Protecting the health of the sea also protects Australia's biodiversity; Ruby Seadragon

AUSMEPA is dedicated to marine environmental education and employs partnerships in its efforts to protect the coastal and ocean waters of Australia from the impacts of land based activities as well as helping encourage a high safety and environmental standard for those living and working on the sea.

Australia is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is in her ocean territory. That vast 200 nautical mile Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) is home to a wonderful array of tropical and temperate species of plants and animals. Some we don't even know exist yet. 

Keeping Australian waters as pristine as possible ensures that we get the chance to be awed by new zoological discoveries too. In February 2015 a collected specimen of seadragon was discovered to be a new species! Although bright red its shape is the same as the other two however it doesn't have the leaf-like appendages we associate with them and lives in deeper water. 

The photo above was published in the Australian Geographic on March 15, 2015 just a month after the taxonomy change. See the article here

The hunt was on then, to find a live specimen. The team from Scripps Institute of Oceanography (in my hometown) of La Jolla, California, gave it their best and came up with the first recorded sighting of a live Ruby off Western Australia.  



This is simply another validation for our continuing effort to keep our unique Australian oceans clean and healthy through AUSMEPA's work in marine education on marine pollution.

Thanks Zoe Della Vedova and Australian National Geographic and of course dedicated researchers at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

As an aside I'd like to thank Scripps Institute also for strongly influencing my early life through community outreach as well as the opportunity to work with Mr Wisner in 1968 sorting deep water trawls from the South Pacific. It gave me purpose and eventually lead me to AUSMEPA.

Jody Plecas
Education Officer, AUSMEPA
www.ausmepa.org.au

AUSMEPA; what teachers should know!

To ensure that teachers understand what AUSMEPA has to offer in the way of free, and copyright free, educational resources here is a short video to help you.



www.ausmepa.org.au

INTERMEPA; the affiliation of international associations

AUSMEPA was a founding member of the International Marine Environment Protection Association (INTERMEPA) and participated at its inaugural meeting on 6 June 2006 in Athens. INTERMEPA was formed to bring together at an international level the various MEPAS from around the world. It has similar objectives to its members MEPAS with more focus at the international level. Other founding MEPAS were: CYMEPA – The Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association www.cymepa.org.cy HELMEPA – The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association www.helmepa.gr TURMEPA – The Turkish Marine Environment Protection Association www.turmepa.org.tr Since its establishment INTERMEPA has welcomed the following MEPAS: NAMEPA – The North American Marine Environment Protection Association www.namepa.net UKRMEPA – The Ukrainian Marine Environment Protection Association URUMEPA – The Uruguayan Marine Environment Protection Association www.urumepa.org INTERMEPA Objectives Encourage the effective compliance of the members of every MEPA with the national and international laws and regulations adopted for the protection of the marine environment from pollution; Conduct a uniform public awareness campaign with top priority to offer young schoolchildren in every MEPA's country a specially designed education on the marine environmental and the ways to prevent its pollution; Create and promote safety mindedness and security spirit within the industrial sectors in each country that are voluntarily enlisting as members in every MEPA; Enhance quality standards and professional competence throughout each MEPA's membership and especially the members from within the maritime community, with the means of a concerted training effort to educate and inform all, from the owner to the youngest employee of every participating company; Cooperate with International Organizations, i.e. UNEP, the United Nations Environment Program, IMO, the International Maritime Organization, E.U., the European Union as well as national agencies, i.e. Coast Guards, Port Authorities, Tourist Boards and any other entity whose aims coincide with those of INTERMEPA; Promote relationships and/or partnerships with educational institutions (schools, Colleges, Universities, Maritime Academies and other) to further spread the MEPA voluntary commitment within today's youth who are the world's future scientists, engineers, managers, politicians etc; Publicly recognize individuals, associations, organizations, companies and any other that demonstrate outstanding achievements in the field of the protection of the marine environment from pollution; Promote and spread the MEPA philosophy in other countries. For more information on INTERMEPA visit www.intermepa.org/

www.ausmepa.org.au

AUSMEPA ship members; SUN ENTERPRISES

Atlantic Hero

Hosting quality ships as members who promote high environmental and safety standards on the sea is a source of great pride to the Australian Marine Environment Protection Association (AUSMEPA) a not for profit founded in July 2000. 

AUSMEPA uses the following guidelines to determine ship quality and assess potential ships for AUSMEPA membership, any one will qualify a ship for consideration:

• Two continuous years free of detention under Australia's port State control regime;

• A US Coast Guard QUALSHIP 21 Certificate;

• A Green Award certificate;

• Any other internationally recognised certificate or record providing evidence of the ships' quality and safety record, e.g. from a ship vetting company

For many years Sun Enterprises Ltd has been one of the international companies whose ships are entitled to fly the AUSMEPA flag as a message to their peers of their commitment to "an uncompromising pursuit quality". 


When Captain Michael Fragias of Sun Enterprises was asked what he liked about the AUSMEPA program he replied, "Sun Enterprises was among the early supporters of the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) initiatives launched in 1982 in Greece. A great number of shore and sea-going personnel are members of HELMEPA."

"AUSMEPA was one of the first followers of the worldwide effort to protect our seas from any source of pollutants."


"In appreciation of AUSMEPA objectives, aiming to protect the earth's natural systems and as some of our managed vessels are regularly trading in Australia, the management of Sun Enterprises, always acting on behalf of the Owners, decided for some dry-cargo vessels to participate in the AUSMEPA ship membership."


"For all of us in Sun Enterprises Ltd, protection of the sea and marine environment is absolutely vital for the sustainable development of mankind and in general in preserving all living species in this unique blue planet, our earth."

AUSMEPA would like to thank Captain Fragias and Sun Enterprises Ltd. for their commitment to clean seas and a healthy planet. 

You can view all participating ship members on the AUSMEPA website here

www.ausmepa.org.au

Prestigious Maritime Services Award Commendation for AUSMEPA

During late November AUSMEPA was proud to join a delegation of almost 500 maritime industry members to receive a ‘Highly Commended’ Award at the Lloyd’s List Australia Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards (click here) at a Darling Harbour venue.

AUSMEPA was recognised in the Maritime Services category for exceptional achievement to any service sector of the Australian maritime industry. 

Receiving the commendation on AUSMEPA's behalf, Julie Nash had some playful interaction on stage with the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Lauren "Barbara" Hutton. With Lauren's permission Julie was able to obtain the microphone for a moment to thank sponsors and members for their support and Lloyd's List for the honour of joining category winners, Sea Swift.

www.ausmepa.org.au

GRANT WHISPER: KAB Beverage Container Recycling Grants 2012

The Australian Marine Environment Protection Association (AUSMEPA) are always keen to support projects that assist schools and the community to reduce pollution going into the sea (see unit on Marine Stormwater Pollution) so we are glad to share the following news from Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB).







KAB is calling for grant applications from local communities to implement local beverage container recycling projects.The KAB grants, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, are open to all communities across Australia and range from $3,000 to $10,000 for projects that will result in a measurable increase in beverage container recycling within the local communities. 


Applications are open to community groups, local associations, schools*, small to medium enterprises and local government authorities and will be awarded to:


• projects which address the specific issue of beverage container recycling and its by-products;
• practical local solutions that can be used as examples for others and leave a legacy;
• projects that do not duplicate existing recycling activities; and
• projects that result in measurable volumes of recycled materials.


A proven ability to implement suitable projects, such as those who have participated in the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities Awards - incorporating the Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities programs, will also be taken into account.


In larger communities this may mean infrastructure for events, or for special venues such as large retail centres, sporting venues or education centres. In smaller communities, it may mean assistance with transport or processing to overcome remote location or dispersed population. 


*For schools, a key criteria is the involvement  and/or education of the wider community in relation to beverage container recycling activities via the school network.


In 2011, The Coca-Cola Foundation provided $170,004 for the small grants program to encourage away from home recycling with a total of 23 projects, representing all states and territories.


Apply now: Applications for the 2012 grants funding close on Friday 15th June 2012 with successful applicants confirmed at the end of July. 


Further information and application forms are available from your respective KAB state office or the national KAB website www.kab.org.au/what-we-do/beverage-container-recycling-grants/


NSW: Bernie Murphy    02 9633 3380       bmurphy@kabnsw.org.au 
VIC: Gary Mogford        03 8626 8794       kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au
QLD: Rick Burnett         07 3252 2886       rick@kabq.org.au
WA: Lisa Smith              08 6467 5169       LisaJ.Smith@dec.wa.gov.au
SA: John Phillips            08 8234 7255       john@kesab.asn.au
TAS: Bianca Bateman  0418 314 080       admin@kab.org.au 
ACT: Bianca Bateman  0419 016 401       admin@kab.org.au
NT: Heimo Schober       08 8981 5535       ceo@kabcnt.org.au


Keep Australia Beautiful National Association
GPO Box 193, 
Canberra ACT 2601 
P hone: 02 9698 8773      , , 
ABN 35743600611
www.kab.org.au


Please feel free to share this good idea and Whisper the link to a friend.

www.ausmepa.org.au

AUSMEPA eNewsletter Spring 2011

Spring is an exciting time and this issue of AUSMEPA E-News has some of very special items for teachers.

§   School grant opening

§   New Rockpool unit of work

§   AUSMEPA AGM & news from the Board

§   AMSA education materials

§   Ocean Whispers

NOW OPEN - Rhondda Alexander Memorial Education Grant 2012 

Following Rhondda Alexander's tragic death in July 2010, the Australian Marine Environmental Protection Association (AUSMEPA) Board agreed to establish a memorial to Rhondda in the form of an annual Grant.  AUSMEPA is proud to announce the second round of grant nominations is now open. We invite schools around Australia to submit applications. The 2012 closing date for applications will be in midway through Term 1, and received by close of business Thursday 1st of March.

To find our more about the grant please visit our website here and to request an application form please email  education@ausmepa.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE:  ROCKPOOLS

Executive Director of AUSMEPA, Mr. Michael Julian said today how pleased he was to announce the release of the latest free educational resource about investigating rockpools, which is available to schools from the AUSMEPA websitewww.ausmepa.org.au/other.asp?pageId=33  

To see the full media release click here

AUSMEPA AGM AND NEWS FROM THE BOARD

At AUSMEPA's 10th AGM on 21 October, members re-elected Captain Conrad Saldanha (Origin Energy) as the Chairman and  also re-elected the same Board as for last year, namely Warwick Norman (RightShip) as Deputy Chairman, Karen Shaw (ASA) as Treasurer, Jim Huggett (MSQ) as Secretary, Michael Julian as Executive Director, and Kerry Dwyer, Ben Burns (SVITZER Australia) and Toby Stone (AMSA) as Board Members.

At the following Board and Advisory Committee meeting the budget for 2011/2012 was approved as was the recommendation to establish two working groups to develop  a three year strategic plan for AUSMEPA, covering its marine environment educational services to schools and seafarers. The AUSMEPA Board is keen to provide more information and marine environmental training services to seafarers. The Board also set up a small group to fully evaluate and assess the nominations for the AUSMEPA Environmental Award 2011/2012, which it will announce before the end of the year.

AUSMEPA is very pleased to welcome Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics as a new Gold Sponsor and looks forward to a strong partnership with them. To find out more about this major international shipping company which is one of the world's leaders in operating their ships in a very 'environmentally friendly' way see their website www.2wglobal.com 

FOR TEACHERS:

Great education resources at Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)  
The trouble with acronyms is that you may find more than one. When doing an internet search on AMSA you may just turn up the Australian Marine Sciences Association rather than the national government authority, Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The Authority has some interesting and fun resources for both kids and teachers.

AMSA have several resources one is a page for kids here

Teachers page here

Fact Sheets

·   Ship Pollution Regulations

·   Oil Spills from Ships - Who Pays? [ PDF: 180Kb]

·   Australia's National Plan to Combat the Pollution of the Sea from Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances

·   How Australia responds to oil and chemical spills in the marine environment

·   Disposal of dry bulk cargo residues in Australian waters

·   Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas [ PDF: 171Kb]

OCEAN WHISPERS

Find links to the latest Ocean Whispers articles below

Media releases:

·   Rockpools – A new free educational resource for schools

Conservation action:

·   Australia's Sustainable Seafood Guide

·   Wetland Info

·   REPORT CARD: South East Queensland Healthy Waterways 2011

Education:

·   Sustainable Fishing Interactive Models

·   Introduction to Underwater Environmental Noise Course, Brisbane Nov 24 & 25

·   Integrated Water Management Scholarship

See also Investigating Rockpools here

Grants and awards:

·   Rhondda Alexander Grant Now Open

·   Rhondda Alexander Memorial Education Grant (RAMEG) awarded to Palm Beach Currumbin Senior High School

Shipping news:

·   Queensland; Pacific Adventurer Oil Spill Update

Ocean and animals:

·   ABC Science: Great Garbage Patch exposed

·   Investigating Rockpools       

·   TED TALK: Camille Seaman: Haunting photos of polar ice

·   REDMAP NEWSLETTER; What's on the move in Tasmania?

Organisations and events:

·   SPOTLIGHT ON: Reef Guardians and the Reef Beat Series  

·   Introduction to Underwater Environmental Noise Course

·   SPOTLIGHT ON: Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal NSW

·   GLOBAL OCEAN FORUM, RIO+20 Friends of the Ocean

Conferences:

·   STAVCON –  La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC. 28 & 29 Nov 2011

·   World Oceans Summit Capella Singapore 22-24 Feb 2012

·   RIO+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Brazil 4-6 June 2012

If you've been involved in something that helps keep our oceans healthy feel free to send an article and photo to education@ausmepa.org.au so that we can help celebrate with you.

www.ausmepa.org.au

Rhondda Alexander Memorial Education Grant now open

Following Rhondda Alexander's tragic death in July 2010, the Australian Marine Environmental Protection Association (AUSMEPA) Board agreed to establish a memorial to Rhondda in the form of an annual Grant.

AUSMEPA is proud to announce the second round of grant nominations is now open. We invite Australia schools to submit applications. 

The 2012 closing date for applications will be in midway through Term 1, and received by close of business Thursday 1^st of March.

ABOUT THE GRANT

The following information and criteria will be helpful to those schools considering projects for submission during 2012.  A grant amount of up to $3,000 will be awarded to a school marine education project that leads to students actively improve the marine environment. This can include educating the local community and other behaviour change activities.  

Main criteria:

1.      Students must have a major role in organising the project.

2.      On completion of their project the students will create a video clip communication product suitable to be placed on the AUSMEPA website. Permission slips will be required.

3.      The project must have a major coastal conservation application either by direct action or involvement with community education (they have equal weight).

4.      The innovative approach to the project has application to other schools.

5.      The quality of the project content, outcomes and outputs.

6.      The grant money should used for resources not already available at school however may be used for example to go towards purchasing or hiring equipment that the school would not normally have.

7.      The application must be fully completed, signed and dated by the school Principal.

Other important information

1. All applications must have both a concise and a detailed description of the student project. Details of expected educational outcomes for students and how this project links to marine conservation must be outlined.
2.  An individual teacher needs to be designated as project leader and primary contact between AUSMEPA and the school.
3. There must be a budget showing how the grant will be spent. There is no requirement to find matching funding. It is anticipated that some projects may find small unexpected variations in expenditure. Please note there is no requirement to obtain any additional funding however if other sources of funding are made available these should be detailed in the budget.
4. The project may be undertaken with a community partner. If there is a partner, details of their role and support needs to be included in the application
5. Supporting documentation can be provided as an attachment however the primary assessment will be restricted to the application information.  NOTE:  The application may also be supported by a presentation prepared by the students using one media of their choice to explain why their project is important. Examples of media could include video clip, PowerPoint presentation, song, poem, poster, or postcard etc.
6. Principal’s signature is required to confirm that the project has the full support and encouragement of the school community. The Principal will supervise the expenditure of the grant taking into account there may be variations that the school will be responsible for resolving.
7. The project will be considered to be concluded upon confirmed receipt of the student’s video clip communication about the project, accompanied by Parent Permission Slips for student images and budget sign-off by the Principal.

To register your interest please email education@ausmepa.org.au to register your interest and an electronic application form will be sent to you.

www.ausmepa.org.au

INVESTIGATING ROCKPOOLS

How do plants and animals survive in a rockpool? Employing a student’s innate curiousity about the unusual AUSMEPA invite teachers to use discovery of intertidal wildlife to begin an exploration of science, ecological, environmental and conservation topics. AUSMEPA’s new unit of work ROCKPOOLS will stimulate a wide range of students. Our practical experience has shown us that many students who are difficult to engage on other topics warm quickly to this one. It is based on the study of one of natures most magical and exciting places to explore.

Research topic areas for enquiry based education include pages on a assortment of seemingly alien invertebrate and vertebrate animal types from some of the simplest up to some of the smartest. Rockpools are rich in animal foods too, like the lovely seaweeds and seagrasses brought to light in this unit.

Studded with wonderful original photos of rockpool inhabitants the webpages also feature photos of students deep in discovery of that unique place where the air the land and the sea meet.

Safety is a foundation topic and essential when considering a school excursion. To assist teachers in considering an excursion we have included links to some of the wonderful Marine Discovery and Environmental Education Centres around Australia.

However one of the most anticipated inclusions in this unit and of special interest to teachers will be the unpacking of the National Curriculum within the teachers notes provided in pdf format. We understand the accountability and reporting requirements for teachers and provision of this asset has been high on the list of teacher requests. The Contents of the download includes:

Rockpool poster on school request

• Australian Curriculum: Science Version 1.1 December 2010
• Incorporating The Australian Curriculum: Science
• Overarching Ideas ‐ Organisation of the unit of work
• Assessment ideas ‐ Classroom preparation
• Activities – Prior learning
• Student goals
• Tuning in
• Investigative questions
• Finding out – research  
• Finding out – field work planning
• Finding out – gathering data in the field  
• Finding out – analysing data
• Drawing conclusions, finding solutions
• Communication

Try it. We’re pretty sure you’ll like it. You can find it here

WETLAND INFO

Healthy coastal waters depend on pollution free water coming off the land. Significant natural filtering systems are saltmarshes, mangroves and any other permanent or ephermeral (seasonal) wetlands occurring throughout the catchment or watershed. It is great to come across a project like Wetlandinfo initiated through the Queensland  Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), in partnership with the Australian Government (via the Queensland Wetlands Program) here. The Program is designed to develop and implement measures for the long-term conservation and management of wetlands in Queensland. To illustrate the breadth of what they have undertaken you are invited to exlpore the website menu bar (below) which makes your investigation into this excellent resource a breeze.

                 

WetlandInfo Background

 What's on WetlandInfo?

 Quick links: What do you want to do?

 What are Wetlands?

 Facts and Figures

 Managing Wetlands

 Maps and Data

 Monitoring and Assessment

 Science and Research

 Education and Communication

 Programs, Policy and Legislation

Glossary of Technical Terms

The Education reference section is strongly supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park student and teacher resources, Reef Beat series, and will be of special interest to educators as will the project information sheets.

AUSMEPA are proud to associated with and support this excellent collaborative. A link will be  added to WetlandInfo under our tools for Student Leadership for Coastal Conservation here.




www.ausmepa.org.au