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Full House for a Night to ‘Sea’ Culture at Marine Institute HQ

20th September 2024
Among the Marine Institute event's highlights included a special performance of ‘Adrift’ by Oranmore’s drama group, Bualadh Bos. This comedic play centres on three men set adrift at sea after a failed mutiny, who must set aside their differences and await rescue
Among the event's highlights included a special performance of ‘Adrift’ by Oranmore’s drama group, Bualadh Bos. This comedic play centres on three men set adrift at sea after a failed mutiny, who must set aside their differences and await rescue

The Marine Institute's evening of marine-themed music, drama, art, and poetry on Friday, September 20th for Culture Night 2024, attracted a full house.

Hosted at the Marine Institute’s Galway headquarters, the event featured a vibrant line-up of cultural performances, immersive storytelling, captivating music inspired by the sea, and a variety of art displays, all showcasing Ireland’s profound relationship with its marine environment.

The spectacular evening, part of the nationwide Culture Night 2024 programme, was a resounding success. It brought together people of all ages to celebrate our maritime heritage through music, literature, visual arts, and performance.

The event drew a diverse audience, from families to marine enthusiasts, celebrating the fusion of marine science and culture. Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said, "The turnout tonight has been remarkable. Seeing a full house for an event celebrating the sea shows the importance of our marine heritage and the cultural significance of the sea to our local community and to Ireland.”

“I’m thrilled that so many people joined us for our special Culture Night programme. The interest and response of local community groups has been fabulous. Together, we staged such a wonderful evening of entertainment that demonstrated the enormous talent of our community. It has been an honour for the Marine Institute to host the event in our beautiful headquarters” he added.

Among the event's highlights included a special performance of ‘Adrift’ by Oranmore’s drama group, Bualadh Bos. This comedic play centres on three men set adrift at sea after a failed mutiny, who must set aside their differences and await rescue. The Culture Night programme also included poetry and prose readings by the Oranmore Creative Writing Group, and attendees were also treated to a stunning choral performance from the Marine Singers Choir.

There were a number of visual art and sculptural exhibits on display, including the exhibition ‘Bringing Ireland’s Wildlife Back to Life’, which combines art and science to raise awareness of the effects of pollution and climate change on seabirds. Artworks about the importance of the ocean to the coastal communities of Ireland and Wales, produced as part of the EU-funded project BlueFish, were also on show. Experienced street and documentary photographer Steve Scott presented his exhibit ‘Lobster Man AKA Frank’, which showcases the life of Frank Flanagan, a local dedicated lobsterman from Rinville, Galway. Visitors also viewed maritime heritage displays including the Galway Bay Flat Bottom Boat, commissioned by South-East Galway Bay community group, Cuan Beo.

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Marine Science Perhaps it is the work of the Irish research vessel RV Celtic Explorer out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of marine research, development and sustainable management, through which Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. From Wavebob Ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration these pages document the work of Irish marine science and how Irish scientists have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.

 

At A Glance – Ocean Facts

  • 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by the ocean
  • The ocean is responsible for the water cycle, which affects our weather
  • The ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity
  • The real map of Ireland has a seabed territory ten times the size of its land area
  • The ocean is the support system of our planet.
  • Over half of the oxygen we breathe was produced in the ocean
  • The global market for seaweed is valued at approximately €5.4 billion
  • · Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems in the world — at 230 million years
  • 1.9 million people live within 5km of the coast in Ireland
  • Ocean waters hold nearly 20 million tons of gold. If we could mine all of the gold from the ocean, we would have enough to give every person on earth 9lbs of the precious metal!
  • Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world – Ireland is ranked 7th largest aquaculture producer in the EU
  • The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world, covering 20% of the earth’s surface. Out of all the oceans, the Atlantic Ocean is the saltiest
  • The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world. It’s bigger than all the continents put together
  • Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive fishing grounds in Europe, with Irish commercial fish landings worth around €200 million annually
  • 97% of the earth’s water is in the ocean
  • The ocean provides the greatest amount of the world’s protein consumed by humans
  • Plastic affects 700 species in the oceans from plankton to whales.
  • Only 10% of the oceans have been explored.
  • 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, equal to dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.
  • 12 humans have walked on the moon but only 3 humans have been to the deepest part of the ocean.

(Ref: Marine Institute)

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