Coral reefs are the most spectacular and important of the earth’s tropical marine resources. Coral reefs, however, are facing unprecedented stresses as human activities expand worldwide. Australia’s coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef, are no exception.

Mission

The mission of the Coral Reef Research Institute is to enhance the conservation and good management of coral reefs through education and research. By helping coordinate Australian university research and teaching programs, the Coral Reef Research Institute will directly support research, train students and contribute to achieving the goal of sustainable management of the world's coral reef resources.

The Coral Reef Research Institute was launched in 1995 and is an initiative of the University of Sydney in cooperation with other Australian Universities. The Institute facilitates the expertise and resources of the participating institutions in the pursuit of a better understanding of coral reefs, in Australian waters and elsewhere.

AIMS:

To support the good management of coral reefs by undertaking research, and by interpreting and communicating results to users and managers.
To support reserach students working to understand the biology, geology and biochemistry of coral reefs
To provide a forum for the exchange of research results and of current knowledge in the field of coral reefs
To improve public education about coral reefs
To provide consultancy services to the community on scientific issues related to coral reefs especially the Great Barrier Reef

Research Program

The Coral Reef Research Institute has an active research program that includes projects on: Nutrient enrichment and coral reef ecosystems
Larval supply and the replenishment of coral reef fish populations
Climate change and mass coral bleaching
Coral reef regeneration
Novel biochemicals in reef organisms (eg, sunblockers, antibiotics)
Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Larval supply and the replenishment of coral reef fish populations
Climate change and mass coral bleaching
Coral reef regeneration
Novel biochemicals in reef organisms (eg, sunblockers, antibiotics)
Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Climate change and mass coral bleaching
Coral reef regeneration
Novel biochemicals in reef organisms (eg, sunblockers, antibiotics)
Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Coral reef regeneration
Novel biochemicals in reef organisms (eg, sunblockers, antibiotics)
Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Novel biochemicals in reef organisms (eg, sunblockers, antibiotics)
Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Ecology of sponges
Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.; Origins of plant-animal symbiosis.

Research on One Tree Island (a key component of the Institute) has been responsible for over 200 research publications and books on the biology, geology and biochemistry of coral reefs.

Training Program

The Coral Reef Research Institute has played and continues to play a key role in training the next gerenation of coral reef researchers. Over 35 PhD and MSc theses, for example, have been awarded to research students working in association with One Tree Island Research . With the expansion of the Institute to include other universities, the impact of the Institute on postgraduate research is expected to grow even further.

Public Education

Institute scientists regularly contribute to public awareness about coral reefs via the popular press, television and radio. The Institute provides exhibitions at public facilities and regulary runs adult education courses. Volunteers are also often included as part of expeditions run by Institute members. The Institute is also currently involved in a range multimedia projects aimed at enhancing the avenues available for bringing coral reef issues to the attention of the general public.

Island Research Stations

The Institute feels that the support of reef research stations is essential to pursuing its aims. Experimental projects conducted by the Insitute are currently focused on One Tree Island Research Station. This station has played a key role in developing our understanding of coral reef ecosystems. Research began research at One Tree Reef during an expedition in 1965 and has continued to the present day. The island and surrounding waters form a Scientific Zone within the Capricornia Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

An Essential Funding Goal

One of the essential first tasks of the Advisory Council of the Institute is to build cooperative arrangements with business to raise an endowment fund of $1 million needed for training and research development. The Council has formed a committee to achieve this.

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For further information please contact: The University of Sydney - Coral Reef Research Institute Director - Dr. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg - (02) 351 2389, or make contact now by leaving a message with the Director at: oveh@bio.usyd.edu.au or CRRI administration assistant, Brigid McKay at: crri@bio.usyd.edu.au. The institute can be contacted directly on (02) 351-5636, or by Fax: (02) 351-4119.