THE Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre Summer holiday program is upon us once again.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for something to do these school holidays with the kids why not go along and join in on some fishy fun at the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre!<\/p>\n
Located on the shores of Swan Bay in Queenscliff approximately one and half hours from Melbourne, the MFDC provides curriculum-based education for early childhood, school and tertiary groups as well as specialised programs and programs for the general community and school holiday programs<\/p>\n
Their facilities include a visitor\u2019s aquarium, student laboratory and classroom as well as being surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, ideal for field activities such as rock pool rambles and mudflat activities within our intertidal zones.<\/p>\n
The school holiday program runs\u00a0Wednesday January 2 to Friday January 25.<\/p>\n
The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre is open from 10am until 4pm daily during the program period, except for public holidays.<\/p>\n
Where: 2A Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff Phone: (03) 5258 3344<\/p>\n
Visitor Information
\nChildren must always be accompanied by an adult on activities and in the centre. Entry fees to the Marine and Freshwater<\/p>\n
Discovery Centre:
\nAdult $8.00 \/ Children $5.00 \/ Family $25.00 Refunds will be given if cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions; if you cancel and they receive 24 hours\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n
Bookings are essential for some activities.
\nEmail: marine.discovery@vfa.vic.gov.au. Send them your details and they will call you back. Phone: (03) 5258 3344<\/p>\n
MEANWHILE, Fisheries Officers apprehended four men allegedly in possession of 80 abalone, half of which were undersize.<\/p>\n
Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Enforcement and Education Ian Parks said Fisheries Officers from the Warrnambool\u00a0station responded to the call and inspected the men\u2019s catch, which at the time was six abalone between them.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers asked the foursome if they\u2019d caught any more abalone that day. Their answer was no,\u201d Mr Parks said. The daily catch limit is five abalone per person.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers undertook surveillance of the men, who after visiting the main street of Port\u00a0Fairy, drove their car to several locations and allegedly retrieved hidden bags of abalone collected earlier that day.<\/p>\n
\u201cA short time later, the four men were intercepted by officers on the Princes Highway, where they allegedly tried to escape.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe men were apprehended and interviewed by officers. All the abalone and dive equipment was seized on the spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe four men will appear in court charged with exceeding the abalone catch limit, taking undersize abalone and hindering authorised officers. They face heavy penalties up to<\/p>\n
$30,000 and\/or 12 months imprisonment.\u201d Mr Parks said most abalone divers do the right thing and abide by recreational catch limits which ensure a sustainable fishery that can be enjoyed by all. Meanwhile, if you see or suspect illegal fishing activity any time over summer please phone the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 34 74).<\/p>\n
Free come and try fishing days
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\nFishcare, supported by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, have organised experiences that teach all family members how to fish responsibly while enjoying what recreational fishing has to offer. Check for these events at fishcare.org.au\/events. No bookings are required.<\/p>\n