More funding for marine science

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced $100,000 in funding to help the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) to expand its Chowder Bay, Mosman, location.

Ms Berejiklian said the funds would help the Institute develop a business plan for its proposed Centre for Urban Marine Innovation, which will be a global hub for integrated urban marine research, teaching and innovation.

“Sydney has the world’s best harbour and the NSW Government recognises that the critical research SIMS is undertaking in marine biodiversity and management will benefit future generations of Sydneysiders,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The Centre for Urban Marine Innovation will focus on maintaining healthy marine environments, innovations in marine infrastructure and engineering as well as managing human impact on urban waterways.”

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government and SIMS would work with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust on finding an appropriate location for the new Centre within the Trust’s lands.

“Our funding will allow SIMS to develop their business case and detailed planning for the best site for the Centre. It is important to find uses for this unique land that provide a benefit to the community and are sensitive to community concerns.”

This funding builds on the NSW Government’s support for marine science and the environment, which includes:

• $16 million for the NSW Shark Management Strategy, which contributes to strategic research into shark biology and behaviour
• Investing $9.1 million in fisheries science and research to guide the sustainable management of the marine environment, including fisheries.
• A $100,000 grant to SIMS World Harbour Project, an extension of the Sydney Harbour Research program.
• $100,000 to help restock Sydney’s healthy seaweed supply – the funding provided to SIMS supported the reforesting of 70km of Sydney’s coast
• Almost $1 million to the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services to help protect the Bells Turtle population in the Northern Tablelands