Galway Atlantaquaria Wins Project Hub Certification for Explore Your Shore

ROCKPOOLING & EXPLORE YOUR SHORE CHAMPIONS
Galway Atlantaquaria – The Official Explore Your Shore Project Hub for Galway City.

Galway Atlantaquaria is honoured to be selected as the Explore Your Shore Project Hub for Galway City, as nominated by The National Biodiversity Data Centre & the Environmental Protection Agency EPA.
For over 20 years Galway Atlantaquaria has walked the Rocky Shores of Grattan Beach in Salthill, recording the elusive biodiversity that is hidden just below the surface of the small pools, and under the rocks by the shore.

From stranded sharks, humble hermit crabs, tiny flatfish, gobies, blennies, and glass eels, our Aquarists have seen it all.
We have shared our joy of rock pooling with our community, offering Free Explore Your Shore Events, including Shark and Ray Egg Hunts and Beach Cleans, all designed to encourage communities to learn about the amazing life that is hidden just under the water of the small rockpools.

The Rock Pooling and The Explore Your Shore experience is truly magical, as no rock pool is the same. We are so fortunate to have this valuable community resource in Salthill, so we can help protect the vulnerable life that thrives in these small pools.

“I have enjoyed rockpooling for many years and always tried to tell the story of the shore in a child friendly way, but also make it interesting for adults. This award will challenge and enable us to bring the rock pooling experience to even more people of all ages”.

Garry Kendellen

Galway Atlantaquaria will use this new certification and responsibility, to develop new ways to collaborate and share our knowledge of these wonderful areas of biodiversity.
During the summer, we will host lots of Explore Your Shore Events, to enable the people of Galway to learn a new hobby that will last a lifetime. Rock pooling is something special, and we are happy to lead the way in modern rock pooling for all.

Galway Atlantaquaria would like to give special thanks to Mr. Dave Wall of The National Biodiversity Data Centre, who has been a great friend and really inspired us to go out and explore more. We really appreciate the challenge, certification, and standard you have set out.
We invite people of all ages to join us and take on the role of Explore Your Shore!

Become An Explore Your Shore Champion

If you click on the link below, it will reveal a treasure trove of information and activities you can get involved in by the shore. There are certification courses where you can upskill, or learn about ways to become a seashore spotter. It is a great resource, have a look!

To celebrate this new award, we will be running a series of rock pool experiences in July! Keep an eye on our socials for more updates.