I’ve come across an increasing number of children from Cork city schools who have never been to a beach

Shazia Waheed, Marine biologist

I’ve always been an outdoor person, with a particular affinity for the sea. This was largely down to my late grandmother Kathleen Collins, who was born and reared in Ardmore, Co. Waterford, and introduced me to the seaside at a very young age. My weekends were spent exploring the rockpools on Curragh Strand, collecting shells and searching for fish.

I decided to study Zoology in UCC, and continued on to complete a masters in Marine Biology. I don’t remember ever considering a different career path, to be honest!

While I had initially envisaged specialising in the area of conservation or research, a summer job teaching marine biology to children unexpectedly changed my focus. 

It was so rewarding that I pursued work with Lifetime Lab in Cork, a science outreach centre which focuses on delivering science workshops to primary schools, based out of the Old Cork Waterworks Experience museum. Here, my main role is coordinating and delivering the Explorers Education Programme for the Cork area, funded by the Marine Institute.

I really enjoy my role as the education officer for Cork, since it involves engaging students of all ages, both in the classroom with our preserved sea life specimens, and more importantly, on the seashore, experiencing all that dynamic ecosystem has to offer.

These “seashore safaris” are the best ways for children to experience the ocean first hand, since they are immersed in the environment.

My combined passion for snorkelling and underwater photography consumes a lot of my free time during the summer months. While most people view snorkelling as an activity for holidays in the Mediterranean, Ireland’s coastline looks even more beautiful below the surface, just not as warm! Investing in a well-fitting wetsuit will allow you to experience our rich marine biodiversity, up close and personal. I would encourage anyone to give it a try, as it doesn’t have the high cost and commitment associated with scuba diving, while allowing you to experience the same amazing underwater scenery. The best spots are along the Beara Peninsula and Sheep’s Head but closer to Cork city, Roberts Cove, Nohoval Cove, are great. Lough Hyne is a great spot in Skibbereen for anyone trying snorkelling for the first time since it’s so sheltered and is a marine reserve.

Sadly, over the years, I’ve come across an increasing number of children from Cork city schools who have never been to a beach before, despite being only half an hour away by car or bus to the nearest one. Even those children who have been to the seaside are usually largely unfamiliar with the life on our shorelines. 

I feel that when children are given the chance to engage with our biodiversity, they feel a connection with it, and will ultimately strive to protect it in the future.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when we constantly hear about the many threats our oceans face, from overfishing to pollution and climate change. Even something as simple as recycling plastic packaging or doing a two minute beach clean on your next trip to the seaside could help prevent a seabird or whale becoming another victim of plastic pollution.

Beyond individual actions, I’d encourage everyone to contact their local representatives directly and demand that our government honour their commitment to properly protect 30% of our territorial waters by 2030, since only 8% is currently under any form of protection.