SPM24 Eco workshop at the beach

The students actively partook in a workshop activity themed conservation of marine and coastal species at the beach. The students got a hands-on experience based on the learning presentation by the Centre for Conservation of Marine and Coastal Species. At the beach the students were given one glove to wear and given three assignments. 1. Clean the beach and discuss what contaminates the beach and affects the marine life/habitat? 2. Biodiversity and species – what could the students find to get more information about marine species. 3.What evidence of contamination could they find?.The students found plastic, paper, bottles, glass, cans, paper napkins, wetwipes, cigarettes. Species: shells, algae seaweed (green, red, brown), cuttlefish shell, bones, shells of different fish, common shells, pebbles, pilgren shell and bird feathers. The presenter asked the students why they are just a few species on the beach. The students discussed contamination by rubbish and other factors such as traffic, factories, port boats, oil, tourists, sunscreen, car pollution, beachbars, apartments, sewage and that streetlights are not good for marine life. They discussed which types of beach exist, linking back to the morning presentation (transformated beach versus natural beach). During the outdoor lesson the students were very lucky to see dolpins playing in the bay and an usual sea bird called an egret.

The students actively cooperate and deepened they knowledge about the conservation of marine and coastal species on the Spanish coast. Working together, communicating in English/Spanish/French the students worked together to gather rubbish and evidence of species and also discussed important environmental issues. These issues are comparable to the efforts being carried out in other European countries and their own home countries to enhance conservation and save our seas. For the natural science students this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about other environments and also see in reality, hands-on, how the environment affects marine life.