TAFI Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in Marine Science

The Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) will today mark its 10th anniversary and celebrate its achievements as a leader in marine science.

TAFI was established as a joint venture between the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania in 1998.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn said for the past 10 years, TAFI researchers have made an excellent contribution to the marine scientific knowledge of Tasmania and Australia’s wild fisheries and aquaculture industries. 

“TAFI’s unique collaborative approach with partners from our aquaculture and fisheries industries has also seen the Institute achieve repeated success in securing external funding for its innovative research projects,” Mr Llewellyn said.

Mr Llewellyn said some research highlights achieved by TAFI in its first 10 years include the breakthrough of successfully rearing larval lobster from eggs spawned in captivity; significant progress in commercialising the production of the popular table fish striped trumpeter; and advances in research into spatial management techniques have facilitated the beginnings of industry self-management in the wild scallop fishery.

TAFI Director, Professor Colin Buxton, said the partnership was designed to create an internationally significant applied marine science institute in support of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and the management of living marine resources.

Prof Buxton said that the strength of the TAFI collaboration had been its close working relationships with industry, government and the community.

“Working together we have been able to punch well above our weight and deliver a number of positive outcomes for our stakeholders.”

Prof Buxton said that challenges facing the marine environment such as climate change, resource sustainability and biodiversity conservation were significant, but that they were up to the challenge. 

University of Tasmania Vice Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew said TAFI was a shining example of what could be achieved through the UTAS-State Government partnership.

“By combining our research strengths and the practical application of this science in the field, UTAS and the State Government have placed Tasmania firmly on the world stage in marine science and our reputation continues to grow in this field,” Prof Le Grew said.