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In celebration of World Oceans Day 2010, the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University will provide local students with a unique educational event to create awareness of the inherent problems caused by marine debris, and to encourage future ocean stewardship in young people.
Grade 5 students from Villanova Junior High will engage in a slideshow and discussion on the health and value of the marine ecosystem in the province before embarking on an educational ocean tour of Conception Bay aboard the Marine Institute vessel, the MV Anne S. Pierce on Friday, June 11, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The vessel will rendezvous at Kelly’s Island where volunteers from the Marine Institute and Ocean Quest Adventures will be conducting an underwater and shoreline cleanup. A portion of the collected debris will be brought onboard and discussed with the students.
“We are very pleased to take part in this important event for the sustainability of our marine ecosystems,” said Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Marine Institute. “We look forward to educating and empowering students through our programs on the ocean environment, and encouraging them to become stewards of the environment.”
Justin Dearing, Youth and the Oceans Conference coordinator, says the goal is to educate students on the importance of conservation and encourage them to take a more active role in protecting the marine and ocean environment.
“This event is about celebrating our marine environment and the people who care enough to make a difference,” Mr. Dearing said. “What is really inspiring is to see the faces of the young people who take part – they leave changed. Our take-home message is that every day is ‘Oceans Day’ and we all have a part to play.”
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