At SUBMON, we are committed to bridging the gap between local communities and marine conservation. Our participation in the SHORE Project led by the Pérez Sala School, located in the fishing village of Vilassar de Mar on the Catalan coast, is a testament to this mission. This initiative, supported by the Sea2See project and the international BiodivOcean ERASMUS+ project, fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between land and sea.
The Vision: A Blue Calendar of Activities dedicated to the OCEAN
The SHORE Project addresses Mission Ocean and Water goals by integrating ocean literacy into the Pérez Sala School curriculum. At the heart of this initiative lies the Blue Calendar, a year-long program of engaging and hands-on activities designed to illustrate the vital relationship between terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
This calendar includes a variety of events such as:
- Field trips to fishing museums and marine protected areas.
- Interactive workshops with local fishermen and families.
- Science-focused weeks exploring water systems and biodiversity.
- Cooking sessions promoting sustainable seafood practices.
- Citizen science projects and environmental cleanup events.
A real fish auction sale with local fisherman and the scholar community, to promote local and responsible fishing products.
A Unique Geographical Context
Pérez Sala School is situated in an ideal setting—a coastal community rich in fishing traditions and natural heritage. This provides students with a tangible and practical understanding of how actions on land impact the marine environment. For instance, the program includes visits to La Mina Vella Museum to learn about local water systems and their role in marine health and workshops on seafood, The Fishing Museum of Palamós and Mercabarna, and visits to the dune systems to learn more about the psammophilous plants that protect coastal ecosystems within the village beaches.
This program instils a sense of stewardship and responsibility in students by connecting them with their local environment, ensuring that traditions and ecosystems thrive together.
Fishing Museum in Palamós, unique in the Mediterranean. A visit to the past, present and future of sea fishing, combined with showcooking and seafood tasting.
Key Components of the Program
- Engaging with Hands-On Education:
Activities like fish auctions, show cooking, and biodiversity workshops bring learning to life and emphasise the interconnectedness of land, sea, and marine biodiversity. - Community Networking Beyond School:
Collaboration with local fishermen, museums, environmental NGOs, local fishmongers and families, ensures a united effort toward promoting seafood literacy. - A program based on the Ocean:
Integrate various activities related to the sea and ocean into a single coherent structure that enhances visibility for the educational task.
Strengthening the European Dimension and Networking
Our involvement in the SHORE Project doesn’t stop at the local level. By aligning the actions within the Mission Ocean and Waters of the European Commission, and building synergies through the ERASMUS+ BiodivOcean and SEA2SEE project, we’re amplifying the project’s impact across borders. Through initiatives like teacher workshops, collaborative projects, and professional exchanges, we aim to share best practices and innovate ocean literacy methodologies.
Our support from SUBMON to the SHORE Project at Pérez Sala School exemplifies how local action and networking can contribute to global change. By empowering students to understand the relationship between land and sea, preserving their cultural heritage, and fostering collaboration at both local and European levels, we are taking tangible steps toward a sustainable future for our oceans, from a local perspective.
Together with our partners and the school community, we will continue working to build a sustainable marine future.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates and insights from this inspiring journey!
