special project
Zoom into the Atlas of Life 2020 National Science Week Program August 17 – 21st
This year the National Science Week theme is the “Deep Blue” so the Atlas of Life is focusing on life along our coasts. You are invited to join us for Zoom sessions every afternoon where you will hear from an expert and see videos and information about each topic. We will show you gems from the Atlas website and our NatureMapr database and you will have the chance to ask questions. Topics include: Sea Urchin Barrens, our Mighty Whale migrations, the Beauty and Science of Sea Slugs, the Little Penguins colony re introduction at Eden. We look forward to seeing you online and at the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre on Saturday August 22nd
For these and all other Science Week events and registrations go to the Bournda EEC website
Monday 17th Silent invaders – Sea Urchin Barrens
Eating the habitat of fishes and friends. In this session we will take you below the surface of the sea to see what happens when sea urchins become a plague. The research and measures to control them and bring back the biodiversity of the coast. John Smythe, long time Abalone diver and researcher into the ecology of our coastline is our expert and he will describe the last 20 years of learning about and trying to manage sea urchins, so fish and shellfish habitats recover. Join our Zoom meeting and Q&A at 2:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Mkc-qopjoqHN0BXzrn3_-XoeZXNbVoSARZ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
From this seaweed covered habitat to the urchin barrens with nothing living except the urchins - Photo 1 Libby Hepburn Photo 2 John Smythe
Tuesday 18th Our Mighty Whale Migrations
From less than 3,000 30 years ago, to estimates of over 30,000 this year. That’s an amazing increase for such large animals. Listen to Peter Whiter talk about many years of watching and recording whales as they pass along our coastline. See spectacular images and video and learn more about these special visitors. Join our Zoom meeting and Q&A at 2:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5wkcumvqj8vGdFXS2I-HjBCm_usE3uW5q2p
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
Wednesday 19th The Beauty and Science of Sea Slugs
You may think this is a slimy subject, but many of us are now hooked on the search for sea slugs along our coast. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours and they live in rockpools and estuaries, just waiting to be discovered. Matt Nimbs researcher from Southern Cross University will share his knowledge of these mysterious and little known creatures and we will show you some of the finds from our annual Sea Slug Census which you can join next summer. Join our Zoom meeting and Q&A at 2:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5ctd-CsqTguGNKRtTBmzjxjBk5T2hCWnet3
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
Thursday 20th Zoom under the surface of our sea – join us in a trip to explore the undersea world right heRE
This session combines underwater video created by Minka Waratah and an exploration of some of the creatures we have recorded along our coast on the Atlas of Life Naturemapr database. We asked Minka to film the underwater world is in one of her favourite places. All along the coasts here we have wonderful biodiversity of seaweeds and sea creatures, from the very large, bull kelp and big sting rays, to the very small and delicate, the fan worms in Minka’s video and sea slugs of all shapes sizes and colours. Many thanks to Minka for showing us this window on the world under Tathra Wharf. You can find lots of the sea creatures that live round here recorded on the Atlas of Life - look at the images then click to see where and when they were found. Help us add to the database with your images too.
“Hi I'm Minka! :)
I’m super passionate about nature and the environment.
On the weekends (outside of these crazy times) I spend my time surfing, diving, exploring, on patrol at the Tathra surf club, hanging with friends & family, camping and generally just appreciating this beautiful place I am so lucky to live in!”
Join our Zoom meeting and Q&A at 2:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5wkcO2qrzIpHtZboXba6c7Nn9jHFs5z6Sck
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
Friday 21st Little Penguins at Eden – extinction and re-introduction
There was a colony of up to 27 breeding pairs of these most beautiful and special Little Penguins at Eagle’s Claw Eden until several years of predation wiped them out in 1995. Hear their story from Wendy Noble of NPWS and the work that is happening now to re-introduce them to their old home. Watch film and learn about their lives and what they need to survive and nest here. Join our Zoom and Q&A at 2:30pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Eoc-mhqzwpHdzBJPas9uk-VJruhYj01igI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
