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!

'LIVING ON THE EDGE' Marine Science Forum a huge success

Our 2nd Annual Marine Science Forum, held on 20th & 21st March 2010, was another huge success with over 120 people attending each session.  6 impressive and highly regarded speakers gave the audience an insight into their work, covering everything from deep sea canyons (up to 11km deep) to isopods, rocky shoreline ecology to the extensive migratory trails of 23 million short-tailed shearwaters.

Held at the Eden Marine High School Hall, the Forum followed a Science Discovery Day for senior marine studies students and brought around 85 people into town from interstate as well as many from the local region.  It seems that the thirst for knowledge about the marine environment continues to grow, and the SCMDC Research Advisory Group are already planning next year's event.

A great weekend of knowledge sharing, networking and relationship building - all topped with perfect early Autumn weather and set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful coastline in the country.

Professor Patrick De Deckker from ANU wows Eden High students

Marine Studies Students from Eden Marine High School found out all about what a 1st Year University lecture in Marine Science might be like when Professor Patrick De Deckker from The Australian National University visited on Friday 19th March.

In a lead up to the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre's 2nd Annual Marine Science Forum, students were excited to witness some of the most minute - but most important - animals on earth when they donned 3D glasses and saw marine plankton in fine detail.

They were then given the rare opportunity to see amazing fly through animations of deep sea canyons off the South Australian coast.  Some of these canyons are as deep as 11km, and Prof De Deckker was able to explain the features of this relatively unknown area of the deep sea environment.

There's still time to register for the 'Living on the Edge' Marine Science Forum!

Have you registered yet?  What are you waiting for??  This is your opportunity to hear some of our most respected Marine Scientists presenting on fascinating topics relating to our special marine environment.  At only $20/day per person it is worth your while coming along.

Listen and learn, enjoy the amazing visual images and rub shoulders with some of our marine experts.  Register now by downloading the Registration form from our Home Page.  Don't miss out - it is very rare for community members to be given the opportunity to see presenters of this calibre - and almost unheard of outside metropolitan areas.

This is all happening at the Eden Marine High School Hall on 20th & 21st March 2010.

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!