Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 7, 2013

World Oceans Day 2013 Emphasizes Connections with the Sea

World Oceans Day, an occasion that celebrates how the sea enriches people’s lives and emphasizes the importance of protecting ocean environments, will be recognized throughout the world tomorrow (Saturday, June 8). The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will mark the occasion by participating in the opening ceremonies of World Oceans Day celebrations at Fogo Island Academy School at 2:00 p.m. In addition, David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East - Bell Island, will attend a free family day event at the Marine Institute campus on Ridge Road in St. John’s beginning at 10:30 a.m.
 
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have much to appreciate on World Oceans Day, as the sea plays a vital role in our economy, our leisure activities, and our culture,” said Minister Dalley. “On June 8, I will celebrate this occasion at an event that will engage people of all ages in environmental stewardship. I encourage residents throughout the province to find their own special way to celebrate World Oceans Day in their communities, and appreciate the ocean environment that surround us.”
 
World Oceans Day first came into being at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when Canadian representatives proposed the concept. The occasion was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, and is now celebrated by people throughout the world through a variety of events.
 
“The annual World Oceans Day family event at the Marine Institute has become much anticipated by families each year, as it features interactive displays, storytelling, food, and fun for the whole family,” said Mr. Brazil. “The event provides a tremendous opportunity for people of all ages to develop a lasting respect for the ocean and for marine life, and so I encourage everyone to come and experience this unique celebration.”
 
The Provincial Government supports World Oceans Day contests that engage youth. This year’s contest winners are listed in the background below.
 
As part of environmental stewardship initiatives, the province released the Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework in 2011 to guide long-term sustainable use of our ocean and coastal areas. Funding through this strategy has enabled the province to develop several partnerships to promote stewardship of the marine environment throughout the province.
 
More information about World Oceans Day can be found at worldoceansday.org/2013events .

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Media contacts:

Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551, 699-2402 TessBurke@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
World Oceans Day Contest Award Winners

World Oceans Day is recognized each year through an annual art contest that is supported and managed by the Provincial Government and several other organizations. The contest is open to students in primary and elementary schools across the province. The winners of the 2013 World Oceans Day Art Contest are:

• Kindergarten - Elinor Hamilton, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Corner Brook (1.2 MB)
• Grade 1 - Grace Alcock, St. Anthony Elementary, St. Anthony (869 KB)
• Grade 2 - Madison Thompson, Helen Tulk Elementary, Bishop’s Falls (1.1 MB)
• Grade 3 - Bridget Murphy, Eric G. Lambert School, Churchill Falls (1.5 MB)
• Grade 4 - Sarah Penney, St. Anne’s School/ Se’t A’newey Kina’matino ‘kuom, Conne River (739 KB)
• Grade 5 - Andrew Dunphy, Our Lady of Mercy Elementary, St. George’s (791 KB)
• Grade 6 - Kaleigh Balsom, Riverside Elementary, Clarenville (1.1 MB)

In addition, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture collaborated with WWF-Canada to create the first ever Oceans Hero Essay Contest this year. This contest is open to junior high students across the province. The winners of the 2013 World Oceans Day Oceans Hero Essay Contest are:

• Grade 7- Colin Lundrigan, Fatima Academy, St. Bride’s
• Grade 8- Janneka Power, Fatima Academy, St. Bride’s
• Grade 9- Kaylie Chaulk, Gill Memorial Academy, Musgrave Harbour

Prizes for contest winners include ocean themed reading materials, DVDs, and keepsakes.

2013 06 07             11:05 p.m.