What is happening on the wharf today?
From the wharf-cam at Portobello check out the harbour and island views. See what boats are in and what's going on at the end of the wharf.
Highlights
Check out highlights from our webcams
Discussion topics
Boats
University research vessels use the wharf as well as small boats ferrying passengers and school groups to and from Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua. You are likely to see the research vessels such as Polaris II when moored at the end of the wharf or being loaded up ready for research trips. The Polaris is used for local expeditions and travels as far as Fiordland and can take researchers down to the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Videos:
- Take a tour around the RV Polaris II with Ship's Master, Bil Dickson
- Learn about health and safety when on board the RV Polaris II
- Join post-graduate marine science students on a trip to Fiordland
- Find out how marine scientists study Southern Right Whales in the Auckland Islands
- See the RV Polaris II return to the Portobello Marine Laboratory wharf
Plankton
Plankton nets are set off the wharf to collect zooplankton to feed the aimals in the aquarium tanks. Animals such as seahorses need to be fed with fresh zooplankton every day. Plankton nets are also used from the University reserch vessels to capture snapshots of what is living in the ocean.
Videos:
- Watch this space for a video about how the aquarists catch plankton
What's in the water?
On the wharf and the water's surface you may see seabirds that have been feeding on small fish and krill. You may be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or sea lion passing by too! What do you think lives below the surface?
Videos:
- Watch this space for a video about what lives just off our wharf
- Join a diver near the Otago Harbour entrance to see what lives there
- See a shoal of Red Krill captured from the wharf and displayed in a tank
Tides
If you check the Wharf-cam at regular intervals you will notice the rise and fall of the tides against the wharf and the shore. Can you spot the small water level sensor that is attached to the shed on the wharf? What happens to animals in the intertidal zone?
Videos:
- What happens when the tide goes out on the rocky shore?
- What happens when the tide goes out on the mudflats?
Resources:
- See the latest tide level readings on the Portobello marine lab wharf
- Look up the LINZ tide prediction tables for Port Chalmers
Links
- What was happening when we weren't looking?
See more clips of our animals in action and other short films about marine life and research. - Fishy news
Find out what's been happening in the marine world. - Educational resources
Check out the marine ID guides, educational activities, and worksheets - all free for you to download.