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In this article, we will address the topic of Leigh Marine Laboratory, which has been the subject of interest and debate in different areas. Leigh Marine Laboratory is a topic that has captured the attention of specialists and the general public, generating conflicting opinions and deep reflections. Throughout history, Leigh Marine Laboratory has been the subject of study, analysis and controversy, demonstrating its relevance and impact on society. Through this article, we will explore different perspectives on Leigh Marine Laboratory, as well as its influence on different aspects of everyday life. It is essential to understand the importance of this issue and its implication in our present reality, which is why it is necessary to approach it from a critical and reflective perspective.
The Leigh Marine Laboratory is the marine research facility for the University of Auckland in New Zealand. The laboratory is situated in north eastern New Zealand, 100 kilometres (62 mi) north of Auckland city. The facility is perched on the cliffs overlooking the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve that covers 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) of coastline from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point.
Leigh Marine Laboratory was opened in 1964 in the small coastal community of Leigh. The first director of the marine laboratory, Bill Ballantine was instrumental in the establishment of the adjacent Goat Island marine reserve in 1975, the first marine protected area in New Zealand.
In 2009 a major redevelopment of the Leigh Marine Laboratory began with new facilities being opened in 2010. The new facilities included a new accommodation and workshop building, a three-story research building and an interpretive educational centre for public visitors.
A wide range of research activities are undertaken at the laboratory, including marine biogeography, physiology, ecology, genetics, marine fisheries and aquaculture. The laboratory has nine academic staff on site, with support staff. Further academic staff from the main University of Auckland campus are also frequent users of the laboratory. Postgraduate research is a major feature of the Leigh Laboratory.
The laboratory has a fleet of small boats and the 15.9-metre catamaran Te Kaihōpara, launched in 2023. The vessel replaced the aging Hawere and was given to the university by iwi Ngāti Manuhiri, a partner in mussel reef restoration.
An important part of research at the Leigh Marine Laboratory is supporting the development of aquaculture in New Zealand. In addition, research is undertaken on climate change, conservation and restoration, whales and dolphins, microplastics, noise pollution, sea birds, seafloor ecology, aquaculture, kelp and kina.