Marine science excitement

If bizarre sea creatures from the deep, sediment cores, or sea lettuce are your thing, then University of Waikato's Coastal Marine Field Station has just the answer.

The Marine Station opens its door to the public tomorrow for its annual open day, with a range of activities and specimens on show – part of the week-long national Seaweek.


Waikato University professor of coastal marine science Chris Battershill gears up for tomorrow's coastal bike ride. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Hosted by the NZ Association for Environmental Education, the week focuses on learning from the sea along with inspiring all Kiwis to renew their connections with the ocean.

As part of the week's final flourish, the University's Coastal Marine Field Station staff will lead a coastal bike ride ‘with a difference', following trails around the harbour coastline, and parts of Waikareao Estuary.

'The coastal ride picks up the fact that a lot of Tauranga folk love exercise and being amongst the coastal scene,” says Waikato University professor of coastal marine science Chris Battershill.

'It's hugely interactive and basically we just talk with the public about the marine environment.”

En-route, Chris and other staff members will discuss the area's biodiversity and numerous ecological and cultural points of interest during the two-hour ride, including sea lettuce blooms, mangroves, coastal development and sediment.

Organisers aim for about six stops during the leisurely yet informative ride, but Chris says this number always blossoms with public questions on a number of interests.

Back inside the marine station, between 12-3pm, people can explore the sights and hands on exhibits – including observing microscopic marine life, searching sand core samples for small marine organisms and conducting simple science experiments.

'We will also have as boat in the water and there will be a tow video camera system set up. They [the public] will be able to get on the boat and have a look at moving the camera and a big TV screen will be there to see what they can see under the surface,” says Chris.

He adds the open day activities are a chance to engage with the community about what's going on in the local coastal environment, and look at things from a different perspective.

Also on hand will be House of Science director Chris Duggan, offering advice and insight for children and their families about the benefits of studying science.

The House of Science is a charitable trust providing a range of services that help to make science accessible and fun for teachers, students and the wider community.

Those wanting to take part in the coastal bike ride are to meet at 9.45am at the Coastal Marine Field Station, Cross Road, Sulphur Point for a 10am start.

To register for the ride, please email: nyree@waikato.ac.nz or call: 07 5775376 or 027 286-7454.

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