Ocean and Costal Care Initiatives' local branch is about to start a course that will answer questions like that to raise awareness of the importance of coast and marine areas.

The 2014 Coastal Habitat Awareness Project is open to anyone aged 12 and up who wants a hands-on learning experience.

This free program will cover various topics - from the diversity and role of rockpool inhabitants, to why seagrass is an important nursery.

Participants will also learn about how marine debris affects marine life and birds around the world.

Environmentalist Tim Silverwood will talk about his personal experience with the North Pacific Gyre or the Great Garbage Patch.

Margo Smith, a member of the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle branch, said the program was a great opportunity for residents to learn in an informal environment.

Local experts will deliver sessions in a hands-on and easy to understand way and guest speakers will talk about the bond between indigenous people and coastal life.

Participants will go out to rock platforms and seagrass beds to observe creatures in their environment.

There will be three days for the talks and field trips, Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, and Saturday, October 25.

■For more information or to register email lake.macquarie.newcastle@occi.org.au or call Janet on 0487 501 782.