Poster for the Annual Meeting of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland

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Changing Oceans Expedition:
In May 2012, the Changing Oceans Expedition visited the cold-water coral reefs of
the North Atlantic on board the RRS James Cook, as part of the UK Ocean
Acidification Research Programme. Here, we were examining the effect of climate-
induced changes in the oceans on these deep water ecosystems. While at the
Mingulay cold-water coral Reef Complex, schoolchildren from a Hebridean high
school visited us to learn more about what we were up to in their own backyard.
Why?
For successful protection of marine environments, it is vital that the public
understand the link between marine science and Scotland’s capacity to benefit
from, and maintain the wellbeing of, our coasts and oceans. The voyage allowed
school pupils first-hand experience of the amazing ecosystems in their offshore
waters, and the opportunity to share this understanding with other pupils around the
country.
Who?
Children and teachers from Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula, whose lives are intertwined
with the ocean that surrounds them.
How?
The boat ‘Boy James’ brought the children and teachers out to spend the day with us
on site, just offshore from the Isle of Barra. The expedition was funded by Heriot-
Watt University and the Natural Environmental Research Council.
Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the public
Laura Wicks & J Murray Roberts
Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University

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Children were able to see the reefs with their own eyes, experience life on board a research ship and interact
with scientists in their natural environment
Controlling the ROV
The children created their own blog entry, at
www.changingoceans2012.blogspot.com
The remotely operated vehicle reveals the corals of the deep,
150 m below the ship
Ocean Acidification in action: Blowing CO2 into seawater rapidly reduces the pH
Seeing the corals that have been collected from the reefs, living in tanks, ready
Learning about equipment to be examined by the scientists on board.
Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the public
Laura Wicks & J Murray Roberts
Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University

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Why is this important ?
• School children become ambassadors for their environment
• Expanding pupils’ viewpoints and horizons
• Workshops from Sgoil Lionacleit will form the basis for workshops at Dynamic Earth for schoolchildren across
Scotland
• Providing a lasting legacy via Our Dynamic Earth and the cold-water coral outreach website Lophelia.org.
Facilitated debate on MPAs
Recreational users
Conservationists
Fishermen Scientific researchers
Changing Oceans Expedition: communicating science to the public
Laura Wicks & J Murray Roberts
Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot Watt University