Oceanography Research Centre

The Oceanography Research Centre advances interdisciplinary research to understand marine environments, biodiversity, ecosystems and resources, and how they respond to natural processes and human-induced change.

Its research extends from physical, chemical and biological oceanography to marine ecology, coral reefs, fisheries, conservation, remote sensing and coastal and marine management. By integrating field observations, ecological surveys, laboratory studies, spatial technologies and other approaches, the Centre generates scientific knowledge to support the conservation, sustainable use and management of marine and coastal systems.

Sabah's diverse marine environments provide an exceptional setting for this research, encompassing coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass ecosystems, coastal waters, offshore reefs and deeper marine environments.

Our research brings together complementary disciplines to investigate marine systems from organisms and ecosystems to ocean processes and human–environment interactions.

Oceanography & Marine Environmental Change

Research on physical, chemical and biological ocean processes, water quality, environmental variability and changes in marine conditions across coastal and offshore environments.

Marine Biodiversity & Ecology

Research on the diversity, distribution and ecology of marine organisms and communities, including taxonomy, species interactions, connectivity and ecosystem functioning.

Coral Reefs & Coastal Ecosystems

Research on coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses and other coastal habitats, including ecosystem condition, ecological processes, disturbance, resilience, recovery and restoration.

Fisheries & Marine Resources

Research on fishes, fisheries ecology, resource dynamics, exploitation and the sustainable use and management of marine living resources.

Marine Conservation, Observation & Management

Research and applied approaches supporting marine conservation and management, including environmental monitoring, remote sensing, GIS and spatial analysis, marine and coastal planning, and science for decision-making.