AIMS is a Commonwealth statutory authority established by the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972.
The Institute has highly developed capabilities in marine biodiversity, impacts and adaptation to climate change, water quality and ecosystem health.
AIMS’ research effort is designed to ensure that it is meeting the challenges facing our marine ecosystems and the requirements of our stakeholders.
The Institute maintains specialised, world class marine research facilities in support of its objectives. Among these are its two major vessels, the RV Cape Ferguson and the RV Solander (launched in October 2007), which support access to ecosystems across the continental shelf and a fleet of smaller vessels that supports fieldwork near-shore.