Secondary School

Year 11 SIP Marine Excursion

By Will Gray (11.3) and Leo Periz (11.8)

Last Term, the Year 11 Science in Practice General class had the opportunity to attend a fisheries management excursion at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The excursion was highly engaging and hands-on, offering valuable insights into how Western Australia manages its aquatic resources to ensure sustainability.

We participated in a range of fun and interactive activities that introduced us to key fisheries management tools. We learned how to identify marine species, apply size and bag limits, and understand fishing regulations. One particularly memorable activity involved checking whether abalone met legal size limits, which helped us see how these rules are applied in real-life scenarios.

We also had the chance to use sampling techniques we had previously learned in class. By turning a container upside down and shaking it to simulate a catch, we then counted the sample and repeated the process until we achieved consistent results. This exercise highlighted the importance of accuracy in data collection and how it informs sustainable fishing decisions.

The excursion helped us connect classroom learning with real-world applications, especially in understanding the role of recreational fishing rules in conserving WA’s aquatic ecosystems. It was inspiring to see how the Department Fisheries works to protect our fisheries for future generations.

Overall, it was an extremely educational and enjoyable experience that built on our existing knowledge, gave us practical skills, and deepened our understanding of marine biology and sustainable resource management. We’re o-fish-ally experts on environmental sustainability now!

Mrs Paula Weston

Head of Learning Area (Science)