The research centre is opening its doors to the public to help educate locals about our waterways, estuaries and ocean.

Based at the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven campus, the centre is home to scientists with expertise in marine and freshwater fish and fisheries, marine conservation and ecology, aquaculture and estuarine ecology.

During the open day visitors can tour the tank rooms with researchers to find out more about the various fish and seaweed populations of the South Coast.

Or learn more about the microscopic phytoplankton and microalgae in our oceans and estuaries during a public lesson in the laboratory.

Wollongong University vice-chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton encouraged people to visit the centre for this special behind-the-scenes tour.

“Ground-breaking research is already under way and new projects are starting up at a rapid pace,” he said.

He said conserving the region’s spectacular aquatic resources for future generations was extremely important.

Associate professor Ron West and Dr Nathan Miles will provide more information to the public about the new $252,000 research into the South Coast’s recreational fishing industry.

A recreational fishing workshop will be held between 12.30pm and 2pm to help researchers learn more about where and what

people fish.

Centre director Dr Pia Winberg and new recruit to the centre Dr Samantha Kneeshaw will explain sustainable marine practices and be available to answer any of your fishy queries.

The centre will be open to the public from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and will be running afternoon workshops from 12.30pm to 2pm. If you would like to attend the workshops RSVP to tmyers@uow.edu.au or call 4448 0888.