Did you know that the ocean covers about 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface? Or that the ocean supplies 50 per cent of the air we breathe? How about that more than 80 per cent of the ocean has never been explored, mapped or even seen by humans?
What we’re trying to say is that the ocean is full of mysteries – but a new exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum may just be able to help shed some light on the deep, dark secrets that lurk below the surface.
Our Ocean – Our Future has been developed by the museum’s ocean science team, and is officially part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development. It is also a USA Program supported by the USA Bicentennial Gift Fund. This incredible exhibition aims to provide an insight into how a changing climate, overfishing and pollution are affecting the ocean and, ultimately, our future.
There are a bunch of cool things to check out: you’ll be able to inspect and manipulate 3D visualisations of five extraordinary deep-sea specimens, and contemplate the climate record contained in a real Antarctic ice core. You can hear about the impacts of our evolving planet and ocean from key witnesses, and learn how two centuries of analysing and examining the ocean has given us the knowledge to make changes for the better.
Another highlight is the chance to marvel at the diversity of our country’s marine life as revealed by Schmidt Ocean Institute's 2020 circumnavigation of Australia aboard the research vessel Falkor. Oh, and don’t forget to take the ocean personality quiz – because haven’t you always wondered what type of ocean you are?
Tickets start at $15 (museum members can enter for free), and the price also includes access to all vessels and exhibitions on at the time of your visit. Our Ocean – Our Future is running until October 31, and you can find out more information at the website.