The marine environment is made up of many, diverse habitats, including cliffs, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, the intertidal seashore, sand dunes, coral reefs, the open ocean and the deep sea. The main threats facing the marine environment include: marine litter, climate change, overfishing, invasive species, commercial shipping and offshore mining.
In this theme, we encourage schools to both learn about the wonders of the ocean and marine biodiversity and to take action to protect it – in particular, by reducing marine litter.
Marine litter is any man-made material that has ended up in the marine environment after being discarded (intentionally or accidentally) either on land or at sea. It is estimated that the litter found on beaches only represents about 15% of the total marine litter, with another 15% floating in the ocean and at least 70% to be found on the sea-bed.
Marine litter poses a serious threat to sea life. Animals like seabirds, fish, turtles and marine mammals, can become entangled in litter, and become injured, suffocate or drown. These animals may also confuse litter with food leading to starvation, illness and death. Once plastic enters the food chain in the ocean, it can have toxic effects impacting the health of larger animals, including dolphins, whales and humans.
There are lots of ways your school can help to reduce plastic waste, and raise awareness about the importance of the ocean! We look forward to working with you on this exciting and topical theme. The Global Citizenship Marine Environment theme is proudly supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Suite of resources for Féile Scéalta na hIthreach!
This template can be used by Green-Schools Committees to select the class that will be working on the Green-Schools project.
This resource focuses on: Using the scientific method to study or verify an observation and develop experimental design to answer a research question.
We have been researching some of the most well known scientists in the field of Marine Ecology and learning about their fascinating findings. Take a look and put yourself in their shoes!
During their Action Week, Wesley College Dublin spoke to primary school students during the National Green-Schools Marine Conference, where they highlighted the threats to the marine environment and Ireland’s marine life.
Sisters of Charity National School, a landlocked school, aimed to educate the whole school community about the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.
Scoil Mhuire's aim for the Marine Environment flag was to educate their students to look after the marine environment from a young age, to take responsibility and to care for the environment and to be active global citizens.
We are excited to launch the Green-Schools Marine Spatial Planning Photography Competition 2026! This competition invites students across Ireland to share their vision for the future of our oceans and …
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Green-Schools Marine Spatial Planning Poster Competition 2026. Let your imagination make some waves and enter our “Sea Change Starts Here” poster …
Sign up for a Science Week Marine Workshop! This November, Green-Schools will be hosting six indoor Marine Workshops for primary schools at locations around the country as part of Science …
