James Cook University will have a leading role in safeguarding the reef as it begins a new $5 million, five-year partnership with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).
The environmental monitoring agreement expands the current three-year partnership JCU has to track the health of the marine environment around NQBP’s ports at Mackay, Hay Point, Abbot Point and Weipa and will enable new PhD and BSc scholarships based on the work.
NQBP’s operational footprint offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for marine science research and student learning as the government-owned corporation has three ports adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef.
The partnership was announced at James Cook University's "The Science Place" science precinct on 25 September 2020 which extends the partnerships last agreement dating back to 2017. The new partnership brings an expanded scope, including the introduction of remote camera systems to replace divers; trialling of next generation photomosaicing; Under Water Automated (UAVss) and Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and improved sensors and data loggers.
Additions to the expanded partnership also include new scholarships for two PhD and five Bachelor of Science students to work on science relevant to applied management in the port industry.
Five $5,000 per annum scholarships for Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) will be provided to students for three years, a total commitment of $75,000. NQBP and JCU will also fund one PhD scholarship each, worth a combined $200,000 over three years. An additional 10 internships for undergraduate students will be offered. Read the media release on the announcement.
