As well as searching for novel biochemicals, scientists examine the natural adaptations of marine organisms to their environment. Understanding the biochemical functioning behind these adaptations can lead to the development of new products. The Institute has forged formidable partnerships and international collaborations to translate a number of exciting finds into commercial outcomes. AIMS successes, now at various stages of commercialisation, include a natural herbicide which kills weeds but is harmless to crops, a sunscreen developed from coral, a portable toxin-check device for seafood and drinking water, and a novel vitamin E compound with industry applications.

Early in 2002, AIMS scientists were in the field confirming the discovery of an enzyme adaptation in bacteria living in the surface mucus of shallow-water corals that may hold a key to understanding a vital process of ageing. The bacteria dramatically increase their ability to recycle the powerful antioxidant form of co-enzyme Q when stressed by ultra-violet radiation.  Given that co-enzyme Q activity becomes progressively deficient with age, AIMS is collaborating with the University of Tokyo and Osaka City University Medical School to use this discovery to probe regulation of  this antioxidant defence towards designing a therapeutic strategy to retard the oxidative processes and the often-concurrent development of degenerative disease in human aging.

In the aquaculture field, our scientists are identifying new targets for food, fine chemicals and biomaterials. For example, they are now undertaking a pilot study to determine biomedical benefits of sea sponges. The Palm Islands are considered an ideal location for sea-ranching of sponges and discussions are taking place with Queensland’s State Development Department and the Palm Island Aboriginal Council to determine the viability of establishing sea-ranching as a new industry and source of employment for Palm Islanders.

In general, the goal of the Institute’s aquaculture project is to develop methods for the sustainable production of tropical marine species of economic importance. For some species, such as the tropical rock lobster, AIMS is developing the initial technology to pave the way for establishment of a new industry. For other species already being cultivated in an aquaculture setting (e.g. prawns), AIMS is focused on developing methods to enhance sustainable production.

The AIMS site in the Cape Ferguson national park is ideal for tropical aquaculture research. It is near some of the cleanest seawater in the region and its relative isolation ensures biosecure production of high-health animals. The Institute’s facilities comprise extensive hatchery and tank-based rearing areas, with some extra pondage for experimental purposes to be constructed soon.