Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the publicLaura Wicks & J Murray Roberts

Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University

Changing Oceans Expedition:In May 2012, the Changing Oceans Expedition visited the cold-water coral reefs of the North Atlantic on board the RRS James Cook, as part of the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Here, we were examining the effect of climate-induced changes in the oceans on these deep water ecosystems. While at the Mingulay cold-water coral Reef Complex, schoolchildren from a Hebridean high school visited us to learn more about what we were up to in their own backyard.

Why? For successful protection of marine environments, it is vital that the public understand the link between marine science and Scotland’s capacity to benefit from, and maintain the wellbeing of, our coasts and oceans. The voyage allowed school pupils first-hand experience of the amazing ecosystems in their offshore waters, and the opportunity to share this understanding with other pupils around the country.

Who?Children and teachers from Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula, whose lives are intertwined with the ocean that surrounds them.

How?The boat ‘Boy James’ brought the children and teachers out to spend the day with us on site, just offshore from the Isle of Barra. The expedition was funded by Heriot-Watt University and the Natural Environmental Research Council.

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Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the publicLaura Wicks & J Murray Roberts

Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University

Children were able to see the reefs with their own eyes, experience life on board a research ship and interact with scientists in their natural environment

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The remotely operated vehicle reveals the corals of the deep, 150 m below the ship

Controlling the ROV

Ocean Acidification in action: Blowing CO2 into seawater rapidly reduces the pH

Seeing the corals that have been collected from the reefs, living in tanks, ready to be examined by the scientists on board. Learning about equipment

The children created their own blog entry, at www.changingoceans2012.blogspot.com

Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the publicLaura Wicks & J Murray Roberts

Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University

Facilitated debate on MPAs

Why is this important ?• School children become ambassadors for their environment• Expanding pupils’ viewpoints and horizons • Workshops from Sgoil Lionacleit will form the basis for workshops at Dynamic Earth for schoolchildren across

Scotland• Providing a lasting legacy via Our Dynamic Earth and the cold-water coral outreach website Lophelia.org.

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Communication workshops

Recreational users

Fishermen Scientific researchers

Conservationists