Centres of Research Excellence Fund

2006 Expressions of Interest

The Sir Peter Blake Centre for Marine Research

Director:   Assoc Prof. Gary Wilson
Host:         University of Otago

Partners:    The University of Auckland
                  Victoria University of Wellington
                  GNS Science
                  Sir Peter Blake Trust

Abstract:

Increasing global population set against a background of environmental change, and an innovation plateau in land-based production is leading government and industry alike to turn to the marine sector for future solutions.  New Zealand with one of the largest EEZs in the world and its globally unique setting is in a position to provide world leadership in fundamental marine science research in marine stewardship, responses to climate change and sustainable development.  New Zealand’s marine systems are already subject to change from human drivers such as urbanization, fishing, aquaculture and tourism, which will accelerate with future climate change and increasing economic use of the marine sector.  Our research will focus on the science of change in marine systems and underpin our ability to respond to environmental and economic opportunities and threats on multiple timescales. To achieve this, the centre will bring together researchers and facilities from the universities of Otago, Auckland and Victoria with specialists from NIWA.

Centre Objectives

• Fundamental world-class multidisciplinary research focused on understanding and prediction of variability and change in marine systems
• Formation of national and international partnerships in marine research
• Strong Industry – Research linkages focused on the marine sector
• Providing the scientific basis to underpin positive environmental and economic transformation in the marine sector
• Training of the next generation of marine scientists
• Wide communication of the importance of marine research

Fundamental Research Questions

• What is the natural variability of NZ ocean system at a regional level?
• What are the important natural and anthropogenic drivers of change in marine systems?
• What is the potential for surprise/tipping points/non-incremental change in marine systems?
• What are the fundamental limitations/opportunities for sustainable use of marine living resources (balancing the mix of protection, wild fisheries, fish husbandry and aquaculture)?
• What are our ecosystems dependencies from microbes to harvested species?