Macduff aquarium announces new partnership with Stromar Floating Offshore Wind Farm
An aquarium is celebrating the start of the new school year by announcing a new partnership with an offshore wind farm.
Macduff Marine Aquarium and Stromar Floating Offshore Wind Farm are aiming to raise awareness of climate change, loss of biodiversity and the importance of sustainable practices to help protect the planet.
Stromar, a joint venture partnership between Ørsted, BlueFloat Energy and Nadara, which once complete is set to be one of the world’s largest floating offshore wind farms, generating up to 1GW of green power, has become a sponsor of popular visitor attraction Macduff Marine Aquarium.
By supporting new digital presentation equipment and educational initiatives, this sponsorship is set to enhance the aquarium's educational programme, making marine science more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.
The newly sponsored digital equipment will enable the aquarium to continue its educational activity by offering an exciting outreach programme while the aquarium is temporarily closed to the public for significant extension works.
The programme will include interactive presentations at schools, participation in events and pop-up activities that are planned for the autumn and into next year, as well as improving its virtual outreach on digital platforms.
These advancements will provide pupils and the wider community with opportunities to explore marine biology at a local level but also investigate the critical role of oceans in the global ecosystem.
In addition to the technological enhancements, the partnership will also see a comprehensive redevelopment of the aquarium's “Climate Change and Our Oceans” programme which will be offered to schools for the new academic year.
With input from experts in biodiversity and sustainability from Stromar, the revamped programme will highlight the importance of green energy solutions in the transition to a net-zero future.
Pupils will gain insights into how renewable energy sources, such as wind power, contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promote biodiversity.
Nicholas Ritchie, project director at Stromar, said: "We are delighted to partner with Macduff Marine Aquarium on this significant initiative.
“This collaboration underpins our commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices.
“By supporting innovative digital learning tools and enriching educational content, we aim to inspire the next generation to champion green energy and marine conservation."
The partnership will also feature an exciting STEM online workshop later this year, specifically designed for schools.
This will cover the topics of climate change, green energy, and biodiversity, fostering a deeper understanding of these interlinked subjects among young learners, as well as providing inspiration for school children to consider a STEM career.
Councillor Anne Stirling, chairwoman of the council’s communities committee, said: "The partnership between Macduff Marine Aquarium and Stromar Floating Offshore Wind Farm is an exciting development for education in our region.
“By integrating cutting-edge digital technology and expert knowledge into the aquarium's programmes, we can offer students and the wider community an engaging learning experience that emphasises the vital role of our oceans and the potential of green energy solutions."
Councillor Sarah Brown, vice-chairwoman of the council’s communities committee, said: "With Stromar Floating Offshore Wind Farm’s support, Macduff Marine Aquarium can deliver impactful educational programmes that not only highlight the significance of renewable energy but also inspire the next generation to embrace sustainable practices."
Claire Matthews, manager at Macduff Marine Aquarium, said: "We are very grateful to Stromar for so generously supporting us to reach out with our messages about the importance of ocean health, even as people are unable to physically visit the aquarium whilst our extension works are ongoing.
“As the world’s oceans are under increasing pressure, this partnership serves as a reminder of the vital connection between renewable energy and the preservation of our marine environments.”
