will inevitably influence our innovation priorities. For example, Australia has the third largest ocean territory in the world, so it makes sense for us to focus on marine science." -�Powering ideas: an innovation agenda for the 21st century Australian Government

12. Marine central to Government�s plan Messages from Senator Carr on Budget night: R&D will be at the centre of recovery from the global financial crisis. There has been under-resourcing of innovation capacity.Messages from Senator Carr on Budget night: R&D will be at the centre of recovery from the global financial crisis. There has been under-resourcing of innovation capacity.

13. Budget backs marine science $120M to CSIRO to construct new �blue-water� marine research vessel $52M to Integrated Marine Observing System: $55M to Australian Institute of Marine Science $45M to establish Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies $19M for Sydney Institute of Marine Science $25.2M to Australian Antarctic Division

14. IMOS IMOS has been concentrating so far on physical observations, but is moving to incorporate more biological.IMOS has been concentrating so far on physical observations, but is moving to incorporate more biological.

15. Marine National Facility Southern Surveyor: RV Southern Surveyor will be 40 years old in 2011 and will need to be decommissioned in 2012. Enhanced maintenance and additional operating costs have been provided to keep the current research vessel operating for up to 180 days per annum until the replacement vessel is available. Replacement vessel: The new, 85m vessel will be capable of operating continuously for 55 days at sea, cruising at 12 knots over a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It will be engineered to adapt to support a broad range of sophisticated scientific activities by multi-disciplinary teams. The vessel will provide a safe working environment that will routinely encounter the challenges of the Southern Ocean from Antarctica�s ice edge, to the cyclones of Australia�s Tropical North. This is a four year process to deliver a new research vessel in 2012-13 to provide up to 300 days of blue-water research capability. The replacement vessel will have an economic useful life of approximately 25 years. Southern Surveyor: RV Southern Surveyor will be 40 years old in 2011 and will need to be decommissioned in 2012. Enhanced maintenance and additional operating costs have been provided to keep the current research vessel operating for up to 180 days per annum until the replacement vessel is available. Replacement vessel: The new, 85m vessel will be capable of operating continuously for 55 days at sea, cruising at 12 knots over a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It will be engineered to adapt to support a broad range of sophisticated scientific activities by multi-disciplinary teams. The vessel will provide a safe working environment that will routinely encounter the challenges of the Southern Ocean from Antarctica�s ice edge, to the cyclones of Australia�s Tropical North. This is a four year process to deliver a new research vessel in 2012-13 to provide up to 300 days of blue-water research capability. The replacement vessel will have an economic useful life of approximately 25 years.

16. Environmental protection, conservation:extinct undersea volcanos support thriving biodiversity Two voyages on Southern Surveyor surveyed a seamount cluster south of Tasmania. The team found and analysed�274 species new to science, as well as discovering 80 new seamounts, or undersea mountains, and 145 undersea canyons. Mapping and collections revealed unknown and rich biodiversity vulnerable to bottom fishing impacts. Surveys, including quantitative and non-extractive photographic techniques suited to these delicate ecosystems, have enabled effective protection in Commonwealth Marine Reserves. The Huon Commonwealth Marine Reserve = 9,991 square kilometres. In comparison: the Tasman Fracture CMR = 42,501 sq km Freycinet CMR = 57,942 sq km Macquarie Island CMR = 162,000 sq km TOTAL OF THE ENTIRE South-east Network (including Macca)� = 388,458 sq km Great Barrier Reef Marine Park = 344,400�sq km [IC: so its not the biggest, but still not small... the spin has been that the network is the largest deep sea temperate MPA in the world. Ian believes the 2008 USA MPA off Hawaii is bigger than the whole SE MPA network.] Museums: Museum Victoria, the Australian Museum, the Queensland Museum, (and Geoscience Australia and the Marine National Facility)Two voyages on Southern Surveyor surveyed a seamount cluster south of Tasmania. The team found and analysed�274 species new to science, as well as discovering 80 new seamounts, or undersea mountains, and 145 undersea canyons. Mapping and collections revealed unknown and rich biodiversity vulnerable to bottom fishing impacts. Surveys, including quantitative and non-extractive photographic techniques suited to these delicate ecosystems, have enabled effective protection in Commonwealth Marine Reserves. The Huon Commonwealth Marine Reserve = 9,991 square kilometres. In comparison: the Tasman Fracture CMR = 42,501 sq km Freycinet CMR = 57,942 sq km Macquarie Island CMR = 162,000 sq km TOTAL OF THE ENTIRE South-east Network (including Macca)� = 388,458 sq km Great Barrier Reef Marine Park = 344,400�sq km [IC: so its not the biggest, but still not small... the spin has been that the network is the largest deep sea temperate MPA in the world. Ian believes the 2008 USA MPA off Hawaii is bigger than the whole SE MPA network.] Museums: Museum Victoria, the Australian Museum, the Queensland Museum, (and Geoscience Australia and the Marine National Facility)

17. Voyages of discovery The funding of a replacement vessel is something the marine community is very excited about. The current Marine National Facility research vessel Southern Surveyor is a platform through which CSIRO and museums collaborate a lot. An example of this is our voyage of discovery off western Australia: first large, systematic collection of seabed megafauna from Australia�s deep western continental margin (~100 to 1,100 m depth; 18oS to 35oS), revealed an undiscovered high species richness and novelty in several invertebrate taxa. Nearly 60% of collected samples were estimated to be new or un-named species. Primary taxonomic contributions came from the Australian Museum, the NT Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Victoria, WA Museum and Queensland Museum. (poster at the printers)The funding of a replacement vessel is something the marine community is very excited about. The current Marine National Facility research vessel Southern Surveyor is a platform through which CSIRO and museums collaborate a lot. An example of this is our voyage of discovery off western Australia: first large, systematic collection of seabed megafauna from Australia�s deep western continental margin (~100 to 1,100 m depth; 18oS to 35oS), revealed an undiscovered high species richness and novelty in several invertebrate taxa. Nearly 60% of collected samples were estimated to be new or un-named species. Primary taxonomic contributions came from the Australian Museum, the NT Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Victoria, WA Museum and Queensland Museum. (poster at the printers)

18. Atlas of Living Australia Another Budget win was $30 million increase in funding for the Atlas of Living Australia. Hosted by CSIRO and in collaboration with partners in government, museums and the universities, the program is developing a biodiversity data management system which will link Australia�s biological knowledge with its scientific and agricultural reference collections and other custodians of biological information. To have integrated information on all Australian species, including data on specimens held by Australia�s natural history collections and data from field observations of living organisms is a very valuable research tool. The funds will allow CSIRO and our partners to support the management and integration of biological data from all areas of research from molecular to ecological. The program will develop search interfaces and web services to facilitate discovery of biological information resources and to support the use of biological data in scientific research, policy-making and education. The Atlas of Living Australia is funded under the Australian Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Another Budget win was $30 million increase in funding for the Atlas of Living Australia. Hosted by CSIRO and in collaboration with partners in government, museums and the universities, the program is developing a biodiversity data management system which will link Australia�s biological knowledge with its scientific and agricultural reference collections and other custodians of biological information. To have integrated information on all Australian species, including data on specimens held by Australia�s natural history collections and data from field observations of living organisms is a very valuable research tool. The funds will allow CSIRO and our partners to support the management and integration of biological data from all areas of research from molecular to ecological. The program will develop search interfaces and web services to facilitate discovery of biological information resources and to support the use of biological data in scientific research, policy-making and education. The Atlas of Living Australia is funded under the Australian Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

19. PhotoAlastair Graham, Fish Collection Manager, Australian National Fish Collection examining a specimen in one of the 15,000 or so jars that are stored in the collection. The ANFC, formerly known as the �ISR Munro Ichthyological Collection�, houses approximately 150 000 specimens of almost 3000 species from Australasia, Asia, Antarctic, and the sub-Antarctic Islands. It is among Australia�s most diverse ichthyological collections and contains one of the largest collections of sharks, rays and deepwater fishes in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as large radiographic and frozen tissue collections, it houses the largest collection of photographs of deepwater Indo-Pacific fishes in existence. The Fish Collection group�s research is focused on biodiversity and biogeography of Australian and Indo-Pacific fishes. The group has strong research links to multiple international teams investigating the systematics of Indo-Pacific fishes. PhotoAlastair Graham, Fish Collection Manager, Australian National Fish Collection examining a specimen in one of the 15,000 or so jars that are stored in the collection. The ANFC, formerly known as the �ISR Munro Ichthyological Collection�, houses approximately 150 000 specimens of almost 3000 species from Australasia, Asia, Antarctic, and the sub-Antarctic Islands. It is among Australia�s most diverse ichthyological collections and contains one of the largest collections of sharks, rays and deepwater fishes in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as large radiographic and frozen tissue collections, it houses the largest collection of photographs of deepwater Indo-Pacific fishes in existence. The Fish Collection group�s research is focused on biodiversity and biogeography of Australian and Indo-Pacific fishes. The group has strong research links to multiple international teams investigating the systematics of Indo-Pacific fishes.

20. Thank you Dr Kate Wilson kate.wilson@csiro.au 02 9490 8258 www.opsag.org