Townsville Sea Simulator centre opens

Original story by David Chan, ABC News: Townsville Sea Simulator centre opens, targets coral-killing crown of thorns starfish

Scientists say the National Sea Simulator, which is being opened in north Queensland today, represents a quantum leap for marine research.

The $35 million federally-funded research aquarium, also known as SeaSim, is based at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Townsville and scientists will use it to recreate ocean conditions for their experiments.

It will give researchers precise control over variables including temperature, salinity and water quality.

The institute’s chief executive, John Gunn, says SeaSim represents a quantum leap for marine research in Australia.

“This facility allows us to look at the multiple different factors, what we call the cumulative impacts, of human use in the zone of reefs and inshore areas,” he said.

“So this is going to be a nerve centre of an advance that I think will be unparalleled globally.”

Mr Gunn says research facility will help scientists study the long-term effects of climate change, ocean acidification and dredging.

“It allows groups of scientists from AIMS, from universities such as James Cook [University] and all around the world to come together some of the big questions,” he said.

Researchers to target killer starfish

AIMS research director, Jamie Oliver, says scientists are hoping to learn more about the starfish.

“We’re very keen to replicate some of the original experiments which strongly suggest that for instance, nutrients are a major factor in causing COT outbreaks but we need to be able to replicate that work under much controlled and detailed circumstances,” he said.

He hopes the research will also lead to more effective ways of controlling the predator.

“We can do that through for instance seeing whether there are special chemicals called pheromones which may attract crown of thorns starfish together,” he said.

“If we can attract them together we may be able to use it as a way of putting out baited traps and collect much larger number of COTs.”

Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister Kim Carr says he hopes SeaSim will help authorities and businesses better understand the impacts from things such as ocean warming and acidification.

“Our standards of living depend on having viable industries, including fishing, exports of our gas and mineral resources, as well as sectors like tourism but it is equally important we look after our marine resources carefully and responsibly,” Senator Carr said.

“Public science and research agencies such as AIMS are the most invaluable assets we have in terms of getting this balance right based on the best available evidence.”