Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 8, 2009
World Ocean Day Art Contest Raises Awareness for Students
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is bringing education and
awareness to students as part of World Ocean Day 2009. Grade five
students in four schools in the province were given the opportunity to
create drawings that to them best illustrate the theme of World Ocean
Day for this year, which is Our Oceans, Our Responsibility. One school
was chosen randomly to participate from each of the four fisheries
regions in the province � those being eastern, central, western, and
Labrador. Art work will be submitted by June 9 and the winners will be
announced within that week. Winning students will receive an ocean
atlas.
"This day provides an opportunity to raise global awareness regarding
the current challenges faced by the international community in relation
to oceans," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and
Aquaculture. "My department was pleased to work with teachers and
students across the province to build this awareness among our
province'
s young people."
This year marks the 17th annual celebration of World Oceans Day with
thousands of leading aquariums, governments, conservation organizations,
schools and individuals around the world celebrating with educational
events that are also fun and inspirational.
"This year marks the first time that the United Nations will observe the
day," said Minister Hedderson. "The recognition by the United Nations
demonstrates how the global community has come to understand the
importance of our oceans. We are very pleased that they will be marking
this important day with us."
World Ocean Day was first proposed by the Government of Canada at the
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It was seen as a way
for organizations and individuals from around the world to celebrate
oceans and the connection of humanity to the seas. The day was also
designed to raise awareness about the critical role that oceans play in
everyone'
s lives and the things that people can do to help protect them.
"Our government is certainly committed to bringing awareness to the
important role that our oceans play," said Minister Hedderson. "We must
ensure stewardship of our oceans that provide for sustainable and viable
fishing and aquaculture industries, access to safe and clean marine
transportation, and recreational opportunities for residents and
visitors alike, well into the future."
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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
2009 06 08
10:45 a.m.
