The City of Victor Harbor has announced that two local marine biologists will deliver educational programming at the South Australian Whale Centre when it finally reopens.

The council has established a partnership with Ali Bloomfield and Renee Newman to share their extensive knowledge in marine biology and lead educational programming, tours and school holiday activities.

The pair will establish a new business, Fleurieu Marine Education, to deliver educational services from the South Australian Whale Centre as an independent operator.

The council called for expressions of interest last September, for local businesses, individuals and organisations to operate the Whale Centre’s education programs.

It received and considered three competitive submissions from local and Adelaide-based service providers.

The proposals were considered at the January 2022 Ordinary Council meeting; it awarded the rights to Ali Bloomfield and Renee Newman for a period of two years, with a right of renewal for a further two years.

The Whale Centre has been closed since December 2020 for major renovations that will see it incorporate the Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

The VIC has been operating from the Coral Street Art Space since council closed its office at the Causeway.

Originally due to open in time for last year’s whale season, but extensive delays have kept the historic Whale Centre building closed.

The VIC had been expected to relocate to the centre in October 2021 but a revised date is yet to be announced.

The council says the first educational classes from Fleurieu Marine Education are likely to occur from the second term of 2022.

Whale season starts in late May or early June each year. Term 2 due is scheduled to start on Monday 2 May.