Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Simulating The Future: Solidifying Townsville as a global leader in marine research

AIMS’ National SeaSim Director, Craig Humphrey Image credit: Hello Muse Photography Simulating the Future BDmag July 2024

Townsville is set to further elevate its status as a global leader of marine science with the expansion of the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim), one of the world’s most advanced research aquariums, and a flagship of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).

Since its inception in 2013 through a $37 million investment from the Education Investment Fund, SeaSim has been a cornerstone of marine research in Australia and played a key role in positioning Townsville as a hub for marine innovation.

As a leading research facility, it has offered unparalleled capabilities for studying coral health and bleaching, marine ecosystem responses to climate change, and reef restoration strategies.

Now, bolstered by a $36 million investment from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through the Department of Education, SeaSim is undergoing a crucial expansion.

The two-phase development features a newly completed 1,300-square-metre outdoor area, resembling a large greenhouse, and the ongoing conversion of 500-square-metres of indoor space into experimental areas, scheduled for completion later this year.

Solidifying Townsville as a global leader in marine research
Science meets the sea inside the innovative SeaSim facility
Image credit: Hello Muse Photography

According to AIMS’ National SeaSim Director Craig Humphrey, this nearly doubling of the facility’s size for new laboratories and research tanks will enable the team to simulate a broader range of environmental conditions and provide critical data to inform global conservation efforts.

“In the first eight years of SeaSim operation, we worked at full capacity,” says Craig, who has been with AIMS for over 25 years and led the SeaSim prototype.

“One of the challenges we face in marine research is the rapid change in environments and ecosystems due to climate change, and new approaches to reef research are going to be required.

“With the current expansion of SeaSim, it enables us to pursue new directions and types of research that we previously hadn’t been able to.

Solidifying Townsville as a global leader in marine research
The expansion will nearly double the facility’s size, adding new laboratories and research tanks. Image credit: Budd Photography

“This is critical for helping to formulate future scenarios from science that can inform management and policy decisions that strengthen ocean resilience to environmental change.”

The expanded facilities will accelerate crucial projects like the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, a collaborative effort by AIMS and key partners to fortify the resilience and adaptability of the Great Barrier Reef against climate change and other threats.

Craig highlights the urgency of these initiatives, noting the significant economic role of the reef, which supports over 66,000 jobs and contributes more than $6 billion annually to our economy.

“Following the construction phase, it is then the SeaSim’s job to create experimental systems to support new research, and our staff are currently in the prototyping stages for this,” adds Craig.

“The first system in the new space, focused on coral spawning, is expected to launch by the end of the year, and our seawater processing facility, which is integral to our operations, will be finalised in the second half of this year.”

The current SeaSim team consists of around 20 staff members, however, this number is set to more than double, with an additional 30 positions expected to be created to support the operations of the new space.

Researchers and educational institutions worldwide are also set to benefit, with new funding being rolled out to ensure more equitable access to the SeaSim. This will enhance Australia’s reputation as one of the world leaders in marine science attracting local, national and international partners to collaborate together to tackle shared global challenges.

Solidifying Townsville as a global leader in marine research
The SeaSim has national and international researchers contributing to cutting-edge research
Image credit: Budd Photography

“We will now be offering merit-based access to national and international researchers to help cover the costs associated with using the facility for their research,” says Craig.

“Previously, they were required to fund their own research within the SeaSim, so we hope there will be an increase in international and national researchers who come and use the facility because of this.

“This is not just of benefit for the SeaSim; it’s also about fostering collaboration among international and national researchers with the broader AIMS team, James Cook University, and other research and educational institutions in the region.”

Australia’s marine industry is a pivotal part of the national economy, annually contributing more than $80 billion. It’s now recognised as one of the most critical and rapidly expanding sectors in Australia, with AIMS playing a core role in sustaining and propelling this growth in the blue economy forward.

Professor Selina Stead, who took on the role of CEO of AIMS in February this year, acknowledged the transformative potential of projects like the SeaSim expansion in not only attracting top-tier talent but also positioning Townsville as a premier destination for hosting world-leading marine conferences.

Before joining AIMS, Professor Stead served as the President of the European Aquaculture Society for 12 years where she organised industry conferences and gained invaluable insight into the factors influencing the selection of specific locations.

“AIMS is a global leader in climate change research and ocean health, specialising in a number of areas such as coral adaptation, which already draws businesses, visitors and researchers to our city,” she remarked.

“The expansion of the SeaSim fits into AIMS’ broader vision for expanding and developing our research capacities to ensure we can continue to impact policy and decisions regarding our climate and the future of our marine life to benefit people in Australia.

“Certainly, the presence of a facility like SeaSim alongside the high-quality research being undertaken at AIMS significantly enhances Townsville’s appeal for hosting prominent marine conferences, making it a more attractive destination for people to live and work in the area.”

Professor Stead highlights the opportunity to enhance the profile of Townsville through growing its transport links such as offering international flights to and from Townsville which she notes would help in securing high profile conferences.

With Townsville Airport indicating its plans to launch international flights by 2025, she is optimistic that this development will serve as a catalyst.

“Townsville has everything going for it; the beautiful people and stunning scenery make for an excellent quality of living,” she adds.

“If we can establish international flights to and from the city, it could be a game-changer in attracting science, technology and industry conferences that can help showcase what Australia has to offer.

“The SeaSim expansion highlights the vital role of cutting-edge research facilities in growing Townsville’s national and international standing and attracting talent, all of which not only advances high quality marine science but trickles down into the local economy.

“We must remember not to forget about this world-class facility that is right on our doorstep.”

SeaSim: Simulating the Future
BDmag July 2024
The leading research facility has offered unparalleled capabilities for studying coral health and bleaching, marine ecosystem responses to climate change, and reef restoration strategies.
Image credit: Hello Muse Photography

Main image: AIMS’ National SeaSim Director, Craig Humphrey (Image credit: Hello Muse Photography)

Click here to read the latest issue of BDmag.

Picture of Georgie Desailly

Georgie Desailly

Georgie is BDmag’s resident writer who is passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability and regional affairs. She spent time studying in New York City where she was trained by some of the world's leading journalists at The School of the New York Times.
Picture of Georgie Desailly

Georgie Desailly

Georgie is BDmag’s resident writer who is passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability and regional affairs. She spent time studying in New York City where she was trained by some of the world's leading journalists at The School of the New York Times.