What is the Australian Institute of Marine Science?
The Australian Institute of Marine Science, known as AIMS, is Australia's tropical marine research agency. Founded in 1972 and based near Townsville in Queensland, it studies coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef.
AIMS headquarters is at Cape Cleveland, south of Townsville. The institute also has research bases in Darwin and Perth, which allow scientists to study reefs and seas across northern Australia.
Scientists at AIMS conduct long-term monitoring of the Great Barrier Reef, measuring coral cover, fish populations and the effects of cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish and coral bleaching.
The National Sea Simulator
AIMS operates the National Sea Simulator, an advanced aquarium research facility that can recreate ocean conditions such as temperature and acidity. Scientists use it to study how corals and other marine life respond to climate change.
The institute is also working on ways to help reefs adapt to warming oceans, including breeding heat-tolerant corals and new methods of reef restoration.
AIMS research vessels carry scientists to remote reefs, and its data is used by government agencies, reef managers and tourism operators. Its annual reports on the condition of the Great Barrier Reef are closely watched by the public and the media.
Did You Know?
AIMS works closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.