Carrigaline Pupils Get Hands-On with Lobster Conservation for World Oceans Day

Young students from St. Mary's National School in Carrigaline discovered the vital work protecting Cork's marine life this week, as they learned about sustainable fishing practices through an innovative mobile classroom experience marking World Oceans Day.

The sixth class pupils welcomed the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) to their school, where they explored how Ireland's fishing communities are safeguarding lobster stocks for future generations. The highlight of their visit was a live demonstration of the v-notching conservation technique, which has seen over 47,000 lobsters safely returned to Cork waters and beyond in the past year.

Sean Daly, BIM Regional Development Officer and former fisherman, led the hands-on session, explaining how the programme works by cutting a distinctive v-shaped notch in female lobsters' tails.

"We're all seeing this v-notching programme is definitely working. The way the fishermen and women see it, they want to leave the sea in the same condition as when they started fishing because this is for their children and their grandchildren," he told the attentive students.

The conservation initiative, which began in Ireland in 2015 after proving successful in Maine, USA, involves 225 inshore fishing operators working along Ireland's coastline. The programme receives joint funding from the Irish Government and the EU under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

Pupils eagerly tried the v-notching technique themselves under expert supervision, with many expressing surprise at what they learned. Yana Kozloza, aged 12, shared her enthusiasm:

"It's fascinating. I found out a lot about fish and lobsters that I didn't know. It's better than Irish."

Elaine O'Neill, also 12, grasped the programme's importance, saying:

"He was telling us about the v-notching and how it's more sustainable and how it's protecting the future."

Conor Garrett, 12, was particularly impressed by the marine life facts:

"I really enjoyed learning about lobsters and salmon. I also enjoyed learning about how salmon can jump three metres high."

The state-of-the-art mobile classroom, which has educated over 7,500 people since its 2018 launch, uses virtual reality, interactive games and videos to demonstrate sustainable seafood farming across Ireland's coastal communities. The ARC's mission focuses on raising awareness about aquaculture's role in food security and supporting local economies in areas like Cork.

Róisín O'Sullivan, the sixth class teacher, praised the programme's impact on her students:

"From the moment the truck arrives to the school, it looks so futuristic and there's a real hands-on learning experience. You see how the children are so absorbed. We've done a lot about sustainability this year. This is a great way to end the year."

The visit demonstrates how Cork's young people are engaging with marine conservation, ensuring the county's fishing heritage continues to thrive sustainably for generations to come.