Museum of Tropical Queensland
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The Museum of Tropical Queensland, also called MTQ, is located in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, in the state of Queensland [1]. MTQ is a member of the Queensland Museum Campus Network [2].
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[edit] History
The museum opened in 1987 under the direction of Dr. Carden Wallace, at that time titled 'Curator in Charge'[3]. Its new building was built at a cost of $18 million Australian dollars [4], and was opened on 3 June 2000 by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie [5].
In 1997, Dr. Wallace was named Director of the museum [6].
In 2003, Sally Lewis was named Director of the museum[7].
[edit] Research
Scientists in the museum have gained international recognition in various fields, particularly those with marine themes.
[edit] Marine archaeology
The museum houses artefacts recovered from the wreck of HMS Pandora, one of the most significant wrecks in Australian waters. The Pandora sank off the coast of north Queensland in 1791 after capturing some of the participants in the infamous mutiny on the Bounty.
The Maritime Archaeology Section administers the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, which covers sites including the Pandora and SS Yongala wrecks. Access to these sites is through permit only[8].
[edit] Marine megafauna
In 2006, worldwide attention was received for the discovery of the Australian Snubfin Dolphin, the first species of dolphin to be discovered in 56 years [9].
[edit] Corals
The museum also houses what has been described as 'the scientifically most important coral collection in the world' [10].
[edit] References
- 'Getting Here'
- 'Queensland Museum Campus Network'
- Queensland Museum Annual Report 1999-2000
- 'Profile of Townsville City Area'
- New dolphin species under the spotlight at MTQ
- 'Ask a Staghorn Coral'
- 'Women Scientists at the Queensland Museum'
- 'Wallace, Carden: Bright Sparcs Biographical entry'
- Queensland Museum Annual Report 2002-2003
