Diving with Science

Diving with Science is a project intended to combine different areas of expertise to engage young people (8 to 18 years old) with aquatic ecosystems conservation through a series of hands-on workshops and diving lessons. It results from the collaboration between the Sciences Museum of Coimbra University, CIBIO-InBIO and the Coimbra Diving Club.

Portugal has a large coastal line, and the seasonal routes for many menaced species include Portuguese waters. Conservation of aquatic ecosystems arises as a pertinent issue in this context, for it has an impact on local and global ecology and economy. The practice of diving offers a privileged insight on how marine ecosystems work and which threats are posed to different species. On one hand, the diving lessons work as an engaging tool to teach participants about physics, chemistry and biology. On the other, they will provide participants with basic skills required shall they decide to continue practising diving.  

Participants are expected to develop their understanding of marine ecosystem conservation and arrive at an empowered position where they might actively join conservation efforts and/or act as promoters of responsible behaviour and attitudes to help minimise anthropogenic threats to marine ecosystems.

To find out more about this project, click here.

Team
Rita Campos (CIBIO-InBIO)
Miguel Gomes (Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra)
Alexandra Mendes (Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra)
Molnár Zoltán Róbert (Coimbra Dive Club)

Dates
2013

Participant Institutions and Partners
Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra, CIBIO-InBIO, Coimbra Diving Club

Funded by
Câmara Municipal de Coimbra, FBA., Anthia Diving Centre, and SSI (Scuba Schools International)

Photos by: Zoli