SmartBay Sea Secrets Opens a Window Beneath the Waves

A summer collaboration between EMSO SmartBay Observatory and Galway City Museum event inspires public curiosity about ocean science and marine observation. 

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, visitors to Galway City Museum had the opportunity to find out about ocean science and marine observation when the Marine Institute’s SmartBay team hosted an open public event: SmartBay Sea Secrets: Discover the Wonders Beneath Galway Bay.

At the centre of the event was the SmartBay Observatory, a key component of Ireland’s ocean observing capability and EMSO Regional Facility. Located off An Spidéal in Galway Bay, the observatory brings together subsea infrastructure, environmental sensors and live video technologies to continuously monitor ocean conditions and marine life. The observations generated by the SmartBay Observatory support marine research, environmental monitoring and the development and testing of innovative ocean technologies.

For visitors, however, the science was not presented simply as data and instruments. Researchers brought the observatory to life, explaining what the sensors measure, what underwater cameras reveal and how continuous observations can help scientists understand marine ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental change. Through conversations with researchers, interactive activities, live underwater imagery and a virtual tour of the SmartBay Observatory, participants could explore how scientists observe a marine environment that is largely hidden from view.

The enthusiasm of visitors highlighted the value of creating direct connections between people, researchers and research infrastructure. Questions, conversations and interactive demonstrations provided an opportunity to explore not only what scientists are discovering, but also how and why those observations matter. Experiences such as these can transform complex ocean observing activities into something tangible, relevant and accessible to a much wider audience.

Connecting the public with a hidden ocean

The event also complemented Galway City Museum’s exhibition, An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves, which features striking underwater imagery from Galway Bay. Together, the exhibition and SmartBay activities created a powerful connection between the visual world beneath the waves and the technologies used to observe it.

For many visitors, the event provided a first-hand introduction to ocean observing and the people behind the technology. It demonstrated that marine research infrastructure is not only a resource for scientists: it can also be a gateway through which society can discover, understand and engage with the ocean.

Why outreach matters

Public outreach is an increasingly important part of the work of ocean observing infrastructures. Events such as SmartBay Sea Secrets help make this unseen environment more visible, turning real observations and scientific expertise into opportunities for learning and dialogue.

These opportunities help to build ocean literacy, encourage curiosity about marine science and give communities a direct connection to the technologies observing their local seas. Just as importantly, outreach creates a two-way exchange: researchers share their knowledge while listening to the questions, interests and perspectives of the public.

The success of SmartBay Sea Secrets shows that bringing ocean observing into the community can spark curiosity, strengthen connections between science and society, and reveal a world that is always there beneath the waves. 

Check out the SmartBay Virtual Tour here. 

Photo credit@ Marine institute 2026: L-R: Felicity Donnelly, Christine Loughlin, Alan Berry and Ryan Saunders from the Marine Institute’s SmartBay team proudly hosting Sea Secrets at Galway City Museum, showcasing real-time ocean observations, live video feeds and the technologies used to monitor Galway Bay.

Author: Felicity Donnelly, Marine Institute