Western Australia IMOS (WAIMOS)

The research program and opportunities which will be provided by WAIMOS for the continental shelf and slope region between Jurien Bay and Freemantle is the logical continuation of major research efforts to understand the role of the Leeuwin Current System: the Leeuwin Current, the Leeuwin Undercurrent and Capes Current in controlling not only the physical system but also its links to both pelagic and benthic ecosystems. In contrast to eastern ocean basins, which are highly productive western Australia experiences an oligotrophic environment. The Leeuwin Current a shallow (< 300 m), narrow band (< 100 km wide) of warm, lower salinity, nutrient depleted water of tropical origin that flows poleward from Exmouth to Cape Leeuwin and into the Great Australian Bight. The Current plays a dominant role in controlling the marine life and climate of the region.