REGISTER BEFORE Fri 26th Feb FOR EARLY BIRD RATES FOR THE FORUM

Early Bird rates apply for 'Living on the Edge' Marine Science Forum Registrations received before Friday 26th February 2010.  Download your Registration Form now to take advantage of these rates:

General Public Early Bird Rate $15 per day (normal rate $20 per day)
Government Representatives Early Bird Rate $40 per day (normal rate $50 per day)

Get in quick!

Another smiling face at the Marine Discovery Centre

Staff at the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre have enjoyed working with a visiting student from Santa Cruz, California over the last few weeks. Maia Lipkin, who is staying with her brother in Tathra, is studying Environmental Studies and is working on a project involving the development of Environmental Education tools.

Maia has joined in with many SCMDC activities, including rocky shore rambles, guided snorkel tours and more recently the Seaweed Workshops. Maia will be with us for another month before returning to complete her studies in the U.S.

New Trainee at Marine Discovery Centre

Board, Staff and Volunteers have been welcoming our newest staff member this week.  Jade Torr, who recently completed her HSC at Eden Marine High School, has been selected for a Traineeship in Certificate II Tourism.

The Discovery Centre is working in conjunction with Auswide Projects and Sertec in managing Jade's role in the Centre's operations.

Jade will be working in a wide variety of areas including assisting with the development of educational programs for visitors, retail, administration and outdoor activity programs.  Welcome to the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre team Jade!

SEAWEED WORKSHOPS HIT THE MARK AGAIN

Our second Seaweed Workshops were held over the weekend of 6th & 7th February and once again were fully booked out.  Dr Nick Yee was joined by staff members Steve White and Sheree Epe in sessions that showcased the importance of seaweeds in our marine environment.

The sessions involved a presentation by Nick on the science of seaweeds in the new theatrette at the Marine Discovery Centre.  The groups then moved on to the laboratory at Eden Marine High School to examine several specimens under microscopes.

Many have provided feedback to the Discovery Centre office - all of which was extremely positive.  One lady chose to join the workshops for her 45th wedding anniversary, calling today to report that the content, delivery and presenters were 'just wonderful' and hoping that she can come again.  These workshops were made possible through a Grant from the Australian Government Caring for our Country Program.

Seaweed Workshops fully booked!

The 2nd of two series of Seaweed Workshops will take place this coming weekend (6th & 7th Feb) and are fully booked out.  The popularity of the November workshops led to a flood of calls from interested people across the state and interstate wanting to book a place in these February workshops.  Unfortunately we are only able to cater for 16 people for each session so many have been disappointed.

The Good News though is that due to the popularity and high demand, we have now decided to run more workshops in the future. Keep your eye on our website for news on when we will run the next series and book early as spaces will again be limited.

GUIDED SNORKEL TOURS over Christmas School Holidays

Ever been snorkelling?  You don't know what you're missing!!  Why not join our fully qualified Marine Teacher and Volunteer Guides and explore the beauty and wonders of the Sapphire Coast marine environment in a safe and educational way.

All gear is supplied so all you need is to apply the sunscreen, bring along a towel and join in the fun!  You will need to ring 6496 1699 to book, as group numbers are limited so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!

See below for dates and venues for our next tours:
MERIMBULA - 9am Saturday 16th January
EDEN - 9am Sunday 17th January
BERMAGUI - 10am Monday 18th January

See you in the sea!

ROCKY SHORE RAMBLES - Fun and educational for the whole family. Book now!

Want to find out what lurks beneath the rocks on our beautiful shoreline?  Book the whole family for a fun and educational Rocky Shore Ramble with our Marine Scientist and knowledgeable local Volunteer Guides.  See below for dates - you will need to call 6496 1699 to find out all the details and where to meet:

MERIMBULA - 9am Saturday 23rd January
EDEN - 9am Sunday 24th January
BERMAGUI - 10am Monday 25th January

Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat and bring some drinking water.  We'll take care of the rest!