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is yet another company joining the growing list of major industry players who have joined the Environment Institute's Spencer Gulf Ecosystem and Development Initiative��to promote sustainable development in the Gulf.

[caption id="attachment_5664" align="aligncenter" width="415" caption="Cumulative Impact and the Spencer Gulf System"][/caption]

Nystar is a mining and metals company and along with BHP Billiton, Santos, Alinta, Arrium Mining, Centrex Metals and Flinders Ports is now a partner in the project led by Adelaide University's Environment Institute.

Research partners are the Fisheries Research and Development Coorporation and the University’s Marine Innovation SA collaborators South Australian Research and Development Institute and Flinders University.

“This initiative is unique because it is the first time a truly holistic approach is being undertaken with all the key players,” says , Project Leader and Chair of the Science��Committee. “If we can get this right, we will be a model for sustainable development around the world."

“The Spencer Gulf is a prospering development zone for South Australia but also home to an ecosystem of��national significance and great value."

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Spencer Gulf Buoys. Credit: Marine Constructions"][/caption]

“Simultaneously managing commercial and environmental interests is like juggling fish – but through this��initiative we believe we can drive responsible decision-making for a thriving Gulf region."

“Nyrstar is a cornerstone industry in the region and with them on board we now have participation from the��major industries in the Gulf region – it’s a key step forward towards the success of this project.”

The Spencer Gulf Ecosystem and Development Initiative’s vision is a thriving Gulf region where progressive��development continues alongside a protected and enhanced ecosystem – and community opportunity is��optimised.

To date the initiative has developed a knowledge review of the gaps in science relevant to the Gulf’s ecology.��It is working towards the framework and science program for a structured decision-making process on future��development that takes into account social, economic, cultural and ecological concerns. All this will be placed��within an integrated marine management framework.

“We want to ensure that the scientific evidence helps inform public opinion and delivers positive outcomes,”��says Professor Gillanders.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Credit: Nick Payne"][/caption]

The project also aims to deliver clearer development approval pathways with potential to reduce costs and��time delays.

Read more about the Spencer Gulf Ecosystem and Development Initiative on the Environment Institute website.

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