Life-size inflatable models of basking sharks, minke whales, dolphins and turtles are taken into schools for a day of special activities which teach children how to tell the difference between different species of dolphin, find out amazing facts about basking sharks and learn about the huge leatherback turtles that eat jellyfish in the Irish Sea.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne said: 'We were delighted to be able to bring the Cool Seas Road show back to the Island's primary schools this week.

'At this time of year there is a whole host of marine wildlife which is easily visible from many parts of the Island's coast and it is great for children to be able to identify which species they have spotted.'

As part of a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Education, all primary pupils have been given a special Cool Seas activity booklet with information and activities about marine life and marine conservation.

Characters including Barney the Basking Shark and Lola the Leatherback Turtle introduce children to the diversity of marine life and some of the things that they can do to help look after the sea.

The Cool Seas Roadshow has visited 16 Island schools in recent years, receiving great responses from pupils and teachers.

Children are amazed to see the size of a basking shark and a fully grown bottle-nosed dolphin. They also learn about the ways human activities impact on the sea and the importance of not littering and helping with beach cleans.

By bringing marine wildlife into schools, the Cool Seas Roadshow also aims to encourage children to explore their marine environment.

At this time of year there is a good chance of seeing a basking shark from the harbour at Peel or in Port Erin Bay and seals can often be seen at the Sound. Risso's dolphins can be seen around the south of the Island and harbour porpoises can be spotted at many places around the coast. Sightings of leatherback turtles are quite rare so anyone who sees one is very lucky and should report their sighting to DAFF.

The visit of the Cool Seas Roadshow was funded by the Marine Conservation Society, DAFF and participating schools. The Steam Packet helped with the cost of transporting the roadshow.

For more pictures of the Cool Seas Roadshow at Onchan School visit www.photostoday.co.uk