One of the best research facilities

The Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS) is one of the world’s best facilities for field research on tropical coral reefs.

It is well-located for research on all types of reef habitats across the continental shelf and away from heavier tourist and shipping movements.

Thanks to the presence of the eco-friendly Lizard Island Resort, there is a daily air service and a regular barge service for supplies. Phone and internet communications are also unusually good for such an isolated area.

The Station is well equipped to support field research, with boats, diving gear, laboratories, microscopes, a salt-water aquarium and accommodation. All facilities are well maintained and comply with rigorous operational health and safety standards.

Visiting scientists who use the station’s facilities come from leading universities and research institutions in Australia and around the world. In a typical year, around 140 scientists (plus assistants) from 40 institutions in 10 countries conduct approximately 100 field research projects at the Station. Utilisation by visiting scientists is approximately 7,000 user-days per year.

The Station is led by two highly experienced marine scientist Directors (Dr. Anne Hoggett AM and Dr. Lyle Vail AM) who are supported by two maintenance staff. Visiting scientists appreciate the efficient support they receive for their research projects and the wealth of local knowledge available. Anne and Lyle have been in their current roles for more than 30 years. Their competence and dedication is a large part of the reason why LIRS is a preferred base for field research on the Great Barrier Reef.

Each year, about 100 new scientific publications based on Lizard Island research are added to the Station’s library. The volume and quality of this research is outstanding.

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