The Sydney Institute of Marine Science is uniquely positioned both in a geographical and a structural sense to significantly advance research into our marine environment. Geographically SIMS is located on the East Australian coast, a climate change hot spot with completing uses of our unique marine environment. With a working harbour that is part of the fundamental fabric of the Sydney community the relationship between the city’s residents and the marine environment is an ongoing challenge. More broadly SIMS harnesses the structural strength of NSW’s leading marine scientists, universities and government departments while the collaborative research profile provides a key ability to develop and work within both national and international collaborative frameworks. . In essence SIMS is an innovative multidisciplinary marine science facility, providing a focal point for: World class collaborative marine research; Provision of marine research for policy makers and managers; Research training and teaching in the marine sciences; and, the development national and international collaborative frameworks.