On 25 April, the SINTEF Ocean team brought BlueActionAA’s mission to life during an annual seashore event organised by the Norwegian Tourist Association, engaging children and families in hands-on activities centred on ocean pollution and restoration.
To explore sewage pollution and waste management, children catapulted poops and plastic waste into toilets and bins — an activity that proved popular across all ages, with many returning for multiple rounds. A simple but striking demonstration using water bottles showed what happens when wet wipes reach the ocean: while toilet paper dissolved instantly, wet wipes remained intact, sparking conversations about their long-lasting impact on marine environments.
Seaweed art also captured young imaginations, as children pressed dried macroalgae onto gel plates to create colourful prints to take home. Fresh macroalgae specimens from the lab were on display, inviting curiosity about where they grow and their vital role in marine ecosystems.
The event offered a memorable opportunity to connect communities with the goals of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.