No Images? Click here The wind is approaching 35 kilometres an hour, It must be close to Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere. I am south of Tasmania on CSIRO Investigator with a crew of 40 scientists, technicians, park managers and videographers, surveying the status of deep-sea corals on seamounts in the Huon and Tasman Fracture marine parks. I’m reflecting upon what a huge challenge it is to survey and manage Australia’s large marine territory, and how far we have come with the technology and expertise to achieve this. We are a happy crew ranging from students to seasoned sea salts with 80 voyages under their belt. We have tremendous onboard and shore-side support from the Marine National Facility, and we are livestreaming our voyage, including deep-tow camera footage, internationally. It is a microcosm of how the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub is working to improve management and sustainable use of Australia’s marine environment: with expertise, commitment and diversity, one ear tuned to manager’s needs and the other to scientific excellence. After 28 days at sea, I will be ready to relax and enjoy summer in Tasmania with family and friends and I hope you, too, enjoy this festive season. Nic Bax, Marine Hub Director From the executive team, thank you all for your contributions to the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub over the past 12 months. It has been a great year and would not have been possible without you. Nic Bax |