Theme 4A: Underwater Schools

How can we learn about fairly inaccessible ecosystems?
In May 1853, the first public aquarium opened at London Zoo. It was an engineering marvel - but the size of its tanks was still very limited by glassmaking technologies at the time. Today, we know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the ocean. Understanding marine ecosystems creates a particularly unique challenge for scientists, as they must combine so many disciplines to work underwater. And how to bring their knowledge and observations to non-scientists?

Theme 4B: Biodiverse Coasts

What’s so important about coastal habitats?
The interplay between land and sea means that coasts create multiple niche habitats. Varying temperatures, mixtures of fresh and saltwater, and tidal ranges contribute to unique ecosystems. As a result, 90% of marine life is found in coastal waters - even though coastal areas make up just 10% of the ocean. Coasts are bursting with biodiversity...and protecting them is especially crucial. 

Theme 4C: Dangerous Habitats

Why are Cornwall’s coastal species under threat?
Historically, much of Cornwall’s population made their livelihoods from fishing. In recent decades, though, overfishing has increasingly become a problem - due in large part to technical advances and the international arrival of larger commercial boats. Pollution, from plastic to ghost nets to oil spills, is another significant hazard, as is climate change. Then, of course, there are even more direct effects from the world’s deadliest creature...humans. Tourism harms species in a number of ways, from habitat destruction to breeding disruption to boating accident.

Theme 4D: Sustainable Interactions

How can we be part of healthy marine ecosystems?
The biggest dangers for marine life - overfishing, pollution, climate change, and tourism - are all human-caused. But this means that humans can take productive action to mitigate and even reverse those threats, if we address our behaviours and systems. Sustainable fishing methods, conservation and education programs, ethical tourism efforts, sealife rescue, and marine protection areas are a few examples of how environmental activists in Cornwall are working to redress anthropogenic harms to aquatic ecosystems.