Portobello Marine Laboratory and New Zealand Marine Studies Center

The Portobello Marine Laboratory, a University of Otago teaching and research facility is situated on the Harbour, a short distance from Portobello and across from Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua.  The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre (facebook), formed in 1990, and opened on the site in 1996, educates the public about the marine environment and the work done at the facility.
The Portobello laboratory dates back to 1904 when G.M. Thomson opened a hatchery at the site.  Elizabeth Batham served as director of the  laboratory for over two decades.
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Batham Teaching Lab used to be the location of the old public aquarium.  It was closed in 2012 after it was determined it did not meet earthquake standards, and was demolished in 2016.  The lab has impressive aquaria to the side of the room, but they do have to be cleaned regularly.
Aaron piloted the Moki out with Joe and Elli to gather cockles and seaweed for the touch tanks and to put out several cameras. 
[moki = raft made of bundles of raupō, flax stalks or rushes].
Will piloted the Tūhura out with a small group to work on calibration of tracking equipment.
[Tūhura = explore, discover, investigate]
Adele readied Polaris II for a trip out on the Harbour with a group of Year 12 and 13 students, part of a week-long program for prospective University students.
In late January Polaris II was headed to the slip for routine maintenance, including a new coat of anti-fouling paint.  This will be done at Carey's Bay, where there is a recently enlarged slip.
Adele and Will were removing some weight from the boat prior to taking it to the slip.
The dive boat needed a bit of repair for a crack in the bottom.
The Harbour and a couple of rocky shore beaches are "at the doorstep."
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