thefishsite.com, 10 March 2011
AUSTRALIA - The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green said today a new collaboration agreement between the Government and the University of Tasmania would ensure the highest quality research and development for the State’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Mr Green said the agreement would underpin future research for the industries at the University’s world class Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). It will see the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) incorporated into IMAS.
“Aquaculture and fisheries research and development have been delivered in collaboration with the University since 1998 by TAFI,” Mr Green said. “It’s been a very successful partnership that’s increased the quantity and quality of research undertaken to support our valuable seafood industries.
“Most recently, industry research into the sustainable management of key fisheries, such as rock lobster, have provided policy direction in aquaculture production to ensure that the biodiversity of Tasmania’s resources is protected.
UTAS Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor David Rich said that the aggregation of TAFI and IMAS was a natural progression.
“The incorporation of TAFI into IMAS will continue to build the reputation of UTAS and Tasmania as the centre for Antarctic, marine, and fisheries research that is both nationally and internationally recognised,” he said.
“Fisheries research conducted by TAFI uses the most innovative approaches and the latest technology to understand Tasmania’s highly productive marine ecosystems and resources to meet commercial, recreational, and conservation needs.
“TAFI, under the leadership of Professor Colin Buxton, has achieved national and international renown for sustainable marine research and we look forward to furthering our collaborations in fisheries and aquaculture research and teaching.”
Professor Buxton will continue as director under the new agreement.
Source: thefishsite.com
