Come to the next social meeting to hear Elaine Kwee talk about how Coffs Harbour's export to Bali, Louise Hardman's Shruder, is making a difference to rural plastic waste management and plastic debris in the ocean. Also learn about the challenges facing small scale plastic recycling in rural communities.
Louise Hardman designed the Shruder to recycle used plastics. Its compact design makes it perfect for recycling in developing countries.
The Shruder being blessed...
Come and listen to our own Neil Vaughan talk about the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on Muttonbird Island.
Peter Butcherine, a researcher with Southern Cross University is currently studying the effect the insecticide neonicotinoid (a systemic agricultural insecticide resembling nicotine) is having on the aquatic environment and more specifically the commercial shrimp species. Following is some more information from Peter on what the talk will include.
Don't forget to bring some money for the raffle and a mug for the tea, coffee and biscuits following the meeting.
This is a great...
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to conduct a marine debris survey and removal within the Coffs Marina on Sunday 24th March.
We will be meeting at the Marina office one hour before high tide at 10.30am for a briefing and kitting up.
Please note:
All participants must be paid up members of SURG for this financial year. Diving will be in poor visibility conditions and under and around moored boats and pontoons.Please let Tom know if you are able to...
This year's SURG weekend camping trip will be at Illaroo Campground which is north of Minnie Waters in the Yuragir National Park.
The campsite is situated a short distance along the Sanden Road after leaving Minnie Water. The club will be camping at the southern end of the site as it's only a short walk to the rock platform for snorkelling. There is also a large BBQ areas for the Saturday evening group BBQ.
The campsite operates on a first in first served basis. Park entry...
Professor Steve Smith and sea slug researcher Matt Nimbs will talk to us about the preliminary findings for the Coffs Harbour inaugural Sea Slug Census which was held from the 17th to 23rd January in the mid north coast region spanning the Solitary Islands Marine Park from Brooms Head to Sawtell. Sea Slugs, also known as nudibranches, are not only beautifully coloured, exotic sea creatures but also their presence help scientists identify any changes to our marine environmental. Volunteer...
The Sea Slug Census program is a community-based research project led by Southern Cross University with the objective of documenting the diversity and distribution of these charismatic marine creatures. Starting at Nelson Bay in December 2013, the program has now expanded to 32 censuses spread over 12 locations. During this time, more than 1200 participants have photographed around 450 sea slug species including species that are new to science. They have also helped to map changing...
The upcoming survey on the 2 December is the 8th of 8 and the 4th (and final one) since the introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme. Detailed analyses of the data collected from state-wide surveys haven't been concluded as yet. However, I can say that with regard to beverage containers the indications are that there has been a reduction in the numbers being collected by volunteers up and down the coast. So a big thumbs up!! And also thanks to all those who have participated in marine...
Tom Mair has again been busy getting the wheels in motion for Christmas. SURG has the 'Harry Weller' shelter (closest to the railway bridge) at Boambee Reserve booked for the December 1st. Entry to Boambee is $5 per car. The shelter is booked for the whole day so if you arrive first, notify the office so they can turn on the power. Tom has organised excellent tides for the afternoon to satisfy those bringing water crafts to play on. More details will follow as the date approaches.
For this meeting we are fortunate enough to have Chris Goatley from the University of New England who will talk to us about coral reef fishes.
Coral reef fishes are some of the most colourful and biodiverse organisms on the planet, but a surprising number of species are tiny, and are overlooked by divers and scientists alike. In his presentation Chris will reveal the hidden biodiversity of global coral reef fish communities, explain how scientists sample small fishes, and highlight...
