Marine open day in Weihai city

Dr Chunli Liu

hƩ p://www.nf-pogo-alumni.org/~Chunli+Liu Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China

The oceans are the blue home for mankind and treasury for sustainable development. In the 21 st century, we are entering an era of marine exploitaƟ on and uƟ lizaƟ on. Weihai city is on the long Yel

low Sea coastline. With economic development, Weihai city is facing many problems such as marine water polluƟ on, marine liƩ er, overexploitaƟ on and unsustainable use of marine resources. Therefore, it is necessary to promote ocean literacy among people especially among children. This will ensure effi cient protecƟ on of the marine environment in the future. In order to achieve this goal, our team held one outreach project for the students of Weihai primary schools. The acƟ vity topic is “Oceans protecƟ on, here we are on the road!”

Six acƟ viƟ es were conducted during the event: - VisiƟ ng art exhibiƟ on called “Impressions of Sea” - An on-site visiƟ ng of the laboratory of marine animal specimens

- Microscopical observaƟ ons of several common marine phytoplankton species in coastal waters of Weihai area. Here, the students discovered the invisible side of the wonderful world - A science lecture on marine protecƟ on. The lecture aimed to advocate for a posiƟ ve outlook on the protecƟ on of the marine environment and for acƟ ve parƟ cipaƟ on in the protecƟ on acƟ viƟ es.

- CreaƟ ng vivid marine organisms with beauƟ ful plasƟ cines - Taking photos for all parƟ cipants.

The event was very successful. It increased the students’ interest in the marine environment and provided basic knowledge of marine biology. AŌ er answering quesƟ ons from curious students, every student was given a small giŌ (plasƟ cine marine animal). Propaganda fi lm, ‘Marine hazards and prevenƟ on’ was shown and inspired the students to protect the marine environment. In the end, the students drew lovely marine animals on a six-meter long canvas and leŌ their signatures to express their willingness to protect the environment. Both parents and students enjoyed this event and learned about the Ɵ ght connecƟ ons between marine environment and mankind. They also learned that marine protecƟ on is not only done by specialists, but that regular people can also contribute to this important process.