Centers For Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) - Ocean Literacy education materials

www.coseecoastaltrends.net
www.coseecoastaltrends.net

AUSMEPA is always happy to acknowledge excellence in ocean education. If you are interested in Coral Reef Conservation? You should have a look at COSEE (here) Coastal Trends education modules and website:

"The goal of Coastal Trends, part of the Centers For Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) network, is to increase literacy in ocean science with a focus on understanding dynamic coastal trends through partnerships among scientists, educators, students, and the general public."

MARINE PESTS AND THREATS

Our lives depend on a healthy marine environment. We know that exotic species can throw our ecosystems out of balance. Do hitchhikers in ballast water and clinging to the bottom of ships arriving from other waters affect the health of Australian waters? AUSMEPAs Marine Pests and Threats unit of work (here) for students and teachers puts that question into perspective. The newly renovated pages have just gone live! If you wish to learn and share information on this interesting topic please visit our Curriculum Unit webpage at http://www.ausmepa.org.au/pests/default.asp?pageid=2&nav=2  Use this website to research the facts and decide on the actions needed to prevent marine pests and threats coming to Australia either in ships’ ballast water or attached to ships’ hulls.

Ultramarine - Seahorses

Ocean images often trigger discussion around protection. Here is an Ultramarine YouTube clip of some iconic ocean animals that need our thought, consideration and protection.

Seahorses don't have a tail fin, in fact they are decidedly short of fins. Their heads bend forward and don't line up with their backbone, as it does in other fish, giving them a horsey look. They suck food up through their long straw-like mouths after snapping their tiny jaws shut. Their body armour is made up of scales fused together, a less than appetizing meal for many would be predators. It doesn't help, though, for their biggest problem is people.

All around the world seahorses are loved and collected, either for Asian medicine or keepsakes. Living in shallow coastal waters these little fish are subjected to habitat degradation from land-based activities. Stormwater run-off quality is an often cited  reason. Teachers wishing to incorporate studies on keeping our coastal waters clean will be inspired by AUSMEPA's free online education materials related to Marine Stormwater Pollution - here.