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Salient. Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 26, No. 1. Monday, February 25, 1963

Local Student Makes Major Breakthrough

Local Student Makes Major Breakthrough

A Victoria zoology student, R Wear, has found a way to nurse marine life through the plankton stages.

Recent excursions and research work have resulted in satisfying discoveries for the Zoology Department.

Under the leadership of Professor Richardson the research party captured a "killer" jellyfish at Island Bay—the first of its kind to be found off the New Zealand coast. It was one of a species of tropical and sub-tropical fish often to be found off the Queensland coast, where it is feared because of its vicious sting, which has been known to be fatal.

Inquiries as to whether anyone had received unusual stings while swimming in the Island Bay area resulted in no replies. Further investigations were intended to ascertain whether the jellyfish was unique or common to the area.

Soon after, the discovery by Wear, a graduate research student was published. He has found that planktonic crustacea can be kept alive for up to four months by feeding the animals with minute quantities of freshly crushed mussel.

It is now thought that in the past scientists have failed to rear plankton owing to insufficient food: supplies. Through this new method it has already been found that a third specie of half-crab exists in the Wellington Harbour. The adult form has escaped previous collection.

Richardson has said that he considers Mr. Wear's discovery "a breakthrough which opens the plankton programme to levels of research he had not envisaged as possible." He has also said that it gives "some promise in broadening the possibilities of farming the commercially important marine animals."

While praising the efforts of his research party. Richardson regretted the inadequacy of the available research vessel.

A suitable ship would have reduced work 50-fold, he said, but his many proposals for such a vessel have so far been unsuccessf ful.

Printed by Truth (N.Z.) Limited. 23-27 Garret Street. Wellington, for the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association.