The Marine Institute will feature in two episodes of TG4’s Cúla4 children’s series Cois Cladaigh, giving young viewers the chance to meet marine scientists and discover the research that helps us understand, protect and manage Ireland’s ocean.
The first episode, airing this Thursday 24 September, will take viewers aboard the RV Tom Crean with Aodhán Fitzgerald, Marine Institute research vessel operations manager.
The episode will explore the ins and outs of conducting science at sea on a multi-purpose research vessel, while introducing some of the exciting careers that make marine research possible.
Since entering service in July 2022, the state-of-the-art vessel has become one of Ireland’s most important scientific assets. The RV Tom Crean generates the data that underpins fish stock assessment surveys and critical ocean climate studies, as well as the appropriate designation and location of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and offshore renewable energy developments.
Then next month, on Thursday 22 October, Cois Cladaigh will feature Macdara Ó Cuaig and shark tagging in Tralee Bay. Young viewers will discover more about sharks, rays and skates, biodiversity, marine biology and conservation.
Filmed across 13 locations around the Irish coast, Cois Cladaigh combines coastal exploration with a submarine setting where Captain Póilín and two young scientists continue their journey of discovery.
Young people are at the heart of the series. Children from around the country take on the role of ‘Sea Explorers’, completing challenges on location, while young scientists carry out experiments using materials collected during their journey around the Irish coast. The Marine Institute episodes feature Seren and Aliannah, two sixth class students from Scoil Shèamis Naofa Bunscoil Bearna.
“Cois Cladaigh is a wonderful opportunity to bring the science of our seas and coasts to younger audiences in an engaging and accessible way,” said Rick Officer, chief executive of the Marine Institute.
“By giving children an insight into the research taking place at sea, the marine life around our shores and the people working in this field, we hope to spark their curiosity about Ireland’s marine environment and highlight the important role science plays in understanding and protecting it.”
The series investigates topics including salinity, currents, phytoplankton, how fish breathe and the effects of oil spills. It also looks at some of the challenges facing Ireland’s coasts, from pollution and plastics to water conservation, erosion and climate change, and explores how young people can play a part in protecting the marine environment.
Careers connected to the sea are another key part of the Cois Cladaigh series. Through encounters with people working across the marine sector, it gives children an insight into possible career paths, including the coastguard, fishing, aquaculture, lighthouse operations, harbour management and sailing.
