SIMS brings marine science to the Museum of the Sea 

SIMS’ research and Sydney’s working harbour are at the centre of an exciting new public space launched today at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The Sydney Harbour Gallery and the Ben Lexcen Terrace were formally opened by the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP.  The gallery provides new insights in to the workings of Sydney’s defining feature – its working harbour.

Sponsored by Port Authority of NSW and delivered in collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Reef Design Lab and The Little Ripper Group, it is a place to discover how our harbour works both above and below the water line.

A range of SIMS’ research is showcased. Visitors have the opportunity to connect with our Living Seawalls project, with a range of panels on display from Reef Design Lab; while Operation Crayweed tells its restoration story; and researchers from the Sydney Harbour Research Program communicate their work on harbour sediments and more. Models of UTS’ underwater Opera House Fish Apartments are also on display.

Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO of the museum said, “We are a nation surrounded by the sea. Water, rivers, beaches and harbours are integral to how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. As the Museum of the Sea our role is not only ensuring our maritime history is conserved but also to champion stories and education about how we live and work around our waterways.”

SIMS is excited to be a part of this initiative – connecting the community to the science of Sydney Harbour.