From space, Earth is blue, it floats like a jewel in the inky black void. The reflection from the sun’s light from the vast expanse of water covering its surface creates its gem-like blue colour. In the entire solar system, Earth is the only planet that has water in liquid form in such quantities. 

Scientists have calculated that 70 per cent of our planet is covered by water; small wonder then that human beings have always been so fascinated by the oceans and what lies beneath. Our students took a Biology trip to Malta to find out more about the dynamic border between land and sea.  

Of all the ocean habitats, it is the coast that is constantly on the move, being constantly shaped by waves and weather. For the animals and plants that try to survive here, life is arduous: salt spray fills the air and waves buffet the coast. The constant ebb and flow of the tides transforms the habitat on a daily basis. The constant activity along the coastline means that its only activity along the coastline means its only predictable feature is its unpredictability. 

The sea is not an easy place in which to film. Together, our staff and students were introduced to a uniquely comprehensive portrait of this little and unknown world. We are lucky enough to see some of the film rushes as they come back to share the excitement as both film-makers and potential research scientists in the making as they witnessed new things and reached new understandings.  

We hope you can still feel the thrill of those revelations too. 

Enjoy!