History

The Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA), is one of Australia's oldest marine science professional organisations. In August 1962, 43 marine scientists met to canvas the idea of forming an association of Australian marine scientists. The inaugural meeting of AMSA was held at at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories in Cronulla, NSW on 18-19 May 1963. Although not all were able to participate in the first conference, AMSA had 130 Foundation members. AMSA has grown to be the major professional association for marine scientists from all disciplines in Australia.The annual conference continues to provide an opportunity for delegates from throughout Australia to get together to learn about the latest marine sciences research, and to benefit from the interaction with colleagues from around Australia and overseas.

A brief summary of AMSA's history:

 Five Decades of Shaping the Future of Marine Science in Australia by Lynnath Beckley
 Our Modern History 1984-Present by Lynnath Beckley and Fred Wells
 History of AMSA (1963-1984) by Jim Thompson

 

AMSA Honorary Life Members

Honorary Life Members are individuals who are distinguished for their research in marine science or have rendered meritorious service to the Association and is conferred on an individual nominated by Council and elected by a simple majority at a General Meeting. 

2023

Anna Murray, Edward Butler, Richard May, Gregory Jenkins

2022

Carol Conacher, Gustaaf Hallegraeff, Neil Loneragan, Tony Miskiewicz

2021

William Gladstone, Karen Gowlett-Holmes, Russell Tait, Stuart Hyland

2019

Peter Rothlisberg

2018

Ian Poiner, Fred Wells, Geoff Westcott

2017

Lesley Clementson, Anne Hoggett, John Hooper, John Lewis

2016

David Macmillan, Bill Reed, Andy Short

2015

Bruce Hodgson, Hugh Kirkman, David Ritz

2014

Peter Millington, Barry Russell

2013

Penny Berents, Alan Butler, Terry Done, Bill McCormick, Richard Thompson

2012

Rob Day, Neville Exxon, Ross Quinn

2011 

Pat Hutchings, Norman Quinn

2010

Loisette Marsh

2009

Keith Crook, Ian Kirkegaard, Helene Marsh, Gary Poore

2008

Ross Winstanley, Chris Smalley

2007

Wolfgang Zeidler

2006

Alan Jones, Rod Simpson

2005

Ian Brown, Frank Talbot

2003

John Lucas, Bruce Phillips, Dave Pollard

2002

Alberto Albani, Joe Baker, Isobel Bennett, Raymond Brown, Albert Caton, Alan Cribb, Donald Fielder, Jack Greenwood, Bruce Hamon, George Humphrey, Scoresby Shepherd, Jim Thompson, Jeanette Watson