Southern Oceans – it is the little things that count

Learners watch in fascination as SAEON’s Thomas Mtontsi uses the Magic Planet to illustrate Earth systems and processes. Learners witness a dissection for research purposes. Learners get to know more about the intricacies of marine research. At the biological oceanography laboratory the learners were made aware of the small life forms in our oceans and their vital role in food webs.

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), in association with the SAEON Egagasini Node, hosted a National Marine Week programme in Cape Town.

Schools involved in the SAEON Egagasini Node’s environmental education outreach programme were invited to visit the Foretrust building, where the Oceans and Coasts Branch of DEA as well as the SAEON Egagasini Node is housed.

The learners were welcomed by Andre Share (Oceans and Coasts Chief Director) and Jimmy Khanyile (Deputy Director) before they were split in smaller groups and given a guided tour to various marine research laboratories and exhibits. At each tour station, information and knowledge was shared, material shown and procedures explained.

The learners witnessed a dolphin dissection during which they were able to see parasites as well as an examination and analyses of anatomical features, measurements and more. At the biological oceanography laboratory they learned about what plankton is, how it is collected and studied, and why it is important.

Here their eyes were opened to the small life forms in our oceans and their vital role in food webs, in line with the National Marine Week theme, “Southern Oceans – it is the little things that count”.

Scientists in the chemistry sections told the learners about their work and the physical oceanography sector showed and explained equipment, tools and methods of data collection used on ships and in our oceans.

Exploring marine biodiversity

The learners were given a presentation comparing our two oceans off South Africa, highlighting differences between them and biodiversity within them. Biodiversity was explored by way of representative specimens, multi-media presentations as well as a video microscope.

Learners found SAEON’s Magic Planet as fascinating as always in a session presented by SAEON’s Thomas Mtontsi in which Earth systems and processes were illustrated. The learners gained knowledge and were exposed to a range of marine research avenues, before enjoying lunch and heading back to school.

On Tuesday an additional group of learners from the schools involved in the SAEON Egagasini programme was sponsored by BirdLife South Africa to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. On Friday, learners were treated to a tour on board the SA Agulhas II.

The National Marine Week tours were a success and hopefully informed and inspired learners to pursue marine-related career paths.