Mr. Simon Spagnol

AIMS physicist Simon Spagnol said the plan is to improve our understanding of the Harbour's biology to enable any change caused by future development to be identified, and provide information to guide environmentally sustainable development.

"Currently northern Australia has low population density, is resource-rich and has a relatively pristine marine environment, however large-scale developments are planned.We're getting in on the ground level," said Mr Spagnol.
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So, it's important to pinpoint the sources of nutrients, the rate at which they're being delivered into the system and the rate they are turning over or being absorbed," said Mr Spagnol.

Over the past two years AIMS scientists in collaboration with NT government scientists have been gathering preliminary data and setting up monitoring stations throughout the east and middle arms of the harbour where aquaculture and residential developments are planned.

Mr Spagnol said a full understanding of the environmental impact of development is vital to managing future coastal projects.

"We'll be assisting in the provision of baseline information that will allow urban expansion and resource development that does not compromise the quality of Darwin Harbour," he said.
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Simon Spagnol - AIMS Physicist, RV Cape FergusonTelephone: 0429 680 920 Email: s.spagnol@aims.gov.au

By Brian King and Simon Spagnol, AIMS