Kerry School Crowned Marine Institute’s 2026 National Explorers Ocean Champions
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TRALEE, CO. KERRY — May 29, 2026 — The students of Aughacasla National School in County Kerry have been named the Marine Institute’s 2026 National Explorers Ocean Champions. The students were honoured today at a special school event attended by Kerry TD and Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, alongside Marine Institute CEO Dr Rick Officer, celebrating their exceptional documentary film and marine science project, "A Nursery Beneath the Waves."
Out of 22 schools competing nationwide in the Explorers Education Programme, Aughacasla stood out for their hands-on approach to marine science. The students stepped into the shoes of real marine scientists and filmmakers, exploring the seashore and identifying "mermaids' purses"—the egg cases left behind by sharks and skates.
Through their work, the children showcased Tralee Bay as a vital "living nursery" and one of the most ecologically important marine environments in Ireland and Europe, making significant discoveries of egg cases from elusive species like the White Skate.
Developing Skills for the Future
The project seamlessly wove together marine science, art, and digital media, challenging the students to interview classmates, compile research, and present their findings through a documentary.
Minister Foley said: “I would like to congratulate the students of Aughacasla National School for becoming the Marine Institute’s 2026 National Explorers Ocean Champions. The students have shown great passion for studying their local marine environment and they have made some very exciting discoveries – such as a giant "Mermaid’s Purse” belonging to the rare White Skate species. I would also like to thank the entire school community in Aughacasla National School and the Marine Institute for supporting the students in developing important skills that they will use for a lifetime.”
Fostering a Marine Ethos in Schools
The Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme has been bringing ocean literacy into Irish classrooms for 20 years.
Dr Rick Officer highlighted the critical role that educators play in bringing the ocean to life for young people: "The Marine Institute is thrilled to celebrate Aughacasla National School as our newest Explorers Ocean Champions. It is incredibly important that we support school teachers to introduce marine themes into the classroom through long-term school projects like this one. By integrating the ocean into everyday learning, our teachers are creating a strong marine ethos in our schools and empowering children to understand, love, and protect our local marine environment and our ocean".
A Community Impact
The project not only transformed the students' understanding of their local marine environment, but it also resonated deeply with the wider Kerry community.
The Principal of Aughacasla National School, Mr. David Doyle, reflected on the profound impact the initiative has had on the entire school network stating: "The value of school projects such as those funded by the Marine Institute cannot be overstated. It enables incredible Outreach Officers, like Jane Sharp, to provide expert guidance in creating unique and very real learning experiences for our children.”
“Many of the teachers have said that this has been one of the best projects that we have done with students, as not only have they been enthused by the learning with the children, but the children have also spread the word amongst the school and local community.
This project has helped us all learn to value the ocean. We’ve learned first-hand that a healthy ocean equals a healthy community, from looking after our marine environment to our own wellbeing!" said Mr. Doyle.
Category Winners
The Ocean Champions Award sets out to promote Ocean Literacy, Outdoor Education, and to support teaching the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools. The Marine Institute is delighted to also announce the Explorers Ocean Champion category winners from schools around Ireland that participated in the Explorers Healthy Ocean School Project:
- St. Oliver Plunkett National School, Malahide, Co. Dublin
Category: SDGs & the Ocean |Project: Life in the Sea: What’s it Got to do with me? - Waterpark National School, Waterford City, Co. Waterford
Category: SDGs & the Ocean | Project: Journeys Across the Atlantic: Waterford’s Fishermen and the Brent Geese - Scoil Mhuire agus Iosaf, Collooney, Co. Sligo
Category: Marine Outdoor Healthy Ocean Project | Project: Waves of Change — Protecting Strandhill’s Coast - Castlebar Educate Together National School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Category: Ocean Literacy & the Arts | Project: Ocean Rhythms: Marine Patterns, Sound, and Life
Dr Officer noted that: "Each year the schools demonstrate exceptional work and create exciting ways to bring the ocean into schools. These have included school children examining and creating solutions for coastal erosion, taking part in national petitions, and studying patterns of the ocean from sand movement to whale songs. Projects have also taken a step back in history, where children have learned about migration across the Atlantic and Brent Geese from the Canadian Arctic to the saltmarshes of Tramore today.
"We hope the schools continue to celebrate their achievements and promote being ocean champions. We also congratulate the schools that received Certificates of Excellence and Certificates of Participation".
About the Marine Institute:
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and marine resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice, and services to government and industry. www.marine.ie.
About the Explorers Education Programme:
The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by Camden Education Trust and Galway Atlantaquaria. The teams delivering the program include Galway Atlantaquaria, The Sea Collective, Leave No Trace - Ireland, Sea Synergy, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Oceanics Surf School, and Seashorekids.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan,
Explorers Education Programme & Communications Manager
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org
Phone: 087 9185519
Website: www.explorers.ie