Western Australian Oceanographic Team (WAOT) is the private non-profit marine research institute of Werner Foundation created in 1974 by Dominique Werner in Perth. It aims to advance Australian marine systems science. WAOT is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting marine science and coordinating discussion and debate of marine issues in Australia. It has been concretely active since 1976 and it has a wide interdisciplinar membership of scientists. The purpose of WAOT is to foster a diverse, international scientific community that creates, integrates and communicates knowledge across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, and promotes scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest. Its products and activities are directed toward these ends. For more than 30 years, WAOT has been an sponsor for researchers and educators in the field of aquatic science. WAOT is known for its interdisciplinary meetings, and its special symposia. In recent years, the society has developed programs in public education and outreach, and public policy. It has also sponsored programs to encourage student interaction and to increase opportunities for minorities in the aquatic sciences.