Exploring Intertidal Biodiversity at the Crail Summer Festival 2025

The Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews hosted a vibrant public outreach activity as part of the annual Crail Summer Festival in Fife, Scotland. Organized by Professor D.M. Paterson, this event formed part of the ACTNOW project’s commitment to connecting science with society and fostering greater understanding of Europe’s marine ecosystems.

The activity brought together 20 children and their families for a guided exploration of the intertidal rocky shores along the Fife coastline. At low tide, participants joined ACTNOW researchers and a dedicated team of master’s students to discover the rich biodiversity of these unique habitats. Children observed a variety of marine organisms up close—learning how species such as algae, mussels, and small invertebrates play critical roles in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems.

Beyond identification and observation, the team emphasized the ecological importance of these organisms and discussed the multiple stressors that threaten their survival, including pollution, climate change, and human activity. By engaging young participants in conversations about these challenges, the event encouraged curiosity and critical thinking while highlighting the urgent need to protect marine biodiversity.

The Crail Summer Festival provided the perfect setting for this outreach activity, combining hands-on scientific learning with community celebration. For many children, this was a first opportunity to experience the wonders of marine life directly, inspiring a sense of awe and responsibility toward the natural world.

This event exemplifies ACTNOW’s mission to advance ocean literacy and ensure that scientific research reaches citizens of all ages by sharing knowledge in an accessible and enjoyable way.