Latest Edition of 'Marine Matters' is online now

The 8th edition of 'Marine Matters' is now online through the IMOS (Integrated Marine Observation System) website http://imos.org.au/marine_matters.html.
Check it out - it's an amazing site with plenty of interesting information.

We have a display about IMOS in our Marine Discovery Centre - call in and learn more about this amazing technology and see one of the IMOS floats.

Get the latest from our May 2010 Newsletter

All the latest news is in our May 2010 Newsletter.  Just click here to read all about it:

A good result from the Sea Squirt DNA test results

Long-awaited test results have identified that the sea squirt found in Twofold Bay in March is NOT the invasive sea squirt Didemnum vexillum.  This is a great relief to community members, fisherfolk and more importantly the mussel farmers in Twofold Bay who held grave fears for their mussel stock and future viability if the samples had been found to be the invasive species.

The NSW Department of Industry & Investment has praised the local community and specifically the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre for their quick work in ensuring the public were aware of the potential danger and were geared to deal with it if it were DV.

MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRES AUSTRALIA NETWORK MEETING

SCMDC hosted the 6^th Annual Network Meeting for members of Marine Discovery Centres Australia over last weekend.  We had superb autumn weather to showcase our beautiful region and welcome members from: 

Thursday Island (Qld), Woodbridge (Tas), Henley Beach (SA), Naturaliste (WA), Central Coast (NSW) and Queenscliff (Vic).  The annual Meeting allows members to swap ideas, share new initiatives, work through issues - and enjoy each other's company.

Our Marine Teacher Steve White presented an overview of all of the new curriculum-based School Education Programs he has developed before going into detail about one that will involve working with the local commercial fishing industry, entitled ‘Seastainability’.

The MDCA group were overwhelmed with the many local marine habitats available for the SCMDC programs and took part in one that involved a snorkel tour from Merimbula Wharf to Bar Beach.  An amazing variety of marine life was seen, including two huge rays and a number of colourful fish species.  The group later took the opportunity of a tour of Pelagic Fish Processors with their CEO – and Chair of SCMDC – Stan Soroka.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR COLONIAL SEA SQUIRT

The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre has been working closely with the NSW Department of Industry & Investment in helping raise awareness about the newly discovered marine pest known as Didemnum vexillum (or colonial sea squirt).  Any boat owners, fishermen, yachtsmen or divers using Twofold Bay are urged to familiarise themselves with the latest news on the pest and undertake all recommended actions should they discover it on their vessels or gear.  For up-to-date information, check the NSW Department of Industry & Investment website:  http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/marine-pests/species/seasquirt

If you think you have seen the sea squirt, either notify the staff at the Discovery Centre or call the NSW aquatic pests reporting hotline: 02 4916 3877 or Email: aquatic.pests@industry.nsw.gov.au

WELCOMING DELEGATES FROM MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRES AUSTRALIA NEXT WEEKEND

Representatives from Marine Discovery Centres Australia will converge on Eden next weekend for the annual workshop/conference to share ideas, resources and some laughs.  It's a great opportunity for the various centres to discuss new educational opportunities and also see what our region has to offer.  Check out the new website:  www.mdca.org.au to link to all the other Centres.

EASTER HOLIDAYS - PLENTY TO SEE AND DO AT THE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Join a Rocky Shore Ramble or guided Snorkel Tour during the Easter School Holidays through the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.  If you have a minimum of 4 people, we are happy to try to fit into your busy holiday schedule. Just give us a call on 6496 1699 - if the tide's right and the weather's good, we'll fit you in.  

Get a group together from around the caravan park for lots of educational fun on the rock platforms.  Loads of fun to be had!