All classes from Year 7 at Ysgol Harri Tudur joined the Dragon Darwin Experience at Dale beach last term for an exciting day of Marine Biology.

The beautiful sheltered bay at Dale has rocky shores and shallow sandy sea beds, the perfect site for investigating local marine life. On arrival students learnt why it’s great for marine biology, and the potential impacts of marine pollution on marine life. In teams the students used a range of equipment to measure weather conditions and completed a labelled field sketch. Then students took part in seine netting, push netting, and rock pooling.

The seine net was used in deeper water, it caught species from the sea bed and the water column. It was brought to shore by the Darwin team and students helped collect and sort the species found. Students caught Sand Smelts, Plaice, Common Dragonets, Shore Crabs, and Brown Shrimp. Some groups were lucky enough to see Sea Bass too.

Then the students used push nets in the shallow sandy areas to catch any animals buried or resting on the sand. They caught a variety of crabs, prawns, shrimp, and fish.

The final technique of the day was rock pooling. Students rummaged under stones and seaweed at low tide, uncovering a range of spectacular intertidal species, highlights included European eels, Velvet Swimming Crabs, Montagu’s Crabs, Five-bearded Rocklings, Blennies and even a Small spotted catshark. After each activity, the students helped with the careful release of all animals.

Amy from the Dragon Darwin Experience said: “It’s a privilege showing the young people of Pembrokeshire the fascinating marine life we have along the coast. They’re always amazed by the variety of fish and crab species so close to shore. The students really benefit from being outdoors and the practical nature of the fieldwork techniques.”