Cronulla Fisheries Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cronulla Fisheries Centre |
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The Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre in 1923
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| Location | 202 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1904– |
| Owner | NSW Department of Primary Industries |
| Official name: Cronulla Fisheries Centre, The; Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre; Hungry Point Reserve; NSW Fisheries Research Institute; CSIR Fisheries Division; CSIRO Division of Fisheries & Oceanography | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1011 |
| Type | Other - Scientific Facilities |
| Category | Scientific Facilities |
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The Cronulla Fisheries Centre was once a very important place for studying fish and the ocean. It is located in Cronulla, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. People also know it as the Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre or Hungry Point Reserve. It was built starting in 1904.
For over 100 years, scientists here did amazing research. This research was known all over the world. But in 2011, the government decided to close the centre. They wanted to move its work to other towns. Many people were upset by this decision. There was no discussion with the staff first. Also, no one checked if it was a good idea financially.
A special group of lawmakers looked into the closure in 2012. They said the centre should stay open. But in December 2012, the government still decided to close it. The centre officially shut down in 2013. Today, the area is a public park called Hungry Point Reserve. It is also used by Marine Rescue NSW and the Water Police.
Contents
Where is the Cronulla Fisheries Centre?
The former fisheries centre is now called Hungry Point Reserve. It covers about 3 hectares (7.4 acres). You can find it at the very end of Cronulla Peninsula. It looks out over Salmon Haul Bay and Gunnamatta Bay. These bays are part of Port Hacking. The reserve is also across from Bundeena in the Royal National Park.
A Look Back: History of the Site
Who Lived Here First?
The Dharawal people are the traditional owners of this land. The Gwiyaga (Gweagal) clan lived in the southern parts of Sydney. They hunted and fished in the areas between Botany Bay and Port Hacking. They spoke the Dharawal language.
Evidence shows that Aboriginal people lived here at least 7,500 years ago. There are many shell middens along the coastline. Middens are ancient piles of shells and other food remains. They show where Aboriginal people ate their meals.
The area had lots of food from the sea. Shellfish like oysters and fish such as snapper were important. Both men and women spent a lot of time fishing. They also ate plants like fern roots and wattle seeds.
In the 1920s, Frank Cridland wrote about the area. He worried that Aboriginal sites were being destroyed. A surveyor named W.D. Campbell recorded rock carvings nearby. Some of these carvings might still exist today.
European Settlement
The first European to describe this area was Matthew Flinders. He explored Port Hacking in 1814. Explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders camped near Salmon Haul Bay in 1776. They met local Aboriginal people in a friendly way.
Surveyor Robert Dixon worked here in 1827-28. He named many beaches. John Connell was the first European settler. He received land here in 1835. The name "Cronulla" comes from an Aboriginal word. It means "the place of pink seashells."
In 1895, the land was divided up for sale. In 1908, the area was officially named Cronulla. Before 1939, you had to take a steam tram from Sutherland to get to Cronulla. A post office opened in 1891. The first public school started in 1910.
The Fisheries Research Centre Begins
How the Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre Started
Scientists have studied fish at Cronulla for over 110 years. The research aquarium was built in 1904. It was the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Experts say it has a long and important history in fish research.
In 1861, the government set aside 300 acres of land here. In 1865, the NSW Fisheries Act was passed. The first research was done by Harald Kristian Dannevig. He was a fisheries expert from Norway. He was helped by David George Stead.
In the late 1800s, fish numbers were dropping. This was due to too much fishing and pollution. The government wanted to grow fish to put back into the waters. They also wanted to bring in new fish from other countries.
In 1902, Harald Dannevig came to Sydney. He was chosen because he had built fish hatcheries in Europe. He carefully picked the Cronulla site for a new hatchery. He oversaw its building and operation.
The Cronulla hatchery and laboratory were built in 1904. They started working fully in 1906. They tried to breed fish like whiting and snapper. They had success with flounder from Tasmania. Millions of young flounder were released into local waters. The hatchery closed in 1914.
In 1908, Dannevig became Australia's first Director of Fisheries. He designed Australia's first marine research ship. He studied fish resources around Australia. Sadly, he died in 1914 when his ship was lost in a storm.
After World War I, fish research slowed down. It picked up again in 1926. This was when the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was created. This group later became CSIRO. In 1929, the saltwater pool was used for shark experiments.
In 1937, Dr. Harold Thompson became the first head of the CSIR Fisheries Section. In 1938, the Cronulla site was given to the Commonwealth government. This was to house the new CSIR Fisheries Division. They studied tuna, whales, and ocean conditions. The main CSIRO Fisheries building was finished in 1938.
Cronulla Migrant Hostel (1949-1967)
In 1949, a migrant hostel was built on the eastern side of the site. It housed people who came to Australia after World War II. Many were "Displaced Persons" from Eastern Europe.
The hostel had 18 buildings. They were made of wood with corrugated metal roofs. In 1949, work began to build rooms for 200 migrants. There was a strike by workers who did not want refugees from certain countries to come. The hostel was sometimes called "Balt Camp." This was because many families from Baltic countries stayed there.
The hostel closed in 1967. Most of its buildings were taken down in the 1970s. Only two remain today. These two buildings are very important. They show what early migrant accommodation was like. They also show how migrants lived and worked when they first arrived.
What Research Was Done Here?
Until 2012, many projects were done at the Centre. Scientists studied bull sharks and giant cuttlefish. They also looked at prawns and different types of fishing. They researched how climate change affects NSW waters. They also studied threats to marine life.
Services Provided
The Centre did important research on wild fish. It also helped manage fisheries. It offered community services too. These included the NSW Shark Meshing Program. It also had a 'Get Hooked' education program for schools.
In 1984, the CSIRO Marine Laboratories moved to Hobart. They had done 47 years of important research at Cronulla. This research helped create ocean and fish studies in Australia.
In 1985, the Cronulla facilities went back to the NSW Government. It was renamed the NSW Fisheries Research Institute. They studied fish populations and how fishing affects them. They also looked at how waterways and pollution impact marine life.
In 2004, NSW Fisheries joined other departments. It became part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). In 2005, they celebrated 100 years of water research at Cronulla. In 2007, a new laboratory opened. It was named the 'H.C. Dannevig Fisheries Laboratory'. The centre was a "Fisheries Centre of Excellence" until it closed in 2011.
Before it closed, the Centre had 152 staff. This included many scientists. It also supported 22 university students. The Centre held many workshops and published many papers.
A special inquiry looked into the closure. It recommended that the NSW Government keep the centre open. But the government said no in December 2012.
The Parliamentary Inquiry
A group of lawmakers started an inquiry in June 2012. They wanted to know why the centre was closing. They asked for people's opinions. The final report was ready in October 2012. Fred Nile led the committee.
Public meetings were held. Many people shared their views. The Minister in charge of the closure, Katrina Hodgkinson, spoke. She said the decision to close was final. She also said moving the staff would save money.
Why the Centre Was Important
The Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre is a big part of Australian history. It was the first marine research centre in Australia. It might even be the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Its buildings date back to 1902. They were built especially for fish research.
The centre was home to Harald Dannevig. He was Australia's first chief fisheries scientist. From here, he explored fish resources across Australia. Many other great scientists worked here too. They studied the ocean and fish. They also advised on whaling.
The site is also important to Aboriginal culture. It has three Aboriginal middens. These are protected under heritage laws. Aboriginal leaders often spoke to students here. They taught them about their people's history on this land.
Many famous scientists worked at Cronulla. These include Dr. Keith Sainsbury. He won the Japan Prize, a very high science award. He still helps manage fisheries today.
The CSIRO used the site from 1949 to 1985. Then it moved to Hobart. The Cronulla site was given back to the NSW Government. It was agreed that it would keep being used for marine research.
Buildings at the Centre
- Former hatchery building: This L-shaped brick building was built around 1904. It was originally a laboratory and a hall for fish tanks. It has been changed over time.
- Boat shed: Built between 1904 and 1914. It was used to store boats and marine gear. It has been repaired over the years.
- Fish pond: This concrete pool is 30 by 12 by 2 meters (98 by 39 by 6.6 feet). It was built as part of the hatchery.
What the Inquiry Found
Fred Nile, the head of the inquiry, said:
"The Committee believes strongly that the scientists and facilities at the Centre should stay. We have asked the Government to change its decision."
"We found that closing the Centre was not done well. The Government did not check the costs and benefits before deciding. This is not acceptable."
"The Committee was sad that the decision was made without asking anyone. They did not even ask the Chief Scientist of the Department of Primary Industries."
The report made 13 recommendations. The first one was to reverse the closure decision. The report said the decision was made without any financial study. It also went against government rules.
What the Site Looks Like Now
The Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence is a special research place. It is on a headland in Cronulla. It was the first fish research centre in Australia. The whole site is heritage listed. This means it is protected for its historical value.
Important Parts of the Site
- Former hatchery building: This brick building has two parts. It has old brick walls and a new roof. Inside, one part is now offices. Some original doors and windows are still there.
- Boat shed: This building has wooden walls and a metal roof. It is on the edge of Port Hacking. It used to have a wharf.
- Fish pond: This is a large concrete pool. It has sunshades and filter units.
- Aboriginal middens: There are three important Aboriginal middens on the site. They are piles of shells and other remains. They show how Aboriginal people used to live and eat. They fished from canoes using hooks made from shells.
- Littoral Rainforest Remnant: A small part of a special forest is still here. It is an endangered type of forest in NSW. It has fig trees and other rare plants.
Condition of the Site
As of 2000, the Aboriginal middens are important for history. They need to be protected.
Future plans for the site will aim to keep its original features. This will help people understand its past uses.
Why is it Heritage Listed?
The Cronulla Fisheries Centre site is very important for Australia and NSW history. It was the first marine research place in Australia. It started in 1904. It has always been used for fisheries research by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
The site is linked to Harald Dannevig. He was the first Director of fisheries investigations. Three original buildings are still on the site. They are considered very important.
The Cronulla Fisheries Centre was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
See also
- National Marine Science Centre, Australia
