Come and see our new Masterplan!

Our new Architectural Masterplan will be officially launched by Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Dr Mike Kelly, AM, MP on Friday 10th June with a number of invited dignitaries attending.  Community members are invited to join the celebration from 1.30pm till 4.30pm.

The Centre will be open again on Saturday 11th June from 10am till 12 noon to give community members another chance to catch a glimpse of our new plans.  Why not drop by and check them out?

The plans were prepared by Convergence Design, Boyce Pizzey Strategic and Content Studios and overseen by a Working Group consisting of Board and staff members and SCMDC Volunteers.

This is an Australian Government funded initiative under TQUAL Grants.

We are looking for a new Voluntary Board Member

We are calling for Expressions of Interest from people interested in joining our Voluntary Board of Directors. If you are interested in joining this rapidly expanding and exciting organisation we would like to hear from you.  Please email: admin@sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au with ‘Board Position’ in the subject line.    For more details, please contact our Chairman Stan Soroka on 0428 100095.  

Position Vacant - Part-time Marine Teacher

We are seeking a part-time teacher to undertake our marine education outreach program for schools in the local area and regional areas of NSW, ACT and Victoria. If you have a passion for marine education in a temperate marine environment, have the appropriate experience and qualifications and would like to join our team then we would like to hear from you.  

Applications must be received by 5pm Friday 17^th June 2011.

For further details including Job Description, call 02 6496 1699, email: admin@sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au or download the Information Package as a pdf here

The recent Easter school holiday period proved wonderfully busy with extended opening hours, rocky shore rambles and snorkel trips. A big thank you to our enthusiastic and committed volunteers ever at the ready to help in sharing their knowledge and passion to new and returning visitors and staff alike.

Recently we've had some new additions to the tanks such as delicate anemones, pencil slate urchins, a new Octopus and a beautifully marked Port Jackson shark. The shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, a 4-5 year old female was originally part of a pilot trial study conducted by Phd research student Tristian at the Merimbula Aquarium. 

Our aquaria life is ever changing and like life outside the tanks is transient and unpredictable, so come in and see us soon!

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

 Snug Cove Wharf, Eden

Ph: 02 64961699

www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au

Come and discover our amazing marine environment

• Kids corner • Aquaria

• Touch tank• Beachcombing table

• Science room • Whale room

• theatrette with stunning films

• Tsunami demos• Research displays

• DVD presentations• Experienced guides

and much more !

 

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES

11am to 3pm

Wednesday to Saturday from 13th April – 30th April

(CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY 22nd April)

Adults $7, Seniors $5, Children $2, Families $15

Holiday Activity Programs (Minimum Group Size 4)

Rocky Shore Ramble

Join an experienced guide exploring the amazing diversity of life found on our rock platforms

Any age 1.5hrs $5 Adults $2 Children $12 Families

(Note: subject to tides)

Guided Snorkel Tours

Our Trained Instructors can show you some hidden secrets in the clear waters along the Sapphire Coast

Ages 12+ 2hrs 25 Adults $10 Children $60 Families

(Maximum Group Size: 8)

 

If you don’t have the numbers, give us a call and we’ll see what we can arrange for you.

Phone us to discuss your needs and book a tour on 6496 1699 or 0417 535 444

Beachcomber - by Sheree Epe

Recent flooding rains and big seas buried our coast in a sea of foam and littered our beaches with debris and an array of interesting marine creatures.

Sea foam is a naturally occurring phenomena created by the agitation of seawater containing high concentrations of dissolved organic matter. The organic matter acts as a 'foaming agent' trapping air created by breaking waves and forming bubbles - similar to what happens in your washing machine or bubble bath.

The large amount of freshwater entering the ocean has knocked around many coastal marine species. Significant numbers of abalone, seastars and sea urchins have been found dead and washed up on beaches around Twofold Bay.

One fascinating creature you may come across is the seapen. Seapens belong to the Phylum Cnidaria which includes coral, anemones and jellyfish. They are colonial marine organisms so named because some species have a feather-like appearance, similar to antique quills.

Most seapens prefer deep waters (greater than 10 meters), where they are less likely to be uprooted, but rough seas like those recently experienced may tear seapens from the substrate, allowing them to be washed ashore.

'FOOD FOR THOUGHT' - yet another successful forum

Dr Alan Jordan with some of his amazing images

The 3rd Annual Marine Science Forum 'Food for Thought' was another great success with people travelling from far and wide to attend.

6 impressive speakers kept the audience captive with amazing educational presentations and spectacular imagery about subjects such as marine habitats, ocean currents, fisheries management and aquaculture of both oysters and sea urchins.

Drs Williamson, Stewart & Rowling met up with local seaweed enthusiast Eva Horne

The 2 day event has now secured a permanent place in the annual calendar of many local community members as well


as many of the speakers, both past and present.  Many presenters have commented that the Forum offers them a rare opportunity to present to the public.

Many newcomers said that whilst they came to 'learn something' they were happily surprised that they also thoroughly enjoyed the learning process.

Feedback has been as positive as ever and the Research Advisory Group will now begin securing speakers for Forum 2012.