Would you like to know more about the remarkable diversity on Brisbane’s doorstep in Moreton Bay, extending from corals to manta rays?
On Saturday, 14 October, from 10.30am at Redcliffe, members of the public can join University of Queensland Centre for Marine Science Director Ian Tibbetts and staff for UQ’s free second Biodiversity Roadshow.
“Redcliffe is a vibrant area which has been home not only to the Bee Gees, but also to some amazing flora and fauna,” Dr Tibbetts said.
“Moreton Bay has heritage-protected wetlands, mudflats and waterways which support abundant wildlife, ranging from migratory wading birds to fish, whales, dolphins, dugongs, sharks and turtles.
“We wanted to give locals the opportunity to better understand the habitats and creatures that are in their own backyard.
“This is a great chance for people to take their first steps towards becoming citizen scientists.”
The event caters to all ages – with touch tanks containing small animals from Moreton Bay, specimens of shark jaws, underwater video of feeding animals, and sound recordings of snapping shrimp and singing fish.
Dr Tibbetts said participants would be able to use a microscope to see an abundance of tiny animals living on a piece of seaweed and the intricate beauty of planktonic animals.
“They’ll be able to handle coral skeletons and learn about the surprising places within Moreton Bay where live coral is still found,” he said.
“They can even try their hand at identifying individual manta rays from photos and find out more about Project Manta and other citizen science activities taking place around Moreton Bay.”
UQ-based group Coral Watch will provide information on opportunities to get involved in citizen science activities available in the Moreton Bay area, and give people an opportunity to hone their coral health assessment skills using images of corals and coral bleaching charts.
All activities are family-friendly and free, with the public able to join Dr Tibbetts and experienced postgraduate tutors to help uncover the biological diversity of the Redcliffe local region.
Guided walks with Dr Tibbetts to explore the local intertidal zone are already fully subscribed.
However, there may be some additional space available on the day, so people should stop by and ask.
Please note participants will require a hat, sunscreen, closed in shoes or diving booties to join the walks.
To stay in touch with the UQ Centre for Marine Science, sign up to the mailing list at marine.uq.edu.au
What: UQ Biodiversity Roadshow
Where: The northern end of Suttons Beach Park, near the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club, Marine Park, Redcliffe. Look for the blue Centre for Marine Science marquees.
When: 10.30am to 12.30pm, Saturday, 14 October.
Media: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, i.tibbetts@uq.edu.au or +61 7 336 5483.
