The Aquaculture Environment Team comprises marine and social scientists and researchers who are seeking to better understand interactions between marine aquaculture, the environment and society.
Our main objective is to improve understanding of the ways in which aquaculture interacts with marine and coastal ecosystems, and other resource users, around Tasmania.
We do this to identify potential risks both for the environment and industry, to help inform management, planning, regulation and the broader community, but especially to ensure that aquaculture in Tasmania is sustainable over the long-term. It is important to us that the information we provide is reliable, rigorous, impartial and transparent to the Tasmanian and global community.
We hope that our research helps people better understand aquaculture interactions, the complexity of the Tasmanian environment and how we all affect and are affected by our amazing coastal ecosystems.
Our History
The Aquaculture Environment Team has grown from small beginnings, with just a couple of focused scientists a decade ago, to a diverse group of more than a dozen committed and specialist staff. Some of the core research skills in the group include:
Coastal and reef ecology Fish and invertebrate biology Taxonomy Ecosystem and nutrient modelling Biogeochemistry Habitat mapping Spatial analysis and GIS Data management Communication Social science research specialties including multiple use management, conflict management and governance and policy analysis
The success of the Aquaculture Environment Team stems from the collaboration, hard work and dedication of our members, with teamwork, health and safety and 'mateship' at the center of our ethos.
Our work is deeply collaborative and involves partnerships with industry, government and research organisations, both locally, nationally and internationally.
We acknowledge the palawa/pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people, the traditional custodians of the land and sea upon which we live and work, and their enduring cultures and knowledge of our oceans and coasts.
We recognise that decisions and practices affecting the future of Indigenous education and research are vital to the self-determination, wellbeing and livelihood of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to shaping the Australian society in which we live.
Copyright 2025 Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
