Australia

Australia established a National CoML Committee in 2003. Australian National Committee is housed within the Australian Government Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO – http://www.csiro.au/). The CoML Australia initiative supports the concept of making data and information more widely available and provides other opportunities for adding value in the marine research field. The information collected through this initiative will contribute to building a clearer picture of marine life within the Australian region. CoML Australia seeks to address information gaps in the oceans with particular projects focused on the relatively unexplored deeper waters. The North-west and North-east regions of Australia have been identified as priority areas for further exploration.

Committee Chair: Nic Bax, CSIRO

Dr. Nic Bax is the theme leader for the Marine Conservation & Biodiversity Management theme of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia. Dr Bax is also a Professor at the University of Tasmania and leads the Marine Biodiversity Hub, hosted by the university, for the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) program. His experience includes the development, supervision, and presentation of marine research projects in Australia, the United States and Europe and providing modeling expertise to support management decision making.

Program Office contact: Annabel Ozimec

For a list of committee members and information on current activities in Australia, visit the CoML Australia website.

Affiliated Projects in Australia

Great Barrier Reef Seabed Biodiversity Project, led by Roland Pitcher (CSIRO Marine Research, Australia)

“Voyage of Discovery” biodiversity survey of deep water habitats in the waters off Northwestern Australia (July 2007)

Australia also supports a Regional Node for the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). The node is hosted by the Department of Environment and Heritage and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Marine and Atmospheric Research Division. Contact Emma Campbell.

Documents

Media Release: Australia Joins Global Marine Census (20 Jan. 2003)

CoML Australia Annual Report for the Year 2006