Sea for Society

World Oceans Day 2015 at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

Sunday 7 June 2015, Brussels

This year’s World Oceans Day at RBINS was one to remember. Over 650 visitors came along to join in celebrating the Ocean and its many wonders.

The Belgian Secretary of State for the North Sea, Bart Tommelein, officially opened the event.

Activities taking place at the museum included a live autopsy of a stranded porpoise and seal, a ballet performance, guided tours of the North Sea exhibit, jellyfish tasting, and more.

Check out the photo gallery below to see how events unfolded.


Event opening by Mr. Tommelein.		Mr. Tommelein is invited to sample some gourmetjellyfish during an ocean literacy Blue Café event!

Children participated in hands-on experiments during the Blue Market.		Children participated in hands-on experiments during the Blue Market.

Visitors were enthralled as scientists performed autopsies of real marine mammals.		Participants learned about marine mammal physiology through witnessing the real autopsies of a stranded seal and porpoise.

Guided tours showcased the treasures of the North Sea exhibit.		Visitors took part in a live Skype hookup with researchers aboard the RV Belgica and got to put questions to the scientists themselves.

Children and adults alike learned about the animals in the North Sea during a craft workshop.		Passports of the Ocean were issued to visitors to mark their membership of the Blue Society.

Ballerinas performed a dance entitled “Under Water”.		Plastic artists transformed marine rubbish into beautiful works of art representing the ocean gyres.

Mr. Tommelein showed his support for the Blue Society by signing the Citizens’ Promise.		Many visitors agreed with the Blue Society vision and signed the Citizens’ Promise before the day was over.