Page 12 - COBH EDITION 18th JANUARY DIGITAL VERSION

Port of Cork and MaREI Team Up to Deliver A Primary Schools Ini-
tiative For A Healthy Harbour

Calling all 5th Class Teachers – Win a Free Boat Trip around Cork Harbour for your class, plus
a chance to go on board a Cruise Liner!
For the last 13 years the Port of Cork has delivered a schools initiative to 5th class primary
schools across Cork City and County, with a particular focus on the harbour area. For the
first time this year, the Port of Cork has teamed up with MaREI, the UCC research centre for
marine and renewable energy based in Ringaskiddy, to deliver an educational initiative around
marine litter.
Themed ‘Maintaining a Healthy Harbour’ the initiative aims to make school children aware of
marine litter and the detrimental effects it can have on our oceans, harbour and shorelines.
With the help of MaREI, classes are encouraged to collect and use marine litter and recycled
items to create a 3D art project that will make people stop and think. Researchers estimate
that over 10 million tonnes of litter ends up in the world’s oceans each year and 1 million
seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals (seals, whales, dolphins) die every year because of
marine litter through entanglement or ingestion. There is a growing public awareness of the
issue, and with almost half of all marine litter being made up of just 10 types of single-use
plastic items, we can take steps to tackle the problem.
Port of Cork Chief Executive Mr Brendan Keating said: ‘Our schools Initiative has gone from
strength to strength and this year are we delighted to partner with MaREI. They have great
expertise in this area and their guidance in shaping the theme has been invaluable.’
He continued: ‘The issue of marine litter is apparent in all harbours and it is so important that
school children recognise the impacts marine litter can have on a harbour both in and out of
the water. As well as being educational, our initiative is fun and children have a great oppor-
tunity to be creative. I would strongly encourage primary schools in Cork to take part in this
initiative.’
MaREI’s Communications and Public Engagement Manager, Aoife Deane, commented: ‘We are
delighted to be collaborating with Port of Cork on their long established outreach initiative
highlighting the value of our harbour. The ‘Healthy Harbour’ theme encourages students to
think about the sources and impact of marine litter, and our reliance on single use plastics.
And the exhibition of their artwork is an opportunity to highlight these issues to a wider audi-
ence.’

Each year the Port of Cork has over 30 schools from both Cork City and county participating
in the Schools Initiative and they hope that this year will be no different.
All 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip
around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a cer-
tificate of participation. The overall ‘Best Project’ will receive a tour on board one of the many
luxurious cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2019.
All submitted projects will go on public display in the Cobh Maritime Development building be-
fore the winner is announced in May 2019. Closing date for entries is Friday 12th April 2019.
If you would like more information on the Port of Cork Schools Initiative or would like to reg-
ister your school, please contact Sara Mackeown, Port of Cork, email smackeown@portofcork.
ie or call 021 4625375. Information is also available at www.portofcork.ie