New Zealand Marine Studies Centre director Sally Carson stands next to the Aquavan which she says is going to be on the road even more in 2019. Photo / Ella Stokes
New Zealand Marine Studies Centre director Sally Carson stands next to the Aquavan which she says is going to be on the road even more in 2019. Photo / Ella Stokes
A funding boost and plans to expand the Aquavan programme mean it will be used to educate even more groups this year.
Last year, the Aquavan went to schools and catchment groups and was used to teach people about how the marine environment could be affected by what happened onfarms.
The Aquavan has been part of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre in Dunedin for just over a year.
It was designed as a way to transport animals and continue research and teaching about marine life after the aquarium at the centre closed down.
Specially designed to transport marine species, the van is equipped with chilled recirculating seawater tanks.
During visits to classrooms and community halls, a mobile touch tank means people can encounter various live marine animals.
It was originally funded by the University of Otago and Curious Minds.
New Zealand Marine Studies Centre director and Aquavan project co-ordinator Sally Carson said a recent funding boost of $91,663 would help build on community engagement this year.