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 (40-Year 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.
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 |