Sydney Institute of Marine Science turns 20
From its base in beautiful Chowder Bay, Mosman, the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) has been protecting Sydney Harbour for 20 years.
Established in 2005 by four universities – Macquarie, UTS, UNSW and Sydney, SIMS conducts vital research to protect the future of marine life through initiatives such as breeding and releasing seahorses in the harbour, restoring essential seagrass and crayweed, and establishing living seawalls.
SIMS is currently halfway through Project Restore, the single largest underwater restoration research in the urban ocean.
“Our mission is to restore underwater habitats and seascapes so the ocean is healthier,” Martina Doblin, SIMS chief executive officer says. “But we also want to increase literacy about how people need to care so the ocean remains healthy for future generations.
“If we don’t restore, we run the risk of degrading our systems far beyond what’s needed to sustain a flourishing city. Sydney is a tourism destination, and in order to prosper, businesses rely on having a clear harbour with healthy marine life that doesn’t smell or look dirty.
“If only a handful of people care, it won’t be enough for us to look after such a large and important place,” Martina adds.
SIMS is supported through philanthropy, donations and some government funding.
“We collaborate with the State Government to carry out research to inform policy, but we’d love to do more,” Martina says. “We’d love more support to enable us to continue our research and develop education programs. There’s a huge demand for us to come to schools, but we don’t have the resources. But one way people can support us is with a donation,” Martina says.
More seahorses will be released in Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay in February or March. SIMS is keeping an eye on how the babies are growing in its aquarium before deciding on a date.
The Sydney Coast Marine Bioblitz is coming up as part of the Ocean Lovers Festival in March. SIMS need ocean lovers to contribute to observing and collecting biodiversity data by photographing animal and plant species in inter-tidal zones, rock pools, estuaries and open ocean. Visit oceanloversfestival.com for details.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, SIMS is hosting a Gala Emerald Dinner on 13 March at the Sergeants Mess in Chowder Bay Mosman with a special guest speaker and entertainment.
For more details, email info@sims.org. au or call 9435 4600.