The day unites a diverse cross-section of groups whose work requires an interconnection with the ocean. Researchers from both governmental and academic institutions, local and national environmental advocacy groups, federal and state regulatory agencies, commercial fishing and seafood processing organizations, and nature education and watershed partnerships will be represented.
This free event which is open to the public features film and speaker presentations, interactive discussions, displays and demonstrations, kids activities, nature walks, tours of the NOAA facility and a Perseverance Theatre professional reading of the Tlingit salmonboy story "Alive in the Eddy." Key note speakers include Gary Freitag from the SeaGrant Marine Advisory Program, Ed Lyman of NOAA Protected Species Unit, Kate Litle from the University of Washington Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, and Carolyn Rosner from the Alaska Ocean Observing System.
The goal of World Ocean Day is to promote ocean literacy and explore the interconnections we as a coastal community share with the ocean. Discussion sessions will focus on the ocean as a major influence (weather, climate, ice), the ocean as a place of paradox (diversity of life and ecosystems), the human impact upon the ocean (marine debris, pollution), and conservation and care for the ocean (sustainability and ocean resources).
World Ocean Day is sponsored by KQED, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures Outreach Educational Campaign, KTOO-TV, Auke Bay Laboratories, the Juneau Coast Guard and Military Family Association, Perseverance Theatre, and Discovery Southeast.
More details available at www.discoverysoutheast.org.