Aquavan comes to Tahuna

On Monday the 30th of May, the Marine scientists of Otago came to our school to talk to us about pollution in our waters and what affects it had. They came in what they called the aqua van, and moved all of their stuff into the performing arts room. 

First they talked to us about how polluted water doesn’t just affect us, it affects the whole environment around us, let alone the sea creatures. They talked about the water cycle, how clouds evaporate it then rain letting it all back out. But they also talked about drinking water, how river water is drinkable but ocean water isn't and how if the 2 combine it can create an estuary.

They then sent off the 2 groups to 2 separate places. 1 group went to measure the amount of salt in different types of water, ocean, estuary and river. What we used to measure the salt amount was this cool small machine which you put a small amount of the water in and then you look in a wee window type thing in the machine. When looking through the window it shows you a list of salt amounts and whatever one the water goes up to is the level that it is. After that group had done that they went to look at types of crabs such as hermit crabs, paddle crabs, cancer crabs, camouflage crabs and a very vicious other type of crab which I can't remember the name of. The group talked about the way they live, what they eat and plenty more.

The other group talked about and measured the dirtiness and darkness of water and why it is bad. It is bad because the fish can not see in the very muddy water because it blocks out the light making it an horrible environment however they love the clear clean ocean.

The most exciting part was the touch tank where we got to touch all sorts of awesome sea creatures. There were loads such as crabs, sea cucumbers ,starfish and so many more. I'm pretty sure all of us loved it. It was awesome!

By Leon and Tomos.