May 2024

Engaging with political leaders

We worked alongside the Marine Conservation Society’s Policy & Advocacy Manager to act as a voice for the ocean and communicate the organisation’s key policy asks to Wales’ Members of Senedd. We also spoke about HYYM, outlining the importance of access and experience when it comes to our coast, sea and MPA network, and the opportunities growing ocean literacy presents in supporting the sustainable management of our natural resources.

Building relationships with local marine conservation projects

We organised and delivered the first collaborative cross-North Wales marine conservation project meeting with Wild Oysters Project, Project Siarc and Natur am Byth! This allowed us to come together as the network of NLHF-funded marine projects being delivered in North Wales, share key project updates and explore opportunities for collaboration. Nurturing these relationships with other conservation projects helps pave the way for potential partnerships in the future, as well as improving coordination across the region to maximise our efforts and achieve shared goals.

Inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists

Our project team delivered workshops in Ysgol Penmorfa’s careers day, inspiring more than 100 students to become marine conservationists. As a result, students have since began to focus – independently – on the ocean in some of their school assignments. This is brilliant feedback, as our project aims to encourage communities to connect and engage with our seas. We’re delighted to have inspired young people to explore the importance of the ocean and improve their ocean literacy, through their own desire.

Influencing national Ocean Literacy messaging

HYYM continues to be a central voice in the national development of Wales’ Ocean Literacy strategy and national materials. We were involved in the process of producing of a bilingual “What is Ocean Literacy?” animation, designed to begin introducing ocean literacy (i.e. the importance of relationships with the sea) to Wales’ population.

Taking stage at a marine science conference

Our team attended and spoke at the Sustainable Management of Marine Resources (SMMR) UK Conference, which brings together members of the marine science community, funders, policymakers and practitioners. We were one of the only non-SMMR UK funded projects represented in the entire conference – a huge achievement.

Supporting home schooling through the One Ocean Forum meeting

During May’s One Ocean Forum meeting, members shared a piece of ocean knowledge with their neighbour. During this, member Roger taught a younger member, Harrison, all about tides and currents – Harrison then stood up in front of the Forum and taught everyone else what he’d learnt!

With the number of young people being educated outside of the formal educational system steadily rising in both Wales and England, it’s important that we consider how to engage with pupils receiving Education Other than in School (EOTAS), including Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) – which we’ll be exploring through the project.

Spotted! A curled octopus in Menai Bridge

Not only did HYYM Project Assistant, Ciara, spot a curled octopus whilst rockpooling on the shoreline by Menai Bridge, Anglesey, but they also managed to capture it changing colour!

After emerging from some rocks, the octopus made its way safely over to the sea.

Check out the video on Facebook!