Research

The Centre for Aquatic Research aims to both quantitatively and qualitatively improve on the current methodology of capturing data in the field for aquatic environments. By increasing our ability to collect meaningful data, we hope to further our understanding of natural aquatic habitats.
We aim to trial multiple new techniques using the latest in technological advances to collect data, compare this to current methodologies and ensure that the data is accurate by robust ground truthing.
Once a new methodology has been trialled, tested and compared, it will be released publicly to other research facilities, educational institutes and commercial interests to further facilitate the understanding of our natural environment.

Innovation

Utilising the latest in technological advances, we aim to increase the amount of meaningful data while at the same time reducing costs and risks. Utilising remote operated vehicles we can explore deeper environments and have our cameras and other scientific equipment on site longer without the fear of risking the lives of our researchers.
Our innovation department is also looking at incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in to our live streaming of data. By incorporating machine learning we can identify various aspects of the research in real time, thus reducing the time and costs of analysing data back in the lab.
Our researchers are also looking at the potential to incorporate heavy lift aerial UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) with the ability to have increased payloads of cameras and sensors, while still allowing extended flight times of over 2 hours. This will allow comprehensive detailed mapping of aquatic environments and allow us another level of analytical research for preserving these natural environments.

Education

Our education team is focused on bringing aquatic education into schools and learning institutes, regardless of their location. We are designing online learning tools such as video lessons, teacher resources,  live streaming educational talks for regional and rural schools, downloadable resources and digital books, all aligned with the Australian Curriculum and Senior Syllabus.
Our qualified Teachers and Biologists will be working with educational institutions to assist in providing them with real world examples of data collected from the aquatic environment, which will help bring a sense of reality to their studies and foster a new generation of interest in science and aquatic conservation.
​As part of our commitment to education, we will be offering funding grants and technical/logistical support opportunities to tertiary students which will enable them to complete their research and contribute to our greater understanding of the aquatic world.
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