Marine Institute launches innovative Digital Mapping Resource for marine education with the support of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
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The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment are pleased to announce the launch of the Marine Institute’s new Explorers Digital Marine Maps platform. A key component of the platform is the Explorers Education project module, 'Our Ocean Our Future – Marine Spatial Planning for Kids'. This interactive resource is designed to make complex marine data accessible and engaging for students, teachers, and educators.
Minister of State with special responsibilities for the Marine at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, congratulated the Marine Institute Explorers team on this initiative.
He said:
"This new digital mapping resource is a fantastic example of leveraging technology to promote marine education. By making the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and Marine Spatial Planning more accessible, we are empowering our young people to become more engaged and informed about the sustainable management of our marine resources. This is a critical step towards fostering a new generation of ocean stewards who will play a key role in shaping the future of our 'blue economy' and maintaining a thriving marine environment. I am delighted that my Department is supporting this initiative."
The platform of interactive digital maps lets children explore different layers of marine activities that take place in Irish waters such as fishing, ocean wind energy, shipping, as well as travel and recreational activities. It also highlights key areas dedicated to protecting the marine environment, including areas created to conserve Ireland's marine biodiversity and habitats.
Designed to support classroom learning, the resource can be used with lesson plans and activities to help students develop crucial digital literacy skills. The support from the Explorers outreach team also provides children with an opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills essential for understanding and engaging in marine spatial planning.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, highlighted the platform's educational value – saying:
"The Explorers Digital Marine Maps transform complex marine data into a practical and interactive learning experience. It supports access to information about how Ireland's ocean is managed, helping students to understand important topics like sustainable development and environmental protection in a tangible way. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to promote ocean literacy and inspire the next generation of marine scientists and planners."
He added:
"Marine data collected by the Marine Institute provides the evidence to inform important national policy decisions, such as the impacts of climate change on our seas or where there are key species and habitats in need of protection. Overlaying and analysing data can also help decision makers decide on the most suitable location for offshore wind farms and avoid important fishing grounds or sensitive habitats."
Peter Walsh, Principal of St. Conaire's National School in Tullyvarraga, Shannon, County Clare, praised the new resource. He commented:
"Bringing the 'Our Ocean Our Future' project to our classrooms has been a fantastic experience. The digital maps make it so much easier for our students to visualise and understand the importance of using data and evidence for making decisions about the location of activities in our seas. It's a powerful tool that connects their learning directly to a national polices like energy or biodiversity, making the lessons relevant and exciting for them.
"While the maps are a powerful starting point, the accompanying educational resources are crucial for providing a full understanding of the policies and legal frameworks that guide marine planning."
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland's scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State's maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. For more information, go to www.marine.ie.
About the Explorers Education Programme
The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by Camden Education Trust and Galway Atlantaquaria. Outreach is delivered by SeashoreKids, Oceanics Surf School, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Galway Atlantaquaria, Sea Synergy, The Sea Collective, and Leave No Trace – Ireland. The Explorers Education Programme provides free, engaging, and hands-on marine-themed lessons for primary school children in Ireland. The programme aims to increase ocean literacy and inspire students to learn about the importance of our ocean.
The Marine Spatial Planning for Kids module is sponsored by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.