Hocken Digital Collections

University of Otago, Department of Marine Science : Records

Details

Reference NumberARC-0748CreatorUniversity of Otago, Department of Marine ScienceDescriptionMany of the records in this collection pre-date the establishment of the University of Otago Department of Marine Science, but are from the Marine Laboratory. The collection includes extensive administrative records (chiefly correspondence and subject files), mostly dating from Dr. E.J. (Betty) Batham's period as director (1951-1974). There are also log books, weather recordings, records of trawls, drift bottle records and aquarium visitors' books. There are numerous marine biology manuscript papers and drawings by G.M. Thomson, various papers relating to E.J. Batham's work and records relating to the Marine Sciences Society and similar organisations. There are marine biology publications, many by staff and students of the laboratory. The collection also includes numerous photographs, slides and negatives - many of these were taken by Betty Batham, but some date to the earlier decades of the fish hatchery. Also included are clippings books, films, tapes and a few histology slides. One series of papers belonged to Alex Black who operated the research vessels 'Alert' and 'Acheron'.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyAt the instigation of George M. Thomson, naturalist and teacher of biology at Otago Boys' High School, a fish hatchery and marine biological station was founded at Portobello in 1904. It was managed by the Portobello Marine Fish Hatchery Board and funded by the Marine Department. During the 1930s funding was cut and the station deteriorated. In 1951 it was handed over to the University of Otago, with Dr E.J. (Betty) Batham serving as director from then until 1974. It was known as the Marine Biological Station until 1974, and then as the Marine Laboratory. During the 1960s the station acquired the oceangoing trawler 'Munida' as a research vessel. John Jillett served as director from 1974 to 1994. In 1992 the laboratory became part of the university's new Department of Marine Science. Over the decades it has undergone extensive building developments and has attracted researchers and students from around the world. It also hosts a public education programme and aquarium.

Photograph

Group on RV Munida

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsMarine Biology - ResearchMarine biology - Study and teachingUniversities and colleges

CollectionUniversity of Otago

Digital Collections

Hocken Digital Collections

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University of Otago, Department of Marine Science : Records

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