North Ayrshire Pupils Engage in Marine Exploration with COAST and Arran Outdoor Centre

This April marked the launch of an exceptional and pioneering initiative brought together by the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) and the Arran Outdoor Education Centre (AOEC). This unique programme merges classroom theory with experiential, hands-on outdoor exploration, marking a first for such an initiative in the UK.

The programme stands out for its innovative integration of state-of-the-art marine research technology and immersive educational experiences in nature. Under the guidance of experts from COAST and AOEC, students are introduced to advanced tools such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), seabed cameras, plankton nets, and Secchi discs. These instruments are instrumental in marine life monitoring, habitat mapping, and environmental condition measurement.

These students, normally acquainted only with theoretical learnings, now find themselves equipped with tools traditionally reserved for professional researchers. This exposure empowers them to delve into Scotland’s diverse marine ecosystems and directly contribute to identifying marine species in unexplored locations around the Isle of Arran.

The revelations and findings from the students’ work are not merely exercises in data collection; they play a crucial role in ongoing marine restoration efforts, demonstrating to the young participants the tangible impact of their contributions. Additionally, the programme introduces students to the remarkable story of Scotland’s first No-Take Zone. This narrative exemplifies how collective community action can lead to profound environmental recovery, inspiring students to recognize their potential for initiating change.

The significance of “blue spaces” — our marine environments — is emerging alongside the already acknowledged value of “green spaces” in nurturing children’s mental, physical, and social well-being. This programme takes advantage of these emerging insights by enabling students to engage directly with vibrant marine ecosystems, enhancing their connection to nature and providing them with a novel perspective on conservation.

Jenny Crockett, the outreach and communications manager at COAST, emphasized the importance of education and engagement in fostering conservation awareness. According to her, offering young people the chance to experience marine life up close and using advanced technology helps establish a profound connection. “This experience amplifies their understanding of the significant role marine ecosystems play in our lives and strengthens their conservation commitment,” she expressed.

The programme, offered at no additional cost to school residential packages at the AOEC, faces potential hurdles due to proposed budget cuts from North Ayrshire Council, which threaten the centre’s operational future. Despite these challenges, the collaboration between COAST and AOEC remains focused on educating students about the seas’ crucial role in combating climate change.

By immersing students in Scotland’s marine ecosystems, they gain firsthand experience in mapping Blue Carbon habitats in the waters of Arran. These ecosystems are crucial due to their inherent ability to sequester and store carbon.

Central to this programme is COAST’s research vessel, the RV COAST Explorer. Launched in 2023, with funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, the vessel supports academic and governmental research but now also plays a crucial part in realizing marine science for young learners. This initiative aims to equip them with the knowledge and insight to become stalwarts of ecological and climate awareness, setting exemplary standards in conservation-focused education.

Martin Wood, a team leader at the AOEC, highlighted the extraordinary nature of the collaboration, stating, “Our mission to inspire and educate through outdoor learning finds a perfect match here on the Isle of Arran. Offering a residential experience intertwined with scientific exploration aboard a research vessel is an unparalleled opportunity that provides immense value to upcoming generations.”

As concerns over eco-anxiety, a growing mental health challenge linked to climate change and biodiversity loss, escalate among youth, initiatives like this are becoming increasingly vital. COAST and AOEC’s programme actively prepares young individuals with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become advocates for ecological and climate awareness, cultivating a new generation of environmental leaders, one ROV dive and seabed survey at a time.