Visitors learn about fascinating and diverse marine life

THE Queenscliff Marine Science Community Day was a huge success at the weekend, with the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre welcoming more than 800 visitors throughout the day.
Presented as part of National Science Week with funding support from the Australian Government, the Community Day showcased the partnership between Deakin University and the Victorian Fisheries Authority, as well as Parks Victoria and Sea All Dolphin Swims.
Marine science educator Dr Prue Francis from Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences said visitors had lots of opportunities on Sunday to learn about the fascinating and diverse marine life that lives close to our shores.
“Microscopes were set up in the Deakin laboratory with different marine animals and plants to examine,” Dr Francis said.
“Visitors were able to watch mussels clean up their tank water by sucking in algal concentrated water, digesting the algae and filtering out clear water.
“They were also able to see weird and wonderful tidal animals up close in a specially designed tank and use virtual reality headsets to experience being underwater without getting wet.
“We were thrilled with the response from the community and hope all our visitors gained a greater understanding of the amazing marine environment that surrounds our region.”