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June 10, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Summerford Student to represent province in International 
Youth Delegation attending Summit of the Sea Conference

Alexandra Woolfrey of Hillgrade, Newfoundland, has been awarded the Canadian Association of Principal (CAP) and Premier School Agendas' Student Leadership Scholarship for Newfoundland and Labrador. The award includes a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to represent the province in an international youth delegation participating in the Summit of the Sea Core Conference in St. John's, September 1 - 6, 1997.

Alexandra, 18, is a Grade 12 student at Coaker Academy in Summerford, Newfoundland.

Only 21 students across Canada are awarded a CAP Student Leadership Scholarship annually and only one scholarship is awarded in Newfoundland and Labrador. Graduating students in their final year of high school are nominated by their Principal. In addition, nominated students are required to write an essay identifying two significant issues relating to the oceans and environment. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability, is in the top 20 per cent of their class and has submitted an exceptional essay. Alexandra's winning essay deals with the effect of global warming on phytoplankton, a microscopic ocean plant. (Essay attached)

CAP scholarship recipients are receiving a bonus this year - they get to attend The Summit of Sea Core Conference. Over 1,000 delegates from around the world are gathering in St. John's in September to discuss major issues in oceans policy, including, among others, international law, sustainable fisheries and offshore oil development. The Cabot 500 Corporation joined forces with the Canadian Association of Principals and the International Confederation of Principals to ensure international student participation at the conference by incorporating workshops focusing on youth perspectives on oceans issues.

Scholarship recipients from across Canada will be joined by some 20 international students, including representatives from South Africa, Sweden and Singapore. Youth delegates will participate in the Summit�s plenary sessions as well as having the opportunity to discuss environmental issues with the world's leading oceans experts in special workshop sessions.

Funding for Canadian youth participation in the Summit of the Sea was contributed by PetroCanada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

1 Attachment: Winning Essay, 2 Pages

Contact: Jan Woodford, Summit of the Sea, Public Relations ph: (709) 729-4323, fax: (709)579-2067, E-mail: jwoodfor@cabot500.gov.nf.ca

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Essay Written By CAP Scholarship Recipient Alexandra Woolfrey

(Essay Instructions -- A major global issue facing the inhabitants of our planet is the preservation and protection of the oceans and environment. Identify two significant issues relating to the oceans and the environment. How can student interest and active involvement result in the wise use of these shared resources?)

The singular most significant factor in maintaining global environmental stability is the presence of our ocean environments. The oceans control our weather patterns and act as a reservoir of fresh water when evaporated. It is rarely realized that microscopic ocean plants (phytoplankton) produce one hundred billion tonnes of oxygen each year. Of all the world's photosynthesis, 40-60 per cent occurs in the oceans. The two major issues I intend to raise are the oceans as a source of oxygen and the oceans as a source of food.

As the "greenhouse effect" continues to accelerate the earth's warming trends, the ocean becomes a component of this cycle. The ocean's surface temperatures are gradually rising as the levels of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere rise. What effect will this have or already has had on phytoplankton reproduction? How are the levels of oxygen produced by the organisms of the ocean being affected?

Phytoplankton are the first link in the oceanic food chain. As "producers", a great many animals such as zooplankton use phytoplankton as a food source. This has dramatic effects on oceanic food levels. I often wonder if scientists, in the great quest for the cause of the collapse of the fishery, have focused too heavily on overfishing and have not studied what could be an extenuating circumstance, the lack of availability of phytoplankton to supply the food chain because of pollution and other environmental factors.

It has been estimated that as much as 75 per cent of the garbage that washes up on European shores originated in North America. I find this a staggering statistic. I believe that if a person feels strongly about an issue, they should be prepared to put in some "sweat equity". I have helped clear literally hundreds of kilograms of garbage from beaches that surround our homes each spring. This is left once the harbour ice moves out. This is one way I have contributed to the preservation of our oceans.

As students, youth can do much to become involved in wise management of oceans resources. I believe we are much better educated than the previous generations regarding global environmental issues and can use forums such as the Summit of the Sea Conference to raise informed opinions, form interest groups, make the topic a political issue during elections, and lobby for stricter enforcement of the laws already in place that could better protect our environment.

In conclusion youth have the knowledge, the ability and the energy to help tackle this immense and complicated issue.