Students at the Rollo Bay Consolidated School will be learning more about the importance of the waters that surround Prince Edward Island during the World Ocean Day celebration this week. June 8 was designated as World Ocean Day at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to raise awareness of the importance of oceans.
On Tuesday of this week, students at the Rollo Bay School will take part in a beach seine with two biology students from the University of Prince Edward Island to collect marine specimens and learn more about what species are in Island waters. There will also be a “Dress in Blue” day for students and staff, contests, craft tables and a trivia challenge with prizes and giveaways. The activities are organized by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture in co-operation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
“Ocean industries contribute more than $450 million to the Prince Edward Island economy each year,” said Premier Pat Binns. “Increasing awareness about the importance of protecting our marine resources will help ensure the sustainability of this vital part of our economy.”
The theme of this year’s World Ocean Day is “Watersheds...your link to Canada’s oceans...explore the connection.” The theme emphasizes that protection of the oceans begins with the protection of watersheds. There are 240 watersheds in Prince Edward Island, and they all have an impact on the marine environment and aquatic habitat.
This is the third year that events have been organized in Island schools to celebrate World Ocean Day. Last year, activities took place at Hernewood Intermediate School.
“Our hope is that a World Ocean Day event may become an annual activity at as many Island schools as possible over the next few years,” said Kelly Cantelo, organizer of the event for the provincial fisheries and aquaculture department. “This will be a great way for students to learn more about what the oceans mean to them and what they have to offer.”