Marine Research Group

The Marine Research Group meets on the evening of the second Monday of each month at the FNCV's meeting rooms. The group was originally formed as an autonomous body in 1957 and merged with the FNCV during 1997. The group has an active program of field research into marine life and a full program of speakers.

Members of the group include people actively doing research into Foraminifera, hydroids, bryozoans, echinoderms and molluscs (especially nudibranchs).

Contact points

Michael Lyons 9822 8007 (AH)
Leon Altoff 9530 4180 (AH)

Coastal Invertebrates of Victoria (Revised Reprint)

The 1984 book by the Marine Research Group has been reprinted with updated taxonomy and some revisions. It is available from the FNCV book shop.

Upcoming Marine events

Monday 11 August 2008
Meeting at 8pm at the FNCV club rooms . Our speaker is Julie Marshal speaking on her recent trip to the Galapagos Islands. Contact Leon Altoff on 9530 4180 for details.

Monday 8 September 2008
Meeting at 8pm at the FNCV club rooms . Our speaker is Jacqui Pocklington. Contact Leon Altoff on 9530 4180 for details.

Monday 13 October 2008
Meeting at 8pm at the FNCV club rooms . Our speaker is Jan Watson speaking on Hydroids: The Feathers and Flowers of the Sea. Contact Leon Altoff on 9530 4180 for details.

Monday 8 December 2008
Meeting at 8pm at the FNCV club rooms . Members night. Members are asked to bring exhibits and pictures to share with the group. Contact Leon Altoff on 9530 4180 for details.

Reports of Recent Meetings

Field Nats News

Species of the month

Each month this page will feature information on a marine invertebrate. This month's species is:

Opalia australis (Lamarck, 1822)
Length to 35 mm, commonly 25 mm. Shell white. Shell elongate, multi-whorled. Sculpture of numerous, widely-spaced axial ribs, space between the ribs crossed by microscopic axial and concentric striations; base of body whorl with distinct keel. Apertural lip thickened. Operculum horny.
Habitat
Under rocks at low-tide level. Uncommon.
Distribution
Victoria: Recorded from many localities in western and central regions.
Also reported from southern W.A., S.A., Tas., and N.S.W.