Coastal Biodiversity

Educational Support from NACC NRM

The NACC NRM can assist with educational experiences within the Northern Agricultural Region.

Classroom Visits – In-class activities could involve participants identifying different beachcombing items brought in by NACC NRM and discussing what makes these items distinctive to our coastline. Activities could also look at what makes up beach wrack and the fauna that are dependent on washed up seaweed, sea grass and decaying natural material.

Beachcombing – the beachcombing activity is designed to help participants identify items that are found washed up or living on our local beaches. Each “artefact” found on a beach can tell a story about what lies along the offshore marine ecosystem and the shoreline and explains what ecological processes are occurring along a coastal environment. Outside activities also include a beach walk and talk where participants are asked to go find something interesting they’ve spotted on the beach and bring it back to the group to talk about what they have found and identify it through the Beachcombers Guide Book and App.

Coastal Erosion Displays – NACC NRM offers an activity for students to learn about coastal erosion. Coastal erosion is the wearing away of, and the removal of, beach and sand dunes sediments by wave action, tidal currents and wave currents. In this display we hope students can explore the concept of coastal erosion and experiment with the different methods humans use to reduce the impact of coastal erosion.

Marine Debris Display – NACC NRM can help coordinate a beach cleanup and use the Tangaroa Blue database to record items and beach observations. This activity will highlight the quantity of plastic in the ocean and help students to understand what impact single use plastic has encourage them to minimise their own impact by choosing not to buy these products. To discuss educational opportunities for your class, please contact the Coastal and Marine Team at NACC NRM at nacc@nacc.com.au