Funded by the Australian Government, we are Australia's dedicated blue-water research facility, enabling world-class research across our vast marine estate.
MNF 2030 provides a 10-year strategy to guide the Marine National Facility in the delivery of safe, efficient and excellent marine research to benefit the nation.
Browse policies that apply to users of the Marine National Facility.
The Marine National Facility has been a key element of Australia's national research infrastructure since 1984. It is based at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories in Hobart.
From 1985 until 2002, the Marine National Facility operated the 55-metre purpose-built oceanographic research vessel (ORV) Franklin.
From 2003 until 2013, the Marine National Facility operated the 66-metre research vessel (RV) Southern Surveyor, a refitted North Sea fishing trawler. The vessel undertook 205 voyages and travelled around 481,000 nautical miles.
The Marine National Facility is overseen by an independent Steering Committee and three independent sub-committees.
Find out the latest news about the management of the Marine National Facility via communiqués from the MNF Steering Committee.
The 'Year in Review' (previously Annual Report) provides a summary of the performance of the Marine National Facility, as well as highlight achievements, for each year.
Do you have an enquiry about applying for sea time, research capabilities or engagement opportunities?
Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Marine National Facility, including when calls are made for sea time applications on RV Investigator.
Users of MNF data, samples and infrastructure are required to clearly acknowledge the MNF in recognition of these research services.
