Floating Classroom with the Watersports Academy and Durlston School’s Eco-Club

Overview

On June 12, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society UK Chapter led an Educational Outreach floating classroom with12 students and 2 educators from Durlston School’s Eco-Club. The group met at Poole Quay Boat Haven, where they participated in a two-part rotational interactive and educational session.
Aboard DV Castello, the first activity invited the group to take part in a crabbing session, learning more about the species that live within our UK coastal waters and how they interact with each other. The students displayed great enthusiasm and succeeded in catching four male shore crabs during the exercise.
The second activity encouraged the students to investigate the health of the local marine environment by undertaking a water quality test using SeaKeepers’ EarthEcho kits. The students collected data on water temperature, pH levels, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, developing a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that support healthy marine ecosystems. Additionally, they examined the impact of marine debris by organising everyday household items according to their ocean degradation timelines. Many students were surprised by how long it takes for common products to be entirely broken down in the ocean. The session concluded with a discussion about the need to limit the amount of waste entering our oceans, highlighting the importance of reusing items, recycling materials and using sustainable alternatives where possible.
Throughout the session, students posed thoughtful questions and engaged actively in the hands-on activities.The International SeaKeepers Society thank the students and educators from Durlston School, and DISCOVERY Vessel Castello, for their dedication and participation in making the event a success.