The collaboration between the Blue Reef Hastings and the University of Brighton, Hastings Campus has seen some eventful developments since it started in the autumn of 2015. The initial project set out to develop a link whereby the research and volunteering outputs of both institutions could be increased.

As part of the bid the Seed Fund provided funding for the purchasing of equipment which would allow the construction of a small aquarium to be set up at the Blue Reef for use by researchers from both the aquarium and the University. A small pilot study was set-up to examine the effects of climate change on the development of eggs of shark species. The study faltered very early on when the sharks were found to unsuitable for the research. Over many discussions relating to where the collaboration could develop after the study failed to produce results it was decided that the equipment would be redirected. This meant that instead the tanks would be set up at the Hastings campus.

The staff at Blue Reef have been instrumental in advising and setting up a tank system at the University’s Hastings Campus, a facility which has allowed a rapid development of research at the campus. This has shown to be much more effective in terms of research and has involved staff at the Blue Reef and University.

At the Hastings campus we can carry out ecotoxcological studies on fish and at the Blue Reef we are able to examine behavioural responses in systems that have already been set up and are running. The partnership has also fostered a more educational based relationship.

The project was designed to allow for greater volunteering opportunity. This has been achieved in small part with an increase in volunteers to the Blue Reef through the campus through our work practice module and our students wanting to gain valuable environmental experience. We are still working on accessing local volunteers and talks are on-going on the best way to do this. The educational value has seen a very significant increase. In conjunction with staff at the aquarium a series of practical field days have been arranged to include seine netting and rock pool surveys. These are mutually beneficial activities, allowing specimen collection for the aquarium and providing skills specific learning for the students. This also fills some gaps for both parties whereby the Blue Reef lack the staffing resources to carry out these activities and the University lack the physical equipment and some local knowledge and expertise.

In addition we have been working closely with the aquarium to develop final year projects for our undergraduate students. The projects are designed to be carried out at the aquarium. We have recently completed a project on the behaviour of sharks and rays in the presence of visitors. We also currently have a PhD student who has worked with staff at the Blue Reef to increase the efficiency of the tank systems at the campus and staff at the aquarium have agreed to maintain fish for his research. The monies received from the seed fund have enabled a much greater diversity of projects and links than were ever envisaged and it appears that a firm and long lasting collaboration has been forged.

Contact Neil Crooks for further information. [n.crooks@brighton.ac.uk]