March Ocean Ambassadors Newsletter
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Feature Article
Why ocean literacy is crucial for the leaders of tomorrow
Ocean literacy is a term you may not be familiar with but since the UN's declaration for 2021-2030 to be the Decade of the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the term ocean literacy has become more commonplace. So what exactly is ocean literacy? The Canadian Network of Ocean Education (CaNOE) simply defines it as 'understanding the ocean and our relationship with it', and consist of a framework developed by ocean scientists and education professionals to improve access to quality education on sustainable development at all levels and in all social contexts. The ocean literacy framework aims to facilitate the creation of an ocean-literate society able to make informed and responsible decisions on ocean resources and ocean sustainability. Over the next decade, the decade for our ocean, we can hope to see the creation of a whole generation of young people with the know-how to make the right decisions to have a healthy, harmonious relationship with the ocean.
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The Latest
Events:
Ocean Health Speaker Series
On March 10th we are launching our Ocean Health Speaker Series! The first speaker is Karen Storry, a Senior Engineer with Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Services. As the lead on the region's single-use item reduction, Karen's work centres around how we can reduce plastic waste through circular economy programs, policies, and business practices.
Learn more about Karen and Metro Vancouver's various recycle and waste reduction initiatives and join us for this free, online event. See you there!
REGISTER HERE
RESEARCH
Clever Cuttlefish
Octopus have been long studied for their intelligence and capability to use observational learning. But what about their fellow Cephalopod the Cuttlefish?
A recent study has shown that Cuttlefish exhibit a behavior called 'delay maintenance' meaning they use self-control in experiments to forgo instant gratification (in the form of a delicious treat), to get a better (more delicious) reward later. Cuttlefish, like Octopus, are lumped into a group of animals known as Molluscs, who are not exactly renowned for their cognitive intelligence. Now scientists are finding that Cuttlefish cognizance is comparable to large-brained animals like cows, chimpanzees, and humans!
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PROGRAMS
Summer Camps 2021!
Register for OAC's experiential summer camps for kids, aged 8 to 14, that incorporates fun, education, self-awareness, skill development, and meaningful connections to nature.
Programs have ratios of 1 instructor to 6 participants and are based at Hollyburn Sailing Club at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver or at Kitsilano Yacht Club in Vancouver.
REGISTER HERE
Did You Know?
Photo: Pacific Wild
Spring is coming, and so are the Herring!
Every year around the start of March, Pacific Herring make their way to protected inlets on BC's coast to spawn, coating the coastline with millions of eggs and milt, turning crystal clear water misty and turquoise. But this flood of nutrients doesn't go unnoticed, with the Herring come thousands of hungry predators including Steller's Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Seals, Orca, and a Humpback Whale or two. In northern BC, the event even catches the attention of bears and wolves that join in on the feast from the tideline. This spectacular marine event often goes unnoticed by us humans, and sadly due to a number of factors including overharvesting and changing ocean conditions fewer and fewer Herrings are returning to their former spawning sites.
Rivalling salmon for ecological, cultural, and economical significance in BC, the conservation of this cornerstone species is critical. Now, various First Nations communities around coastal BC are working to raise awareness of these shocking declines in hopes to restore lost populations.
Learn more about Pacific Herring and how you can help bring back these iconic fish by clicking on the link below
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Ocean Ambassadors Canada
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West Vancouver, BC V7V2B9
Canada