LOCAL MARINE CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE WORLD OCEANS DAY
In celebration of World Oceans Day on the 8th June, the Marine Mammal Foundation is launching its newest youth engagement program, Marine Champions!
Aimed to inspire and educate 10-18-year-olds, the Marine Champions program will provide hands-on and unique experiences for young people wanting to learn and make a difference in marine science and conservation.
With Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip Bays’ own iconic Burrunan dolphin already listed as endangered, the next generation will be empowered to focus on local marine environments, and the sustainability issues impacting them and their unique habitat.
Marine Champions will run in two streams, Junior Champions (10-13yo) and Youth Champions (14-18yo), bringing together like-minded people and providing opportunities to learn and share with each other.
“Communication is key to long term sustainability and conservation, with empowerment, leadership and education of the next generation crucial.” says Marine Mammal Foundation Outreach Officer, Matt Montemurro.
World Oceans Day is celebrated globally with the theme for this year ‘Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean’.
“Being out on the water researching our amazing marine mammals and their environment, we see the everyday impact litter is having. World Oceans Day is a great occasion to launch our Marine Champions program and put the call out to join us.” states Mr Montemurro.
“I am super excited and proud to be part of the creation of the Marine Champions program!” Says Marine Champions Leader, Ms Hayley Charlton-Howard. “I believe it will be beneficial to young people – whether they are wanting to be part of making a difference in the world around them, eager to gain valuable work experience with a local conservation organisation, or just excited to learn about marine biology and have some fun.”
Registration for the Marine Champions program is currently open. Expressions of interest can be registered on the Marine Mammal Foundation website, or email Matt at outreach@marinemammal.org.au