Marine Days to dock in Portrush

It’s time to set sail for a wonderful weekend of family fun when this year’s Marine Days dock at the Coastal Zone, Portrush on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August 2010.

The free family activities, organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), start at 11am and will run right through to 5pm each day.

The waves of visitors expected can take part in bird watching, guided geology walks, rockpooling and marine themed arts and crafts workshops. There will also be plenty to amuse the whole family including live music and entertainment.

NIEA Marine experts will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate some of their work. NIEA divers will beam film shot on the seabed using an underwater camera via a live video link onto screens on the shore; visitors will be able to view minibeasts and bugs through microscopes and there will be an impressive display of whale and dolphin bones, all of which have been found on the local beaches.

Looking forward to the event, Gary Burrows of NIEA said: “We run this event to encourage the public to enjoy and appreciate our rich marine environment, and to learn how to look after it. Northern Ireland is blessed with a wonderful coastline and we want people to share the pride we at the NIEA have in it. So come along and enjoy a day or two of fun on the coast.”

To find out about other free NIEA events visit  www.wonderfulni or call the Coastal Zone on tel. 028 7082 3600.

Notes to editors:

1. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.