Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 6, 2014
Engaging Youth in Marine Science
Provincial Government Launches Third Children’s Book About Marine Life
In preparation for upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations, the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, officially launched the Provincial Government’s third children’s book about marine life by reading The Green Crab Invasion today to Grade Two students at St. Bernard’s Elementary in Witless Bay.
“Youth engagement is a foremost priority for the Provincial Government, and these books have proven to be a great way to make young people aware of the importance of marine areas along our coasts, and the creatures that live within them. Since the launch of the first book, Jake the Puffin’s Amazing Adventure, there has been tremendous demand for these children’s books across Canada and throughout the world, and our latest book, The Green Crab Invasion will continue to foster children’s imaginations and enthusiasm for learning.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The latest title discusses green crab, an aquatic invasive species that is considered one of the 100 worst alien invasive species in the world. Its sheer numbers, voracious appetite, and aggressive competition with other species make the green crab a threat to shellfish and a nuisance for fishing industries. The Green Crab Invasion helps children understand the way green crab can dominate an environment by using the theme of bullying, which creates the opportunity to explore science information and anti-bullying messages simultaneously. The book will also be read at the World Oceans Day celebration that will be held tomorrow (Saturday, June 7) at the Marine Institute’s Ridge Road campus in St. John’s.
As part of World Oceans Day festivities, art and essay contests are held annually to further promote the importance of marine stewardship to students. While at St. Bernard’s School, Minister Hutchings presented an Honourable Mention award to Isabella Lee, a Grade Five student for her art submission.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Keith Hutchings officially launched The Green Crab Invasion children’s book today with a reading to Grade Two students at St. Bernard’s Elementary in Witless Bay.
- To date, copies of the Provincial Government’s children’s titles have been distributed in Ireland, China, Japan, the U.S., Australia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and across Canada.
- In addition to these books, the Provincial Government engages youth in marine studies by funding Students On Ice Scholarships, the Dr. Wilfred Templeman Memorial Scholarship for graduate students; the Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship; and student placements at the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research at the Marine Institute.
- Electronic copies of all books in the series are available by visiting www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/education/kids.html , and print copies can be made available at no cost by contacting coastsandocean@gov.nl.ca or calling 729-1140.
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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
2014 06 06 11:55 a.m.