Wellington University Coastal Ecology Lab

The Wellington University Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Wellington’s Island Bay supports the School of Biological Sciences’ coastal ecology research.

The Wellington University Coastal Ecology Laboratory, Victoria University of Wellington (WUCEL) is an active research facility, supporting research excellence in coastal ecology in the School of Biological Sciences. The laboratory is in Island Bay, only 8km from the University's main campus.

Our award-winning facility overlooks the spectacular exposed rocky reef systems of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, and has extensive views across Cook Strait to the South Island.

Living laboratories

Watch our live webcam for a close-up view of one of our living laboratories.

Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of our facilities. WUCEL maintains sea water laboratory facilities, a small fleet of research vessels and vehicles, and office space for up to 30 researchers and supporting staff.

Research in coastal ecology

WUCEL provides logistic support to research programmes in coastal ecology that are conducted in the Wellington region, throughout New Zealand, and at research sites elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific and Southern Oceans.

Read more about us here.