On Friday, 29 September, LHEI invited visitors to explore the mysterious underwater world. Visitors could also learn about the first results of our joint study with Baltic Environmental Forum Latvia, meet the author of the book “Plastic hooligans – it’s a nightmare!” and take part in a panel discussion on microplastic pollution organised by the student sorority “Selga”.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n LHEI scientists presented current topics in Baltic Sea and Latvian freshwater research<\/strong>. From 3PM to 5PM<\/strong> pre-booked groups of schoolchildren visited us, while from 5PM to 10PM<\/strong> the area was open to the rest of public. Around 400 <\/strong>people attended the event, most of them students and families with children<\/strong>. Visitors could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ntry on diving equipment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nboard a research boat<\/strong> and learn how different sampling tools work<\/li>\n\n\n\nlook inside a microscope<\/strong> and see phytoplankton and zooplankton or other animals in the water<\/li>\n\n\n\nlook at the fish<\/strong> of the Baltic Sea in aquariums<\/li>\n\n\n\nlearn about non-indigenous species<\/strong> and their impact on ecosystems<\/li>\n\n\n\nlearn about macroalgae<\/strong> in the Baltic Sea<\/li>\n\n\n\nlearn about microplastic pollution <\/strong>in the environment<\/li>\n\n\n\nregister your class for the campaign “Plastic Pirates”<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nlearn how ecotoxicology<\/strong> tests are carried out<\/li>\n\n\n\nvisit mobile nature classroom<\/a><\/strong> of Nature Conservation Agency<\/li>\n\n\n\ncomplete a crossword puzzle<\/strong> by visiting check-points.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn order to inform about the first results of our lake survey, which was carried out within the LVAF project No 1-08\/85\/2022 “Towards responsible environmental action, deepening our understanding of our lakes”<\/strong>and to engage in a creative exercise, we invited 3 classes (who participated in the study) to a lesson with LHEI researchers Astra Labuce<\/strong> and Inta Dimante-Deimantovi\u010da<\/strong>, writer Agnese Vanaga<\/strong>, as well as Dace Strigune<\/strong> from the BEF Latvia.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt the beginning of the lesson, we introduced the project, its goals and activities and afterwards gave an insight into the first results of the study. Afterwards writer Agnese Vanaga both talked about her books, their themes and creation, and engaged the pupils in a creative interactive task. Thanks to the teachers and students from Roja Secondary School, Auce Secondary School and Ropazi Secondary School for their participation in these activities, as well as for their participation in the study and other project activities! The samples collected by pupils have increased the current knowledge of zooplankton in Latvian lakes, as rare species have also been found there. During the evening we were also visited by journalists from TV broadcast “900 Seconds”, who were interested in the event and the results of the project. Short report can be found here (in Latvian): https:\/\/zinas.tv3.lv\/900-sekundes\/skoleni-palidz-petniekiem-atklat-loti-retas-planktona-sugas-latvija\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDuring the Researchers Night, as part of the Interreg project “Lakes Connect” <\/strong>, we also invited the winners of the microplastic poem competition to come along. The 12 poems that were favourites of the competition partners can be found on the LHEI Instagram account.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStudent sorority “Selga” invited visitors to a panel discussion on microplastics at 6PM<\/strong>. The discussion was moderated by U\u0123is Joksts<\/strong> and attended by Zinta Mi\u0137elsone<\/strong> from student sorority “Selga”, Inta Dimante-Deimantovi\u010da<\/strong> from LHEI, writer Agnese Vanaga<\/strong>, environmental expert J\u0101nis Ulme <\/strong>and circular economy expert Edgars \u010cerkovskis<\/strong>. The discussion was recorded and can be listened to here:<\/p>\n\n\n