We share our extensive knowledge and leading-edge skills and methods applied in Tasmania to the world with our reputation coveted for distinctive excellence through our extensive network of global collaborative partners across Governments, industries, research agencies and Universities to work on projects of global significance in aquatic protein’s role in food security and sustainable utilisation of the world’s ocean resources for the benefits of all.
We aspire to a world class student experience based on contemporary, relevant and distinctive education material delivered in a vibrant and experiential learning environment to provide job read graduates to fulfil employer needs and provide the best possible employment opportunities for our graduates. This is facilitated by an honest reflection on engaging in an integrated education system that identifies step out points through the tertiary learning journey that see students best place to achieve their career goals by creating strong pathway to alternate careers including transition by aligning with existing vocational and industry training opportunities of excellence.
By bringing together our research and teaching on the one geographic footprint our knowledge is fostered and passed on to the upcoming generation of scientists, industry leaders and policy makers.
We collaborate on fisheries management with the Tasmanian Government through our Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement (SMRCA).
“The mission of the SMRCA is to support world class sustainable development and management of Tasmanian marine resources for the benefit of the Tasmanian community”
The Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement (SMRCA) is a collaborative agreement between the Tasmanian State Government and the University of Tasmania (University).
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), as part of the University, is an independent research institute, with one of its objectives being to provide world-class research to the State.
The SMRCA supports the effective and sustainable management of Tasmania’s living marine resources so that the maximum benefit accrues to the Tasmanian community. This is achieved by providing fisheries, marine aquaculture, and supporting environmental research services to the Crown, the University, and to Indigenous, commercial and recreational seafood sectors.
The SMRCA aims to assist goals of the University and the Crown of encouraging new industry, effectively promoting Tasmania’s advantages, and ensuring Tasmania’s natural resources are managed in a sustainable way now and for future generations.
SMRCA research creates new ideas and provides new knowledge to balance economic, environmental, and social benefit to the community from Tasmania’s living marine resources. The SMRCA extends into the community, drawing upon rich local resources to work locally, nationally, and internationally, acting as a catalyst for change, demonstrating leadership and serving the public good.
Activities in the SMRCA advance the aims defined by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) to:
- Cultivate prosperity in Tasmania’s primary industries.
- Strike the right balance between social, economic and environmental values.
- Help people value, use and enjoy Tasmania’s social, economic and environmental resources.
Reports and resources SMRCA Activity Report (PDF 4.1 MB)
Our research programs
Study with us
Our vision is to create a world-class student experience through relevant and distinctive education in a vibrant, experiential environment. We strive to produce graduates who are not only job-ready but also equipped to achieve their career goals through integrated pathways directly to State and Federal Governments, environmental organisations, research agencies and industry. By uniting research and teaching, our students work and learn alongside our research experts cultivating the next generation of scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Our research partners
We’re working to address the major questions of temperate marine and Antarctic science, particularly living marine resource research and climate studies. With collaborative partners across the globe, we deliver our research to government, industry, institutions and communities.
The seafood industry depends on reliable and accurate information for its longevity and sustainability. Our researchers strive to ensure sustainable and ethical practices in all aspects of the seafood industry.
We have key partnerships and projects that foster the links between IMAS and industry. If you are a member of the seafood industry, contact us for more information on how you can benefit from our world class research capability.
Our seafood industry partnerships and projects include:
An exciting future for IMAS Taroona
The University of Tasmania is transforming the existing Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) site at Taroona into a world-class fisheries and aquaculture research and teaching precinct.
In 2026, the unification of our research and teaching will be complete with a brand new dedicated $65 million facility at IMAS Taroona.