Timor-Leste and Australia research on the Ombai Strait
On July 19, 2012 the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) met with officials from the Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) in Dili to analyze research which has been developed by both organizations on biodiversity and the impact of climate change on the Timor Sea.
The Director General of MAP, Lourenço Borges Fontes, said that "this research analyses the temperatures and ocean currents in the Ombai Strait, which lies between the Pacific and Indian oceans, along the northern coast of the island of Timor. About 80% of the water that passes through this strait is from the Timor Sea. "
Lourenço Borges Fontes added that, "since 2004 the governments of Timor-Leste and Australia have been developing marine research through the ATSEF (Arafura and Timor Sea Experts Forum) and the CTI (The Coral Triangle Initiative) with the support from the Naval Component of the F-FDTL and the ministries of Finance, Infrastructure and Foreign Affairs in addition to the Secretary of State for Environment. "
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Environment, the F-FDTL, the Maritime Police and National Directors and Heads of Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
