Memorial University has partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and several community groups to celebrate Oceans Day on Thursday, June 8. Students from several schools in St. John’s and surrounding areas will gather at the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) on Ridge Road and at the Fluvarium on Nagle’s Place to learn about what they can do to improve the quality of the world’s oceans.

Declared in 1992 at the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the purpose of Oceans Day is to remind Canada’s young people that improving the quality of the ocean begins with boosting the health of local streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Through enticing games, 3D models, interactive presentations and more, students will learn about topics such as water conservation, research methodology and the types of species that inhabit the oceans waters.

“Stewardship and conservation are shared responsibilities, and education is key to both. We are delighted to be working with Memorial University and our other Oceans Day partners to teach our young people about our oceans and to celebrate Oceans Day,” said Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Executive Director, Marine Institute, Glen Blackwood said he’s honoured MI will be one of the organizations hosting this year’s Oceans Day activities and events. “We advance education, research and development related to oceans and coastal economies around the globe, with a special priority on Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said. “It is a very fitting that MI is the venue where our young people can come to learn about the wonders and importance of our oceans.”

Oceans Day celebrations will also take place in other areas of the province Thursday, including Arnold’s Cove, Corner Brook and Red Bay.

Partners in Oceans Day include: Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Canadian Coast Guard (CCG); Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter (CPAWS-NL); ACAP Humber Arm; Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland; Marine Institute; Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Engineering Department, City of St. John’s; FFAW; Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association; and The Fluvarium.

For more information please contact Kristine Hamlyn, communications co-ordinator, Marketing and Communications, 737-2611 or khamlyn@mun.ca.

 

Please see attached for a list of partner activities taking place on Thursday,   June 8.

 

Displaybased on oceans education including activities, whale bones, and short presentations.

The booth/display will consist of various careers in science and three interactive displays, OSC divers, touch tank, and seal display.

 

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG):

This booth will feature CCG’s services and people, a seven-minute video on the role of the Canadian Coast Guard and an opportunity for questions and answers.

 

Lobster Game: an interactive activity which will help teach students about the biology of lobster and conservation measures that are in place to protect lobsters in Newfoundland.

A presentation about how and what kind of research is being conducted on marine mammals and the various methods used to complete research.

Will provide information about some of the many different species in our waters, how they are caught, how to measure them, and some conservation and protection measures.

  

The “Use Water Wisely” information session and display will highlight the ways in which people can reduce their water use. 

The “Lifecycle of the Atlantic Salmon Game” will be presented to the students for their participation. The game follows the lifecycle of this threatened salmonid, from its freshwater birthplace, to its journey to the oceans depths, returning to leap the cascading waterfalls of our magnificent rivers!

 

This group will present a three-dimensional hands-on landscape eco-model illustrating residential, recreational, agricultural, industrials and transportation areas, all depicting possible sources of water pollution.

 

Oceans & Habitat Management will be visiting Cottrell’s Cove Academy in Cottrell’s Cove.

Oceans & Habitat Management will partner with ACAP Humber Arm in issuing a shore and stream clean-up challenge in Corner Brook.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management will co-ordinate an event in Red Bay. A Fast Rescue Craft will be present. Children will participate in a cleanup of Saddle Island beach.

 

The FFAW staff and DFO Fishery Officers will hold a Lobster Conservation Awareness Event at Tricentia Academy in Arnold's Cove on Friday, June 9th consisting of educational games centered on stewardship and marine biology.