MOUNT Gambier students had a whale of a time learning about some of Australia’s most spectacular marine life recently.
A team of researchers from the University of Adelaide hit the road this week for a marine education roadshow, which highlights the importance of First Nations’ Sea Country and marine parks as homes for invaluable species.
Mount Gambier was the first stop this week, and a stop in Kingston is scheduled for next month.
Sea eagles, white sharks, sea lions, southern right whales, and cuttlefish have been named as the five iconic and recognisable animals from South Australia’s marine environment.
The roadshow teaches students about the connections between the ocean and our communities.
Marine biologist Dr Nina Wootton, from the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences said South Australia is home to some of the world’s most diverse marine environments.
“Many people do not realise the wonderful sights that are on our back doorstep,” she said.
“These include areas that are protected by the government as marine parks, with community engagement in these areas sometimes lacking.
“By working with schools and tourist operators we hope to bring these underwater wonders into the classroom and improve community awareness of marine park values.”
The workshops included an interactive lesson on marine protected areas, Sea Country, and the five iconic animals and students took part in an art class to display what they had learnt.
Some of the artworks will form part of a travelling art show which will move around the State and winning artists will receive prizes and tourist experiences in which they can see some of the species and environments they have learnt about.
