Marine Field Trips

2009 started off well for our year two students. They went as one large group to Tuhua this year to ensure that they would be able to complete the new survey methodology and establish the permanent survey marks. The Department of Conservation worked very closely with us again this year and it was great to see a past student, Daniel Rapson, working for DOC and now in a position where he manages the marine reserve.

We were very fortunate with good weather for the trip and it was great to see that anecdotally snapper seemed to be increasing in size both inside and outside the marine reserve.  Analysis of data will hopefully confirm this although snapper often stay just outside the survey area.  There seemed to be a much greater abundance of New Zealand Fur Seals this year with several aggressive individuals. Our boats were once again very reliable and the students came back both relaxed and motivated.

We have a large year one class in 2009 which has been working together very well. Recently the 50 students and staff spent a day in the pool training for PADI Rescue Diver and then a day in the cooler waters of Pilot Bay completing the scenarios for this course. Marine Mammals, Birds and Fish has already been completed in year one with some outstanding results. Students are now honing their identifications and biology skills in preparation for their major Whitianga trip later in the year.