More than 700 students from Dunsborough Primary School descended on Geographe Bay for the annual Bay OK Day last week.
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Now in its eleventh year, the Bay OK Day is organised by Dunsborough PS and sees students walk from the school to the Old Dunsborough boat ramp to take part in a day of environmental-themed educational activities.
This year, 28 different activities were presented by environmental groups and agencies to help students better understand the importance of looking after Geographe Bay and the surrounding environment.
Introductions to the day and the acknowledgment of country were delivered by cultural ambassadors Daisy, Archie, and Joel.
"At Dunnbay, we are close to a fish trap made by the First Nations people a long time ago. Squid, whiting, and cobbler are plentiful in the bay during Kambarang. Today we have a chance to learn how to care for country," the trio said.
Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said he was delighted to see the excitement and engagement of the students.
"These children are the future custodians of Geographe Bay," he said.
"Having access to all the different environmental education activities today is inspiring them to look after one of our most precious assets."
Activities included GeoCatch staff looking at sea life up close using microscopes and a 3-dimensional model of the catchment that simulates pollution and runoff into our river systems.
Crowd favourites Captain Coast Care and Dune Dude entertained the students all day with their antics and environmental messages, and Mermaid Nixie made a surprise appearance from beneath the seas to the delight of the crowd.
Other presenters included FAWNA, the South West Wildflower Society, South West NRM, Department of Transport, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Meelup Regional Park Council, Smith Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Dunsborough Coast and Land Care, FishAbility, Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory, Capes Bird Group, Single Leaf, Tangaroa Blue, and Department of Primary industries and Regional Development- Fisheries.
Bay OK Day is made possible with the generous time given by a host of organisations.
More than 7700 students have participated across the 11 year history of the event.
Projects are delivered by GeoCatch, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, in partnership with South West NRM and state government-funded Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs.
