Our oceans cover 70% of the planet's surface and play a vital role in sustaining life. They provide oxygen for every second breath we take, feed billions of people, and host 80% of the world's biodiversity—making them essential to our existence. However, our oceans face unprecedented threats. Climate change, pollution, overfishing, and bycatch are putting marine ecosystems at risk.
To raise awareness in our local communities and protect our oceans for future generations, the Department of Ocean Science organized a two-day educational event at the HKUST Atrium on 19 – 20 March 2024. This event captivated local community members with a range of activities and educational exhibits. We believe it fostered a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems' importance among attendees, including students from local primary and secondary schools, and demonstrated how they can contribute to ocean conservation. The event brought together individuals, communities, and organizations to emphasize the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices.
Key highlights:
- Game Booths: Visitors eagerly participated in interactive game booths that blended entertainment with education. We showcased innovative teaching tools, including:
- “Quest of Ocean” game app: An interactive app enabling students to review and reinforce classroom knowledge through engaging ocean-themed challenges.
- “Biodiversity Map”: An interactive display showcasing HKUST's rich ecological environment, highlighting local marine species and habitats.
These games not only educated participants about marine ecosystems but also inspired them to take action in ocean conservation. Special prizes, like eco-friendly tote bags, were awarded to those who completed the games, further encouraging sustainable practices. The game booths were particularly popular among younger visitors, with many expressing increased interest in marine biology and environmental science after participating.
Exhibition Boards: Our exhibition boards showcased a wide range of topics crucial to marine conservation and ocean health. These informative displays engaged visitors of all ages and backgrounds, providing in-depth knowledge on various aspects of marine science and conservation efforts.
Key topics covered by our exhibition boards included Ocean Heating and Climate Change, Marine Habitats and Conservation, Eco-Fishing Practices, Marine Molecular Ecology and Chemical Ecology, and Challenges in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area (GBA) Oceans.
Display of Marine Laboratory Equipment: A highlight of the event was the showcase of cutting-edge marine research equipment – the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and Underwater Glider, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the tools scientists use to study our oceans. This display not only educated the public about marine research methodologies but also inspired young attendees to consider careers in ocean science
To enhance the learning experience, each equipment station was staffed by knowledgeable researchers who provided detailed explanations and answered visitors' questions. Interactive demonstrations allowed participants to gain a deeper
We would like to express our gratitude to individuals who collaborated to make this event a success.
