Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 8, 2016
Protecting and Preserving our Oceans
World Oceans Day Creates Awareness and Understanding of Marine Environments
Today marks the eighth annual World Oceans Day, which is recognized around the world to honour, protect and conserve the world’s oceans. This year’s theme – Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet – encourages participants to reflect on what actions can be taken to safeguard ocean communities.
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, the ocean and the opportunities it provides have always been at the heart of our economy and our culture. The coastline and ocean are intrinsically linked to our history, culture, recreational enjoyment and prosperity, and we will continue to rely on the resources from our waters for generations to come. Today is an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on what the ocean means to you and how you can help protect it.”
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
In honour of World Oceans Day, the Provincial Government held its annual World Oceans Day art and essay contests, engaging youth across the province from Kindergarten to Grade Nine. A list of winners can be found in the backgrounder below.
In addition, last weekend over 1,500 people celebrated World Oceans Day at the Marine Institute, taking part in exhibits, demonstrations and family activities. The event was organized by the World Oceans Day event committee, comprising the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, World Wildlife Fund, Fish, Food and Allied Workers, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Marine Institute.
QUICK FACTS
- The United Nations passed a resolution in December 2008 to recognize June 8 as World Oceans Day.
- Budget 2016 provides $1.8 million to Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research (CFER).
- CFER focuses on innovative research to inform the status of the province’s fisheries resources and enhances fisheries science capabilities in the province by building research capacity at Memorial University and Marine Institute.
- More information on World Oceans Day can be found at www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/education/.
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Media contacts:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
World Oceans Day Contest Award Winners
Each year the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture recognizes World Oceans Day with an annual art contest that is managed by the Department and the World Oceans Day planning committee. The contest is open to students in primary and elementary schools in the province.
The winners of the 2016 World Oceans Day Art Contest are:
- Kindergarten: Yael Piercey, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Corner Brook
- Grade 1: Rotém Phillips-Grobbelaar, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Corner Brook
- Grade 2: Henry Stone, École des Grands-Vents, St. John’s
- Grade 3: Grace Abbott, Goulds Elementary, Goulds
- Grade 4: Rebecca Penney, Riverside Elementary, Clarenville
- Grade 5: Brooklynn Parsons, Elwood Elementary, Deer Lake
- Grade 6: Ethan McNabb, Stephenville Middle School, Stephenville
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture also collaborated with World Wildlife Fund-Canada on the annual Oceans Hero Essay Contest. This contest is open to junior high students across the province.
The winner of the 2016 World Oceans Day Oceans Hero Essay Contest is:
- Terrance Careen, Grade 7 student at Fatima Academy, St. Brides
The winning entries can be viewed online at www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/education/.
2016 06 08 10:15 a.m.