University of Tasmania and Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) and the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) are developing our understanding of the impact climate change is having on the delicate ecosystems in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Educating world-leading scientists to pioneer world-leading research
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is an internationally recognized Center of Excellence based at the University of Tasmania, Australia (UTAS). Established in 2010, the institute has taken an innovative approach to contributing to our environmental understanding of marine life, with data and findings being used across academia, industry, government, and the local communities. By underpinning the need to understand the impact of climate change, ocean/Earth systems, and governance of the oceans and Antarctica across their research, study, and education program, IMAS is dedicated to enhancing understanding across three key areas:
Fisheries & Aquaculture, Ecology & Biodiversity, and Oceans & Cryosphere.
Research | Over the last 10 years, IMAS has developed and built a reputation as one of the leading research centers for marine and Antarctic studies. Each year, IMAS launches a number of projects local to Tasmania and Australia as well as internationally to improve our overall understanding of these delicate ecosystems and develop effective ways to manage and conserve them for future generations. To date, IMAS-based researchers have authored more than 2,500 publications and received more than 18,500 citations in other scientific publications worldwide.
Study | Each year, IMAS welcomes hundreds of students from around the world, ranging from undergraduate through to doctorate, which has helped to strengthen the global reputation of the institute. The UTAS and IMAS take an interdisciplinary approach to their teaching methods, bringing together the study of natural marine and Antarctic science with the practice of management, policy, and law. In doing this, the institute is able to ensure they continue to produce the next generation of internationally renowned scientists, policymakers, lawmakers, and globally aware citizens.
Education | It's not just those who choose to study at IMAS that experience the benefit of years of research and knowledge. The Institute is keen to get involved in active community engagements to improve marine environments both locally in Tasmania and Australia and internationally. Through citizen science projects, the team is able to educate and capture vital data that can be used to support ongoing research projects, while local school visits aim to inspire the next generation to protect and support our oceans.
Hurtigruten Expeditions & UTAS/IMAS
As part of a unique partnership agreement between Hurtigruten Expeditions and UTAS/IMAS, over the next few years we will be supporting three research projects:
• Ice seal behavior and distribution in the Antarctic Peninsula.
• At-sea whale, dolphin, and seabird observations to determine abundance, density, and variability in the Antarctic summer foraging grounds.
• How citizen science activities impact visitors' experiences and attitudes towards Antarctica and how these activities can be designed to maximize positive change.
Over several expeditions to Antarctica, PhD students and researchers will be joining us as marine mammal observers, scanning the sea from the bridge to support the ice seal and at-sea abundance studies. When an individual marine mammal or group is spotted, observers quickly look to identify the species, the number of individuals, the GPS position, any particular behaviors, and the environmental conditions like swell, temperature, cloud and ice cover, and more.
For project three, which will look into the impact of polar tourism, IMAS social science researchers will be joining two slightly shorter voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula. This project looks to better understand the factors surrounding citizen science projects and how they can be used to facilitate positive change.
“Our partnership with Hurtigruten provides much-needed funding for ongoing research. But it also offers Hurtigruten’s guests a unique insight into the challenges facing the region and will allow them to directly participate in research activities that contribute to a more effective response to our changing climate.”
