Pioneering Marine Science for a Sustainable Future - What is being done to revive Sydney's Seas?

The Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) is a non profit organization that was formed through a partnership between Macquarie University, the University of NSW, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney. SIMS have over 100 scientists and graduate students and represents a broad diversity of skills in marine science. They occupy a unique space within the landscape of environmental research by offering facilities and consultation for technical application of novel experimental designs while simultaneously hosting multiple unique research initiatives aimed at conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Two current projects underway at the institute are Project Restore and the Sydney Seahorse Project

Project Restore aims to apply four of our unique restoration techniques simultaneously in target areas of Sydney Harbour to see if their synergistic effect increases positive outcomes for these ecosystems. It will be amongst the first, globally, to move beyond habitat-by-habitat restoration, to provide an example of how multi-habitat restoration can be conducted at seascape scale to not only maximise ecological but also socio-economic benefits.

The Sydney Seahorse Project aims to repopulate the endangered White’s seahorse through a research-based captive breeding program while simultaneously addressing the key issue of habitat loss through the provision of artificial habitats called “Seahorse Hotels”, and the collaborative restoration of habitats including the Endangered seagrass, Posidonia australis. The Sydney Seahorse Project has a strong focus on using rigorous scientific practice to develop ideal conservation methodologies. Repopulation of this iconic species serves not only to restore natural habitat and ecological function but to stimulate community interest and stewardship initiatives.