Some Ocean Optimism for Blue Monday
Needless to say, the past year has been immensely challenging in so many ways for all of us. So we’ve decided to flip ‘Blue Monday’ on its head and bring the #OceanIndoors for some much-needed Ocean Optimism this January. Our research shows that many people feel the coast and sea’s effects long after being beside it, an uplifting thought during these times of lockdown! So, whether you’re after a calming dose of the big blue, some new recipes to try, a book to get lost in or new ways of entertaining little ones, read on!
Books
Reading has been the perfect escape for many of us this last year, and we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favourite sea-themed books:
- Raynor Winn, The Wild Silence (2020) The sequel to Winn’s bestselling debut, The Salt Path, is filled with reminders of the immense healing power of nature, and perfect to cosy up with on a cold January day in lockdown
- Lisa See, The Island of Sea Women (2019) This moving and often heart-breaking novel follows groups of women on the Korean island of Jeju. These women form diving collectives, free diving to incredible depths to gather sea creatures to sell. A beautiful story of female empowerment, wherein women are the main breadwinners, earning for their families, and appreciating the sea as the only constant when everything around them turns violent. (Be warned this isn’t a particularly light read!)
- Lisa Woollett, Sea Journal (2016) The Guardian described Sea Journal as ‘The British coastline encapsulated in a treasure trove of a book’. It compiles a year’s wanderings along Britain’s shores, discussing geology, ancient myth and current science, alongside striking photography from the author herself
- Mairi Hedderwick, Katie Morag One for the children perhaps, but also, we know that a lot of adults would love to be transported to the seaside with these beautifully written stories. Set on the island of Struay in Scotland, the books follow Katie on her adventures near the sea
Have you checked out our Good Reads account? We’re adding lots of books to transport you to the seaside even if you can’t access it right now!
Recipes
Many of us have used cooking as a form of escape and relaxation over the past year. If you fancy cooking up a storm in lockdown then here are a few of our favourite recipes from the Good Fish Guide to keep you busy.
- Tomasina Miers’ Easy-peasy salmon and spring green stir-fry
- Josh Eggleton’s Westcountry Fowey Mussels, Seaweed and Smoked Bacon Broth
- Jack Clarke’s Super Simple Anchovy Pasta
Podcasts
Podcasts can be a great way to pass the time and switch off. Here are some recommended sea-related podcasts for you to check out!
- Oceancast - Marine Conservation Society This is our very own podcast which was started back in summer 2020, focusing on all things ocean, marine conservation and how we can work to save our seas – with the help of some very special guests
- Sea Tales - Amy Parker Amy is a Sea Champion with MCS, and in this podcast she talks about trying to be plastic free, alongside interviewing loads of people in marine conservation who are involved with projects around the UK’s coastline. This is great to get you thinking about what you can do to help protect our oceans and the creatures that live in them!
- So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist - K. G. Muzia “This is your go-to resource if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the ocean’s depths, considered becoming a marine biologist, or want to learn more how to protect the world’s oceans. This podcast dives into ocean science, conservation, sea stories, and explores ocean careers.”
- Water Women Podcast Started by Marine Biology Student Jill Corey, she describes the podcast as highlighting “different women who are obsessed with the ocean, whether that be through the ocean sciences, or through their lifestyle. Through this podcast you’ll hear from professors, divers, documentary makers, beach bums, and other amazing water women, all while learning more and appreciating that wonder that is 70% of our world!”
Our Blue Heart
Our project exploring people’s connection with the ocean, Our Blue Heart, resulted in a heartwarming film where people share their stories of life beside and upon the ocean. The film will give you a true appreciation for the blue space which we’re lucky to be surrounded by. Hopefully it’ll inspire you to help us protect it in any way you can.
What does the ocean mean to you? We’d love it if you would share your stories #ourblueheart
Homeschooling
If you’re among many parents who are home-schooling your kids at the moment, then don’t miss out on all of the great educational content on our YouTube channel filled with lots of recorded lessons to use. Our Cool Seas webinars are great for young people, with content for primary and secondary ages. We also have loads of resources available in our Cool Seas Explorers Centre where you’ll find quizzes, games and a gallery exploring the work we do.
Hopefully there are some tips here to help spread some #oceanoptimism this January and remember, it won’t be too long before we can get back out to our beautiful coastlines and explore for ourselves!
Tweet