Dive into our ‘big blue planet’ this National Marine Week

Wednesday 25th July 2018

Kids rockpooling (c) A Mustard/2020VisionKids rockpooling (c) A Mustard/2020Vision

‘You don’t need to visit the topics to experience incredible marine life; it’s right here on your doorstep.’ That’s the message from Ulster Wildlife who is inviting everyone to dive into our ‘big blue planet’ this National Marine Week, from 28 July to 12 August, with a shoal of events lined-up around the coast.

You could spend a sunny afternoon with the kids exploring rockpools, bedazzled on a snorkel safari by a chance encounter with a Ballan wrasse, or be amazed by the sight of a harbour porpoise or bottlenose dolphin on a boat trip.

From Carlingford Lough to Portrush, staff and volunteers will be sharing their knowledge, showcasing our marine environment and enthusing about the awe-inspiring variety of species, from molluscs to minke whales, which call our waters home.

Dave Wall, Living Seas Officer with Ulster Wildlife said, “We do like to be beside the seaside and summer is not complete without a visit to the coast. The waters around Northern Ireland are teeming with marine life as beautiful and as colourful as anything witnessed on Blue Planet II, from colourful corals and dazzling anemones to playful dolphins and curious cuttlefish.

“So whether you’re a coastal lover, day-tripper or have never had a look beneath the waves before, we’re inviting you to join us during National Marine Week and share in the wonder of our very own ‘big blue’. Once people know what’s out there, we’ve no doubt they will want to help look after and protect this precious resource for future generations.”

National Marine Week events are spread across two weeks in order to take advantage of low tides, and include:

  • 25 July: Shark egg case hunt at Portballintrae
  • 26 July: Wildlife Boat Trip around Carlingford Lough (fully booked)
  • 31 July:  Snorkel Safari at Portballintrae (fully booked)
  • 01 Aug: Big Summer Read – Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises – at Bangor Library
  • 07 Aug: Snorkel Safari at Cranfield Beach (fully booked)
  • 09 Aug: Seashore Scavenge at Glenarm

During National Marine Week, Ulster Wildlife is also asking people to become a Blue Planet Champion and take some simple actions to help our local seas and marine life. For example, say no to single-use plastics like cups, bags and straws which can have a negative effect on our seas or do a two-minute beach clean.

To dive in, visit www.ulsterwildlife.org/what's-on

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Tagged with: Living Seas, Events, National Marine Week, Northern ireland