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Treasure hunt to help protect marine environments

Schools

Families are being encouraged to go on a treasure hunt to learn about ways they can help protect South Australian marine environments.

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The Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) and The Science Collective have worked together to develop a family-friendly, marine-based web app called ‘The Deep Blue Treasure Hunt’, which was launched today.

The app uses mobile technology and hands-on fun activities to help families learn about their local coastlines and teaches them how to look after and protect marine environments. It provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn about their marine environment and contribute positively to its future health.

MDC Partnerships and Marketing manager, Carmen Bishop said the app complements this year’s National Science Week theme ‘Deep blue innovations for the future of our oceans’ and will be incorporated into the centre’s educational modules for schools.

“The development of this app is consistent with the Marine Discovery Centre’s vision to provide the most inspirational learning experiences whilst empowering people to actively protect South Australia’s iconic and coastal marine environments,” she said.

In addition to encouraging users to be proactive in improving marine health, the project also teaches children about local Aboriginal culture and promotes the work that environmental groups are currently undertaking, identifying how families can get involved.

“Families will love working on the activities together. There’s beachcombing, recycled art, kite making and coastal walks, just to name a few,” said The Science Collective director, Alison Fenton.

“The advice we hear from marine and coastal experts is that people need to really learn about their local coastlines. The more families who download the Deep Blue Treasure Hunt, the more people will be understand the risks to marine environments.

The app has received strong support from local Henley Beach traders and marine-based businesses, who recognise that it is a valuable tool to help people not only protect their environments, but also to support local businesses.

A number of prizes have been donated to support would-be marine biologists on their quest for the treasure chest. South Australian-based families who complete all of the activities within a month will also go into the draw to win prizes including a short stay at Big 4 West Beach Parks.

While the competition and marine trail will be open for one month, the app will be live for three years, which means there is plenty of time for marine-based learning.

The MDC, which operates as part of the Star of the Sea School, is the only coastal and marine educational facility for school-aged students and the broader community in South Australia.

The app can be downloaded at www.deepbluetreasurehunt.com.au

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