Sunday, August 5, 2018

Earth Overshoot Day?

It seems that as of the 2nd Day of August 2018 we have used more of Earth's resources, dug up, cut down, hunted, grown, watered, eaten and drunk more than can be regenerated over an entire year. 

According to an ABC article saying that this year we have achieved the Earth Overshoot Day in just seven months. 

Oh my goodness! And it appears that Australia is one of the per capita leaders in shortening the length of time to reach Overshoot Day, according to the Global Footprint Network statistics. 



See the whole article at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-03/earth-overshoot-day:-today-the-earth-goes-into-the-red/8770040



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What does 'Ocean Literacy' mean?

Over the last 18 years or so there has been a lot of interest in bringing the level of understanding about the ocean through education up to the surface. This has largely been lead from the Americas however many in scientists, teachers and informal educators in Australia have contributed and participated in generating some overall principles and concepts.

What is Ocean Literacy?
Ocean literacy is defined as an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean. An ocean-literate person understands:
  • the essential principles and fundamental concepts;
  • can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way; and
  • is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.
The Ocean LIteracy Framework is laid out on an aged basis for students and can be found at   http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/ocean-literacy-framework/




What is the Ocean Literacy Framework?

The Ocean Literacy Framework is comprised of two consensus documents:
  • Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K-12 (also known as the Ocean Literacy Principles); and
  • Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K-12 (also known as the Scope & Sequence).

Both of these documents are also available iprint and download forms.

Although it is not part of the Australian curriculum this is an important piece of work and readily available for those wishing to understand and communicate about the ocean.

Have a look - click here.





Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Plastic Free July - are you in?

Finally we are all becoming aware of what plastics are doing to our oceans.

The large natural whirlpools or ocean gyres collect our waste and swirl plastics around and around endlessly. Some sink, some float but much reduces into a slimy slurry that is inadvertantly eaten becoming part of the food chain.

There are many things we can do to address the issue but it means changing how we think and what we do from our daily habit, to government decision making and management, to commercial and industrial accountability towards public welfare rather than economic bottom line. We are all responsible for making the change.

Some of the easiest quickest ways for us to demonstrate our willingness to restore balance are on a personal level with the choices we make and the action we take.

QUICK EASY THINGS TO DO:

1. Pick up waste, even 3 pieces a day will help!

2. Choose to say 'no' to take away items that will become waste after one use like plastic bags, cups and straws.

3. Support decision makers who recognise the importance of minimising plastics and maximising innovations for reuse like making roads or returning plastic into oil or making plastic into home buildings.

4. Support companies that can demonstrate their commitment to a healthy ocean and healthy planet as well as their own profits.

5. Make a decision to join the community movement towards a healthy environment ensuring the well-being of our families and friends. Join clean up groups and talk about what you've seen with others.






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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Project Aware: One Million Less Items of Trash in our Ocean

Action Promo Image


AUSMEPA congratulates Project Aware and the Army of Activity Divers in their Dive Against Debris!

The #OneMillionLess milestone is a wonderful contribution to the health of the Ocean around the world.The array of seafloor debris that divers collected and reported is astounding.

Statistics given"

  • 1 million pieces removed since 2011
  • 48,199 scuba divers
  • 5351 surveys
  • 114 countries participating
  • 5,597 Entangled or dead animals
  • 64% of the waste was plastic
  • 307,064 kilograms or 676,959 pounds total weight removed 





You might like to join in this amazing effort

Find out more here

One Million Less Items of Trash in our Ocean; Project AWARE, Dive Against Debris

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Photo by Sunshine Divers, Thailand

Saturday, March 31, 2018

International Pacific Marine Educators Network Conference 2018


The International  Pacific Marine Educators Network (IPMEN) is the initiative of selfless individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education, awareness and action in regard to the sea around us.

The initiative began many years ago  and the One Ocean Marine Fourm (OOMF) was born in 2005.  Held in Hawaii, the platform was an Open Space discussion amongst educators from the length and breadth of the Pacific Basin. They agreed that it was important to help each other and share information to assist in bringing marine education and action to the publics attention, both locally and internationally.

Since the network, IPMEN, was formed regular conferences have been held in different countries.  This year the conference will be held in Taiwan.

Teachers and educators this could be just the mechanism you need to reinvigorate your commitment to yourself in your pursuit of excellence in marine studies. Enjoy the company of like minded individuals while broadening your knowledge in this amazing space.

To find out more visit the conference website at:
http://2018ipmen.ntou.edu.tw/index.html



www.ausmepa.org.au

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Demystifying ocean acidification and biodiversity impacts


California Academy of Sciences

Middle year and Senior School students may enjoy this well executed clip 



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Hermie the hermit crab on Ocean acidification by GBRMPA

The clip below will be excellent reference on this topoic for lower primary students courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Part Authority (GBRMPA)




Find more interesting information at 
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn-about-the-reef/resources-by-theme/climate-change



www.ausmepa.org.au