News
Helping children see seaweed differently
Marine Conservation Society brings marine macro-algae to North Devon’s classrooms
The UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), has created a programme to bring a vital, yet often overlooked and misunderstood part of our coast to life for seven to eleven-year olds.
Seaweed, often thought to be slippery, slimy, smelly stuff, with no real purpose is the subject of a set of educational resources aimed at helping local children in North Devon to see this vital macro-alga differently. MCS has been working in the North Devon Coast AONB to develop the programme.
Seaweed provides protection from waves and storms, shelter for fish and shellfish, energy for intertidal creatures and even food for us. With around 650 seaweed species in the UK, we are living in a global diversity hotspot. It’s estimated that 70- 80% of the world’s oxygen comes from marine algae which also helps us by locking up C02 to slow climate change. Yet most of us are unaware of the importance of seaweed or how to recognise and record it.
MCS has been working on the Big Seaweed Search with the Natural History Museum over the past few years and has now created a new suite of downloadable resources to help primary school teachers and other youth group leaders introduce children aged 7 to 11, to the beauty, diversity and value of seven easily found seaweed species that thrive on our coasts.
Jules Agate, MCS Volunteer and Engagement Manager for the South West, who developed the ‘Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for schools’ says: “The North Devon Coast is a fantastic place to get stuck into seaweed! There’s lots of it, it’s a free study material available in some of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms of the entire UK. Our pack means you’ll never look at seaweed in the same way again!”
Fun activities to do on the shore supplement the Big Seaweed Search activity itself. Associated indoor sessions use curriculum linked lessons, games, practical activities, video and even dance to bring seaweeds alive and encourage children to delve deeper and discover the amazing attributes of algae. All resources are freely available, and sessions can be amended to suit any particular group and teaching situation.
Appledore Primary School has already used the pack and one Year 6 student said: “Seaweed is algae that is found in the sea. It may look like just an old strip of useless slimy plants. I can tell you that you are wrong. I have learnt from The Marine Conservation Society that seaweed has many uses, including keeping us safe.”
This project has been supported by the North Devon Coast AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund which is funded by Defra. The SDF supports projects such as Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for schools which bring environmental, social or economic benefit to the North Devon Coast AONB.
Jenny Carey-Wood, North Devon Coast AONB Manager says: “We are delighted to grant aid this project. The Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for Schools builds on the successful work carried out by the AONB’s Coastal Creatures project with primary schools across the area, using the beach as an outdoor classroom and connecting children to nature.”
For more information please visit the Marine Conservation Society website by clicking here.
Images: Jules Agate
Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count! The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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