Southern Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (SAIMOS)
MISA is addressing a major gap in the State’s marine capabilities – understanding the ocean current systems that underpin SA’s valuable fisheries.
Top Australian oceanographer, Dr John Middleton, the first high level appointment made under the MISA initiative, has been successful in leading the Southern Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (SAIMOS) bid for funding from Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
Federal funding of $2.8 million in cash and another $1 million in kind will support the deployment of ocean moorings and sub-surface gliders to measure currents, temperature and biological properties of the oceans off South Australia.
The South Australian Government has provided $516,000 to purchase a High Frequency Ocean RADAR system for SA which will supply real-time information on surface currents and wave conditions.
While of great importance scientifically, the information will be accessible on the web and of use to search and rescue, maritime shipping and navigation, tracking of toxic algal plumes, aquaculture management and eco-tourism.
The SAIMOS project is being conducted within the SARDI Oceanography Program (PDF document).
Contact: Dr John Middleton +61 8 8207 5449