Come and See the Sea in the School Holidays!

There'll be lots going on at the Discovery Centre over these School Holidays.  Come and 'see the sea' down at the Wharf Building in Eden - the Discovery Centre is constantly changing with new animals and exhibits all the time.

OPENING TIMES:
11am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday from 5th January 2011 - 29th January 2011

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

Got a group of 4 or more?
Join us for a Guided Snorkel Tour or a Rocky Shore Ramble - FUN and EDUCATIONAL! Just call us on 6496 1699 to book.

The Power kids from the Great Aussie Road Trip loved the Rocky Shore Ramble!  check out their website:
www.greataussieroadtrip.com.au

Our 3rd Annual Marine Science Forum in March will create plenty of "Food for Thought"

Dr Ana Rubio-Zuazo grading oysters

Our 3rd Marine Science Forum on 26th & 27th March 2011 will not only feature presentations about sea urchins and fish, but will also cover a subject close to the hearts of many seafood lovers:  oysters.  Or more specifically - Sydney Rock Oysters which grow in many of the beautiful estuaries of the Far South Coast of NSW.

Dr Ana Rubio-Zuazo has been working alongside oyster growers in the Clyde River at Batemans Bay for some time now and has a very entertaining and educational presentation to give at the Forum.  Keep an eye on the website for the Registration Form so that you can take advantage of the Early Bird discounts!

Another fantastic line up for our 3rd Annual Marine Science Forum in March

One of the presenters, Dr Jane Williamson

Dr Kevin Rowling will present on his research of fish stocks

We have another great line up of fascinating and engaging speakers for the 3rd Annual Marine Science Forum on 26th & 27th March 2011.  Next year's theme will be 'Food for Thought' and topics such as oysters, sea urchins, sardines and salmon will be covered.  We will also receive a report on the recent mapping of the bottom of the ocean carried out by the Dept. of Environment Climate Change and Water.

Lock in the dates and keep an eye on the website for your chance to register early for discounted rates.  More and more community members are coming along to our Forums to learn a little more about the science behind our marine environment.

The Discovery Centre is buzzing with activity!

The Marine Discovery Centre is a hive of activity at the moment with several groups of students working in and around the place.

We have 33 ANU geology students here for a 2 week study period and we've certainly put on some great weather for their field trips.

On top of this we have quite a few young students from High Schools across the Bega Valley Shire participating in a 2010 Year of Biodiversity Grant Project.  The funding allows for the students to create models of 6 different species of whale and dolphin, aided by talented local artist Ally Dalton.

Adding to the fun is Heather, a 3rd year uni student from La Trobe University - Heather is here for work experience in her field of expertise - natural resource education.

Never a dull moment at the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre!

November Newsletter out now!

The November Newsletter is out now - read all our latest news by clicking here:

Whale Weekend a HUGE success

Whale Weekend at the Discovery Centre was a huge success.  There was standing room only in the Theatrette on Friday night for Dave Donnelly's very informative presentation about the latest news in whale research.

This happy crowd just 'planted' their whale tails

Dave was joined by Kylie Owen who is about to start her PhD on a number of aspects of the humpback whale migration that has become such a huge part of the culture of the Sapphire Coast.  She wowed the crowd with video footage of the placement of high tech monitoring devices onto the backs of humpbacks and another giving the audience a close look at how these amazing creatures feed when in our region on the way to Antarctica.

Rick Walker was very proud of his scrimshaw sperm whale tooth

Saturday was a huge day, with loads of young families taking advantage of the free entry.  Many children happily coloured in whale tails for the Sea of Whale Tails, made their own 'scrimshaw' on plaster cast sperm whale teeth, and we're sure all of them spent time checking out the animals in the ever-popular touch tank.

Watch out for Whales during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre

David Donnelly, Marine Wildlife Consultant

There'll be lots of things to see and do during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre on 29th & 30th October.  Friday night will see well known Marine Wildlife Consultant David Donnelly telling us all about his amazing adventures researching many species of whales along the East Coast of Australia.  This will take place in the Discovery Centre Theatrette from 6pm. No bookings required, $5 per person entry.

www.marinemammalresearch.com at work

Entry will be FREE on Saturday, with loads of fun activities for all ages:  kids' tattoos, a Sea of Whale Tails courtesy of our friends from www.marinemammalresearch.com , scrimshawing sperm whale teeth ($5 per tooth), educational displays and activities.  This is the place to find out all about all the species of whales we find on the Sapphire Coast.  Have a look at the flyer for all the details or give us a call on 6496 1699 and we'll tell you all about it.