At the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Taroona, construction is progressing to deliver the site’s first major upgrade.
A new building is taking shape to enhance existing teaching programs along with critical research that spans species conservation, climate change and sustainable fishing and aquaculture.
The development is one of the most complex construction projects undertaken by the University in recent years due to the level of technical services involved – services that will support specialist facilities enabling contemporary, world-class teaching and research inside.
Professor Sean Tracey, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre Head at IMAS Taroona said this major investment in STEM infrastructure would transform the student experience by embedding learning directly within a globally recognised research environment.
“Our students will study alongside researchers who are delivering real-world impact every day, from advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to strengthening the conservation of Tasmania’s unique and endangered marine species and ecosystems.”
In addition to learning spaces and labs, the building, set across three levels, will also host staff workplaces, meeting rooms and shared break-out areas.
Components of the fisheries and aquaculture, and marine and resource management programs will be delivered on site.
"The new facilities at Taroona will create an environment where students are not only learning the science but actively engaging with the people and programs shaping the future of marine, fisheries and aquaculture research,” Professor Tracey said.
Professor Tracey also said the upgraded Taroona precinct would strengthen Tasmania’s capacity to deliver internationally significant marine science that supports evidence-based decision making, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth.
“Centred around this new state-of-the-art facility, the Taroona precinct will support critical research spanning fish stock assessment and fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture development, climate-driven changes in marine ecosystems, and the recovery of threatened species such as the Maugean Skate and Red Handfish.
“This work underpins government and industry decision making in Tasmania and beyond, helping ensure our marine resources are managed sustainably while supporting food security, healthy ecosystems, and regional economic prosperity.”
As part of the site’s transformation, IMAS is partnering with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to co-locate the Dr Isobel Bennett Southern Ocean Research Aquarium at the campus.
It will be fitted out once construction of the new building is complete and will host research into the conservation and management of Antarctic krill, as well as emerging Southern Ocean species.
“The IMAS Taroona development is being delivered with strong Tasmanian representation across our consultants and contractors, which reflects the State has the capability needed to manage the complexity of this build,” Benjamin Greaves, Project Manager from the University’s Campus Services said.
Construction of the new building at IMAS Taroona is forecast for completion at the end of August 2026, with teaching commencing on site in Semester 1, 2027.
View the artist's impressions and live construction camera feed on the IMAS Taroona website.
Pictured below: Images showing construction progress of the new teaching and research building at IMAS Taroona.
