Bringing Marine Science to Life: Year 9 Students Explore AQWA and WA Fisheries
For Year 9 Marine Science students, learning recently extended far beyond the classroom. Through an engaging excursion to AQWA – the Aquarium of Western Australia – and the WA Fisheries laboratories, students experienced first-hand how marine science is applied in the real world.
From observing marine animals up close to exploring how scientists monitor fish populations, the excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Western Australia’s marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
Discovering the biodiversity of WA waters
At AQWA, students explored the extraordinary marine life found along the Western Australian coastline. Observing marine organisms first-hand allowed them to see how different species are specially adapted to survive in their environments.
Students examined how body structures, movement, and behaviour help marine animals thrive in the ocean. As they moved through the aquarium’s learning zones, they recorded observations and discussed the ways these adaptations support survival in diverse marine habitats.
For many students, seeing this biodiversity up close was a highlight of the day.
Grace reflected on the experience, saying:
“I enjoyed the aquarium because looking at all the animals was interesting and learning how all these animals live in one ocean together and try to survive. I saw an animal eating another animal, which I found cool because the life cycle is interesting in so many ways.”
Walking through the famous underwater tunnel was another memorable moment.
Mabel said:
“I enjoyed walking through the underwater tunnel at AQWA the most because it was really cool to see sharks, stingrays, and other marine animals swimming right above and around us. I also saw the divers cleaning the tank which I thought was really cool. I also really like patting the Port Jackson sharks because they had funny textures as well as seeing all the different marine life.”
Understanding the importance of marine conservation
Beyond observation, the visit encouraged students to think more deeply about the responsibility of protecting marine environments.
Through guided discussions and interactive displays, students explored why careful management and conservation are essential for the long-term survival of marine species and ecosystems.
Harper explained how the experience strengthened her understanding of marine conservation in Western Australia.
“The excursion helped me understand more about marine life and conservation in Western Australia by showing how different ocean animals live and why they need to be protected. I learned that fisheries management uses rules like size limits and catch limits to stop overfishing and keep fish populations healthy. It showed how important it is to look after the ocean so marine life can survive in the future.”
Experiencing real-world marine science at WA Fisheries
The learning continued at the WA Fisheries laboratories, where students participated in hands-on workshops in the wet labs.
These sessions introduced students to the important role fisheries scientists play in managing aquatic resources and maintaining sustainable marine environments. Through practical activities, students explored the strategies used to ensure the long-term sustainability of commercial fisheries while protecting marine ecosystems.
During one activity, students collected puerulus (juvenile rock lobsters) using artificial seaweed collectors that resemble oversized bottlebrushes. These collectors are placed at sites along the coast to monitor lobster settlement on inshore reefs.
This monitoring is important because recruitment levels of puerulus into Western Australia’s western rock lobster population can fluctuate significantly, influenced by the strength of the Leeuwin Current and weather systems that generate strong westerly winds.
The activity gave students a valuable insight into how scientists monitor marine populations and gather data to support sustainable fisheries management.
Learning the small details that matter in marine science
For many students, the day also revealed fascinating scientific details about marine animals and how they survive in their environments.
Isla discovered something surprising about shark skin.
“I learnt that the reason that the shark’s skin in the touch pool was rough because it is covered in tooth-like scales called denticles, which have a rough sandpaper feel that break up water flow, improving swimming efficiency by reducing drag.”
Stella was interested in how scientists study fish and determine their age.
“I learnt how a lot of different species of fish adapt to their environment. Also how you determine the age of that singular fish just by looking at their ear bones.”
Rachel was fascinated to learn about the life cycle of barramundi.
“The most interesting thing that I learn there was that barramundi start out as males and as they grow older, they become females, which means that you can only fish for them while they are still males.”
Connecting classroom learning with real-world science
This excursion provided students with the opportunity to see how marine science is applied beyond the classroom. By connecting their studies with real-world scientific practice, students developed a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity, conservation, and the science behind sustainable resource management.
These experiences help students see how the concepts they learn in class relate to the natural world around them.
- AQWA, Environmental Education, Featured, Learning in Action, Marine Science, Santa Maria College, Science Excursion, WA Fisheries, year 9
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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