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The Fish Department - Research

Dry collection move, July 2004

Specimen boxes on long-span shelving at the new Alexandria storage facility. View larger image. Photo: Mark McGrouther.

Staff of the Australian Museum Materials Conservation Branch. Compare the specimen in the original plastic bag with the boxed eel. View larger image. Photo: Mark McGrouther.

During July 2004, Ron Clark, Nick Summers and John Aruajo of Essential Art Services moved the fish skeletons and skins from the Yurong Street collection area to new storage premises at Alexandria. Over three days about 550 skeletons and 500 skins were moved.

Prior to the move, the majority of the specimens were stored in plastic bags (see lower image) or cardboard boxes. These containers have been replaced by polypropylene Corex boxes, which will ensure superior long term conservation of the specimens.

A big thank you goes to the staff of the Museum's Materials Conservation Branch who did an excellent job making the boxes and mounts for each of the specimens. The lower image shows from left to right, Sue Valis, Heather Bleechmore, Michael Kelly, Kate Jones and Megan Dean-Jones.