The Ocean Science Open Day of Third Institute of Oceanography held last weekend
The Whale Museum of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, P.R.C was open to the public on November 12 and 13.
“The gray whale was found dead stranding in Pingtan, Fujian province in 2011,” Zhang Min, a volunteer from the Whale Museum was explaining to visitors from Lianlong Primary School.
The children were captivated by the 13-meter whale specimen weighing in at 21 tonnes.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a gray whale (specimen). I’m very excited and happy. I’ve never seen such a big whale before,” said Chen Ze’en, a student of Lianlong Primary School.
In addition to the gray whale specimen, there are many other specimens of sea life in the museum, including seal, cowfish, and more. On the spot, volunteers were showing the visitors around while popularizing ocean science.
“The most important purpose of the open day is to raise the public’s awareness of protecting marine life,” said Zhang Min, a volunteer from the Whale Museum.
As one of supporting activities of the 2022 World Ocean Week in Xiamen, the ocean science open day provides an opportunity for the visitors to feel close to the magic of marine culture.