Last week we were visited by the Marine Conservation Society. They asked us what the sea means to us and we spoke about the sea grass that we have in Eigg. They explained to us why it is special that we have sea grass in Eigg and we talked about ways that we can protect it. Our P3 and P1 learner had a chat about their day!

P3 Learner
We were talking about sea grass and marine life. There’s not much sea grass left in the world because some boats are using heavy anchors on the sea bed which can destroy it, and other things too, like weather and stuff. The sea grass is only in shallow areas. I think it was around Kildonan and the pier that there was lots. It’s important because it is where lots of creatures live and gives them food and shelter. It’s good for taking in gas too.

P1 Learner
The wind blows the anchors and the waves so the anchors move around and pull out the sea grass. We were talking about what we can do to help sea grass and I think they’re talking to adults about it. It’s really cool, it just looks kind of like really, really thin seaweed but kind of like plastic too because it’s so shiny. We went to the beach and were looking for it. I found some and when we put it all together, we all found loads.

P3 Learner
When we were in class we looked at all the different parts of the sea grass, like the roots, seeds, leaves and flowers and stuff. When we were down at the beach we could see those parts on the sea grass that we found. Some of the sea grass was bright green and still had the roots on them so they said maybe it could be replanted but some of it was really dark and didn’t have any roots on it so that couldn’t be.

P1 Learner
We had a bingo card with lots of pictures for things that we found on the beach – there was loads that we could find and we found most things on it. It was so wet though so our pictures got kind of soaked.

P3 Learner
Yeah, maybe we could do it again on a different day when it’s dry and sunny and we can see if we find anything else! My favourite part of the day was probably going down to the beach and collecting the seagrass…I think I’ll be able to see it more just because I know more about it. I’d like to do more of that.

P1 Learner
I liked being on the beach as well. It was SO cold and wet but it was fun looking out for all the things. They had a dog with them, Dusty. She was so cute.

P3 Learner
I’d like to know more about everything under the sea. We know more about space than we do about under the sea so I want to know everything.

P1 Learner
I know that if you see lots of birds around in the sea that’s a really good place to spot whales or dolphins. I’ve seen a whale with my dad, a minke whale.

P3 Learner
I’ve seen a whale’s fin before. I’ll probably see more because we live next to the beach and go on the Shearwater and CalMacs…I’ll keep an eye out.

P1 Learner
Oh! We also found a rock pool that looked like Eigg!

P3 Learner
My big question for next time is… how deep is the deepest part of the sea! I wonder if anyone can tell me?

What an excellent question!