Inishowen plays its part in Fin-Tastic Sharks and Mermaids Sculpture Challenge

Sharks and mermaids of all shapes and sizes have appeared on beaches around the country over the last couple of weeks - including at Malin Head - as part of the Marine Institute’s Explorers Fin-Tastic Sharks and Mermaids Sculpture Challenge.

Locally, the sculptures were built by children, families and friends at White Strand Malin Head, as well as Sandycove Dublin and Grattan Beach in Galway. 

Led by the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme’s team, Ireland is among 31 countries supporting the EMD ‘In My Country events’ organised by the European Commission. Each year, EMD is celebrated around mid-May to raise awareness about the seas and oceans and their importance to our environment, economy and culture.

"The shark and mermaid sand and rock sculptures, embellished with shells and seaweed decorations, are inspired by the different sharks found in Irish waters, such as the Basking Shark with its incredible sized mouth, the thresher shark and its amazing tail, and the undulate skate with its beautiful markings,” remarked Dr Nóirín Burke, Explorers Education Programme team manager.

The Explorers team celebrated Ireland’s marine biodiversity and raised awareness about the seashore by exploring rockpools, doing seashore walks and completing a litter pick challenge.  Among the species found, the children found crabs, anemones, fish and lots of limpets and sea snails.  

Among these treasures, a juvenile European eel was also observed on Grattan beach in Galway.  Gary Kendellen from Galway Atlantaquaria, found the eel hiding amongst the seaweed in a rockpool. This was a very special find to share with the children, as European eels are critically endangered and are also protected in Ireland. The numbers of juvenile eels reaching the coast have declined dramatically in recent years,” explained Sibéal Regan, Explorer Education Programme outreach officer.   

Sharks, skates and rays are some of the most threatened species in the world. In Ireland, marine scientists work with fishers and local communities to learn about local sightings of sharks and skates which is key to helping with their conservation.  The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and is managed by Camden Education and Galway Atlantaquaria.