This program has a number of objectives dealing with the need to increase our knowledge of various different aspects of the marine environment. The first 5 objectives, which relate to the geology, topography etc. of the seabed, major physical and oceanographic processes in the oceans, and their relation to climate, are indirectly relevant through improved knowledge of the ocean system as a whole. However, the objectives that most directly relate to the conservation of marine invertebrates, through increasing our knowledge of them and the systems of which they form a part, are:

• Objective 6 - To understand marine biodiversity and biological processes in Australia’s oceans; and

• Objective 7 - To understand the dynamics of Australia’s marine habitats and ecosystems

The immediate priorities within these objectives are the development of an integrated southern temperate research program and an integrated northern tropical research program. The aim of the southern temperate program would be to understand the nature and extent of marine biodiversity, the impacts of introduced marine organisms, and the oceanic and biological processes that sustain the various levels of biodiversity, at a regional level[221].

The aim of the northern tropical program would be to develop an understanding of marine resources and ecosystems, build basic knowledge for continuing success of commercial fishing, aquaculture and pearling industries, offshore petroleum and bilateral agreements with PNG and Indonesia.