Around 2,000 Tasmanian students will get a greater understanding of Tasmania's spectacular coastal areas as part of an exciting project to teach them about the state's marine ecosystems.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, this morning launched the four-month Coastwatchers Expedition, which is being run in partnership with Tasmanian schools by the non-profit environmental group, the Bookend Trust.

"Our coastal areas are one of Tasmania's great assets, and this project will give over 2,000 Tasmanian students a unique insight into the threats posed to our marine life through debris and global warming," he said.

"Through a combination of time in the classroom, time on-line and time out biking and kayaking in some of these magnificent areas, students will be able to get a better understanding of these issues.

"They will also be able to focus on other issues relating to coastal management and history in each of the areas visited."

Mr McKim congratulated the Bookend Trust for their work in raising awareness of environmental issues, and helping students get a better understanding of the world around them.

"For many years now, the Trust has been working to involve students in a way that inspires and educates, and the Coastwatchers Expedition is a terrific example of this philosophy in action," he said.

"Through the on-line component, students also have the opportunity to connect with others across Australia and beyond."

Teacher curriculum guides and student activity books are available, and the information each school collects will be added to an interactive online map http://www.expeditionclass.com/