Marine and climate science on show at Mayo and Galway Science Festivals

To celebrate Science Week 2019, the Marine Institute will be showcasing marine science and ocean climate research at the Mayo and Galway Science and Technology Festivals on Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 November 2019.

The Marine Institute will host an interactive stand at the Mayo Science and Technology Open Day which will include a display of corals, mermaid’s purses and live fish species. Children can also identify invertebrates under the microscope and find out more about plastic waste in our oceans. There is also an opportunity to learn more about the research undertaken at the Marine Institute’s Research Facility in Newport, including our involvement in the Bluefin Tuna Data Collection Programme.

The Galway Science and Technology Festival will focus on climate action, understanding climate change, and how science and technology can help us create a positive climate impact. At the Marine Institute exhibition stand visitors will learn about the work undertaken by the Institute to observe and understand how our ocean is changing.

An Argo Float, which collects important data on the temperature and salinity of the ocean, will be on display. There will also be video displays and interactive touch screens on the Institute’s involvement in marine biodiversity research.

See a mini Remotely Operated Vehicle and models of Ireland’s marine research vessels, the RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager, and how this infrastructure is used for fisheries and oceanographic research.
Take a look inside the Marine Institute’s Explorers Primary Schools Education Programme ‘Nobby Boat’ display and view some of Ireland’s marine life.

Find out what easy swaps and alternatives can be made at home and at school to reduce your impact on the planet and the ocean.

Explore how climate and the ocean are linked and how your small positive actions can help make a difference.

Visitors to the Marine Institute’s exhibition will also have the chance to enter a competition to win a tour of the RV Celtic Explorer or an Explorers Seashore Safari lesson for their primary school class.

The Mayo Science and Technology Festival will be held at GMIT, Castlebar on Sunday 17 November from 11.30am – 6pm. Galway Science and Technology Festival will take place at the Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway on Sunday 24 November from 10am – 6pm.

For more information on activities taking place for Science Week 2019 visit www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week/

ENDS