Kwinana/Rockingham/Mandurah Branch Field Trip 9th February 2014
The February excursion was to the AQWA aquarium at Hillary’s Boat Harbour. Eight members met up as the facility opened to view some of the state’s amazing marine fauna that would otherwise be out of sight to most of us. The walk through AQWA is logically set out to outline the different marine environments to be found around the coast, starting with the South Coast, the Perth Coast, the Shipwreck Coast and the Far North Coast. The displays are very well designed and presented.
Highlights of the journey through the displays include the Leafy Sea Dragons, which appear to be the favourites of the majority of visitors and the jellyfish exhibits, where nice lighting is employed to show the beauty of these creatures. the walkthrough Shipwreck Coast exhibit was, as always, special, being surrounded by marine life ranging in size from a school of baitfish to the turtles and large grey nurse sharks. The Danger Zone reminded us that not all of the sea life is benign; the Lion Fish and Blue Ringed Octopus may have a beautiful appearance but it is definitely best not to come into contact with them.
Outside the touch pool appeared to be popular with young visitors, many taking the opportunity to touch the Port Jackson sharks. The Far North Coast exhibit was well designed, providing views of a coral reef from the surface, where the beautiful Blue Spotted Rays were active, as well as two glass panels downstairs that showed the colourful array of reef life present beneath the surface. The stingray pool was the end of our journey through the exhibits, it gave us an up close encounter with these majestic creatures. After a quick browse through the shop we made our way to the main Hillary’s Boat Harbour shopping area where we stopped for lunch together before heading home. It had been a very enjoyable way to spend the morning.
Colin Prickett
Vale Amy Paul 1921 – 2013
A foundation member of KRMB and a life member of the WA Naturalists Club, Amy Paul passed away on 5th October 2013, two days short of her 92nd birthday. Amy was active in KRMB events until well into her 80’s and will be sadly missed. Our condolences go out to her family.