World-first regional office for international NGO opens in Australia

2 May 2002

A new regional office for the International Ocean Institute (IOI) based in Townsville, Australia, is a world-first for this non-government marine organisation.

"There are about 20 operational centres of the IOI around the world, most of which are in developing countries," said Professor South, Director of IOI - Australia. "But the new office in Townsville is the only regional office of the IOI anywhere in the world. It will oversee work in Asia and the Pacific Islands."

"The IOI was attracted to Townsville because of the concentration of marine agencies in the area," said Professor Robin South. "We will be working closely with CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd, as well as other marine organisations in the area."

The IOI will be one of the first collaborators in the International Marine Project Activities Centre Ltd (IMPAC) which is a coordination centre for international marine organisations from the tropical Indo-Pacific region. IMPAC is a subsidiary company of CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd.

"Another attraction for the IOI was that IMPAC offers modern offices with high-speed communication links, extensive information databases and access to expansive libraries. Townsville is also a safe, inexpensive city for staff to live and work."

"The IOI is the only international NGO focused entirely on the oceans," said Professor South. "It trains upper-level government employees in ocean law issues; and coastal and fisheries managers in FAO code of conduct for sustainable fisheries. The IOI also runs seminars for leaders in the Law of the Sea and Oceans Policy. We are hoping to run some of these courses here in Australia."

The IOI is also developing a virtual university which will offer a Masters in Marine Affairs via the internet. The degree will be offered through several universities including the University of the South Pacific (Fiji), University of Western Cape (South Africa), the Universitad Nacional de Costa Rica and Dalhousie University (Canada).

IOI was founded in 1972 and has its registered office in Rotterdam and headquarters in Malta. It is funded by many government agencies and foundations.

Professor South will be welcomed to IMPAC by The Honourable Peter Lindsay MP and Dr Clive Wilkinson, Coordinator, IMPAC, at CRC Reef on Friday 3 May at 12 noon.

For more information call: Louise Goggin, CRC Reef Research Centre on 07 4729 8404 or 0402 243116.