‘Oceans of Learning’ marks European Maritime Day and world oceans
The Marine Institute and partners have organised a ten-week virtual series to celebrate European Maritime Day (May 20) and World Oceans Day (June 8).
‘Oceans of Learning‘ begins today (May 27) with ‘Food From our Ocean’. The series will celebrate a different topic each Wednesday, and will share news and offer online activities and resources on marine topics for all ages to connect with the oceans from their home. It will also showcase positive developments across Ireland’s marine sector.
It is regrettable that the European Maritime Day was cancelled but public health concerns had to take priority, remarked Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine:
“The main challenge facing the sector for the foreseeable future will be recovery from the economic impacts of the current public health crisis. This will require all relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure that the momentum for sustainable growth is maintained over time.”
Dr Paul Connolly, Marine Institute chief executive said the ‘Oceans of Learning’ campaign would offer a host of resources on the shared ocean and the major role it plays in everyday life:
“Now more than ever we must come together and empower Ireland and its people to safeguard and harness our ocean wealth…to celebrate our seas and look at the enormous opportunities presented by our coast and ocean.”
Cllr John Sheehan, Lord Mayor of Cork said despite the disappointment of having to cancel Seafest 2020 – the national maritime festival – key messages on the importance of the oceans and the role they play in people’s lives, still stands.
“I’m delighted this will be celebrated through ‘Oceans of Learning’ series.”
Each week, the Oceans of Learning series will share a different marine topic, including a profile on seafood, marine diversity, changing ocean climate, ports and shipping.
The Marine Institute will be working with government departments and partners: (Bord Bia, BIM, National Maritime College Ireland, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Met Éireann, Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI), coastal communities and organisations.
Background
Ireland’s marine resource is ten times the size of its land territory, supports diverse ecosystems, is a source of food, and influences climate, weather and wellbeing.
It also plays an important role in Ireland’s economy by providing employment across the marine sector in fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, technology, tourism and seafaring.
