The Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories

Western Australians enjoy some of the best fishing and seafood in the world. Maintaining the quality of this resource involves effective management underpinned by excellent research.

World-class fisheries research requires world-class scientists and facilities. Over the past 40 years the Department of Fisheries’ Research Division has developed an international reputation for the excellence of its fisheries science - and now it finally has a home to match.

The Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories are a $16m state-ofthe- art facility, home to researchers and education staff who help ensure the State’s fish stocks are managed for current and future generations to enjoy.

Most importantly, the laboratories will become a hub for regional research facilities and activities at Broome, Pemberton, Albany, Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands, and provide better access to the Department’s specialised fisheries library for university research collaborators and the public.

In an Australian ‘first’, the Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories will combine a research institution with a leading-edge public education facility - the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre. This will incorporate an interactive exhibition area, aquariums, training areas for use by schools and viewing windows into research areas.

The Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre will open later this year and support the Department of Fisheries’ awardwinning volunteer and fisheries education initiatives - and offer people an intimate ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at how fisheries research is carried out.

A Centre of Discovery

The Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre includes a specially designed exhibition within the new research centre where you can learn more about aquatic species, our marine environment and the science and management behind the State’s fisheries.

Plans for the discovery centre include a fascinating tour following the path of the Leeuwin Current - the heart beat that drives WA’s climate and fisheries.

Ecologically Sustainable Development will be the main focus of the tour, with each bioregion telling its own stories relating to:

• the importance of fishing and fisheries to the culture, lifestyle, economy, history and sense of place of Western Australians;
• the aquatic ecology and biology of WA’s remarkable Indian Ocean coastline, from the continental shelf to coastal estuaries; and
• the outstanding science behind the management of fisheries in WA.

As you enter the foyer, you will be able to view the public art works of marine life created by internationally-recognised marine artists Roger Swainston and Pascal Leclerq.

In addition, a window has literally been provided on fisheries science - you can observe research scientists at work in four laboratories through public viewing windows. There is an indoor aquarium room, which features live exhibits of fish and crustaceans.

Continue your fact-finding on fish and their habitats by visiting the centre’s spacious library and finish the tour with some refreshment in the café.

For more details see On the Current - A newsletter from the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre.