Discover the marine environment of Southampton this Easter holiday

Sailing aboard the state-of-the-art Research Vessel Callista, you will have fun getting to grips with mud, huge spider crabs, fish and plankton.

You can take a closer look at animal and plant life in our coastal waters, learn about the ecology of the seabed and witness the effects of climate change, as well as the impact of humans on the oceans.

The sessions are held on Tuesday 15 and Friday 18 April at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton based at the University’s waterfront campus, on Empress Way via Dock Gate 4.

 They cost only £15 for children and £20 per adult and include a full range of onboard activities undertaken during the three hours on the water. Only children aged eight and over are allowed and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Graham Etheridge from the University’s School of Ocean and Earth Science comments:

“This is a rare chance to board a research vessel and enjoy a ‘hands-on’ and fun learning experience about the local marine environment. You will be surprised what’s lurking in Southampton Water.”

There will be a tour of the bridge, the nerve centre of the vessel, to witness computer-based GPS satellite navigation systems as used on the world’s largest ships. Children may even get the opportunity to drive this fantastic modern vessel!

The visit also includes a tour of the research aquarium at the National Oceanography Centre to see some of the local marine species and how they are adapting to their surroundings.

For further information and details on how to book, please call Gary Fisher on 023 8059 6172 or email: gjf@noc.soton.ac.uk