Schülerinnen mit Schnochel-Ausrüstung in der Kieler Förde

The first impressions of life in the Baltic Sea are captured with an underwater camera. Photo: Mark Lenz, GEOMAR

Jugendliche in Neoprenanzügen beim Theorie-Unterricht vor dem Schnorcheln.

A lesson in a wetsuit: Before the dive, the SNORKELING.CITY team teaches the most important basics. Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR

Schüler:innen legen am Steg der Seebar Taucherbrille, Schnorchel und Flossen an.

The students put on diving goggles, snorkels and fins at the jetty of the Seebadeanstalt. Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR

The first dive takes a little effort. Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR

Exploring the Kiel Fjord. Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR

Research meets education

The SNORKELING.CITY project introduces school kids from Kiel to life in the Baltic Sea

04.06.2024/Kiel. As part of the SNORKELING.CITY project, 13 school classes from Kiel discover the Baltic Sea in June. The educational project, which is being carried out by the education and networking platform „Ocean Summit“ and Kiel Marketing, goes back to an initiative of marine biologist Dr Mark Lenz from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. In addition to the already fully booked school dates, people of all ages are able to try out the offer of SNORKELING.CITY at the Marine Conservation City Day on Saturday, 8 June 2024.

“We only want to protect what we know and love,” says Dr Mark Lenz, marine biologist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. It is his idea that the Ocean Summit, an education and networking platform from Kiel, and Kiel Marketing now turn into reality with funding from the BINGO Umweltlotterie: SNORKELING.CITY introduces 13 school classes from seven schools in Kiel to life in the Baltic Sea with snorkels and diving goggles. The first round runs from 3 June to 21 June 2024. “We would like to break down the barrier between above water and underwater in order to create a deeper connection between humans and the sea. And we want to start this process with the children in the marine conservation city of Kiel,” says Dr. Lenz.

In the three-hour snorkelling courses, the pupils are introduced to maritime environmental topics by qualified trainers using theoretical and practical content. They learn about the flora and fauna of the western Baltic Sea and the special oceanographic conditions of this inland sea.

The ideal location for SNORKLEING.CITY is the Seebadeanstalt Düsternbrook. The swimming facility offers safe access, and the relatively shallow water and the jetty provide a protected area for first underwater experiences. Project manager Miriam Hansen from Ocean Summit reveals why it's also worth taking a look beneath the surface here: “Around the pier, you can get a good insight into the underwater world in a very small space. Among other things, we look at marine algae, seagrass and observe mussel beds, which not only filter seawater but are also the habitat of dozens of fascinating microorganisms.” The snorkelling equipment is provided by the Lübeck Bay Tourism Agency and BUND Umwelthaus Neustadt.

"I have the impression that the pupils appreciate the offer," summarises Dr Mark Lenz after the first few days. "The combination of adventure, learning, self-conquest and the direct experience of the underwater world seems to be just the right mix to inspire children and young people. I am also impressed by how quickly this project has become a reality. It was a great joint effort by various stakeholders in the marine conservation city of Kiel."