The Lincoln Marine Science Centre (LMSC) is set to enter a new phase of leading edge research with the opening of Stage II of the Port Lincoln-based Centre.

A $6.59 million development has nearly doubled the size of the Centre that will house around 35 permanent and visiting scientists and educational staff, and cater for increased student numbers.

Flinders Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and Deputy Chair of the MISA Steering Committee, Professor Chris Marlin, said South Australia is already leading Australia and the world, developing the technology and research imperatives as the country’s emerging aquaculture industry grows.

“The Lincoln Marine Science Centre is at the forefront for abalone, southern bluefin tuna and black mussel research and our wild fisheries research is widely recognised for its ground breaking ecosystem-based fisheries management research,” Professor Marlin said.

Marine Innovation SA Steering Committee Chair and South Australian Research and Development Institute Executive Director, Affiliate Professor Rob Lewis, says SA’s seafood industry success is built on the drive of industry, complemented by the ingenuity and innovation of marine scientists and fisheries managers.

“Much of this research and collaboration is taking place at the Lincoln Marine Science Centre, right at the industry’s doorstep allowing the development of technology as the need is foreseen,” Affiliate Professor Lewis said.

MISA, a partnership between the South Australian Government, Flinders University, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Museum and SA seafood industries, was formed in September, 2005. MISA supports four high priority research areas: seafood product quality and value-adding, aquaculture innovation, ecosystem services and biosecurity.