• CARIBWA (Caribbean and Western Atlantic): Steve Pionteh (Curacao, Netherlands Antilles)/ Martin Keenley (Cayman Islands)
• FMSEA (Florida Marine Science Educators Association): Lex Waters (FL)
• GAME (Georgia Association of Marine Education): Naomi Thompson (GA)
• GLEAMS (Great Lakes Educators of Aquatic and Marine Science): Rachel Gross (IL)
• GOMMEA (Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association): Laura Lubelczyk (ME)/ David Guay (ME)
• MAMEA (Mid-Atlantic Marine Educators Association ): Beth Jewell (VA)/ Lewis L. Lawrence (VA)
• MME (Massachusetts Marine Educators): Sue Norse (MA)
• NAME (Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators): Pat Williams (OR)
• NJMEA (New Jersey Marine Education Association): Eric Simms (NJ)
• NYSMEA (New York State Marine Educators Association): Hugo Freudenthal (NY)
• OCEANIA: Mary Gullickson (HI)/ Sylvia Spalding (HI)
• SAME (Southern Association of Marine Educators): Sonya Wood Mahler (AL)
• SCMEA (South Carolina Marine Educators Association): Carmelina Livingston (SC)
• SENEME (Southeastern New England Marine Educators): Diana Payne (CT)
• SWMEA (Southwest Marine Educators Association): Joy Wolf (CA)/ Diane Sweeney (CA)
• TEAMS (Tennessee Educators of Aquatic and Marine Science): Cortney Kroll Thompson (TN)
• TMEA (Texas Marine Educators Association): Pam Stryker (TX)

Committee Chairs

• Awards: Kathleen Heidenreich (WA)
• Bylaws: Rick Tinnin (TX)
• Chapters: Rita Bell (CA)/ Sarah Schoedinger (DC)
• Conference: Paula Keener-Chavis (SC)
• Conservation: Julie Childers (FL)
• Executive: Jean May-Brett (LA)/ Rita Bell (CA)
• Finance: Don Hudson (ME)
• Grants/Funding: Sharon Walker (MS)
• History: Susan Snyder (OH)
• International: Vicki Osis (OR)
• Long-Range: John Dindo (AL) and Wendy Allen (SC)
• Nominating: Wendy Allen (SC)
• NSTA Liaison: Jean May-Brett (LA)
• Outreach: Bill Hastie (OR)
• Publications: David Niebuhr (VA) and Lisa Tooker (CA)
• Scholarship: Ann Coopersmith (HI)

   

Awards:

 

James Centorino Award: J. Adam Frederick (MD)

 

 

 

 

Conference Highlights:

At Eckerd College July 17th, before the conference began, the NMEA Board met for a Long Range Planning Meeting, followed by the regular Board Meeting.

On the 18th, the Board Meeting continued.

Above: Some of the many people participating in the Board Meeting were Board Member Gene Williamson (OR), Bylaws Committee Chair Rick Tinnin (TX), President Jean May-Brett (LA) , and President-Elect Rita Bell (CA).

Below: SWMEA Chapter Rep Diane Sweeney (CA), Board Member Lynn Whitley (CA), and Past President: Wendy Allen (SC)

 

At the Board Dinner, 1995-96 NMEA President Mike Spranger (FL) entertained the crowd with fine piano music, while his wife, Karen Byler, took his picture.

 

 

 

Lex Waters and Scott Willis (Two of the Three 2004 Conference Co-Chairs) converse with NMEA Conference Committee Chair, Paula Keener-Chavis (SC).

 

 

 

Also on July 18th, NMEA Central (the place where registration packets were picked up, T-shirts were purchased, and directions were provided) opened. Also, some NMEA members participated in Pre-Conference Workshops: 1) NOAA Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration Curriculum, 2) Healthy Water, Healthy People, and 3) FMSEA Collecting Workshop.

Left: The Conference Information Packet had been sent out before the conference, but much of the registration had occurred online. This had been a goal of the conference committee to conserve paper. On the conference web site, members could view the schedule of events that would be happening at the conference, and see session grids for each day.

Left: Umbrellas were a necessity the first few days of the conference. In this photo, Jim Snyder models his in front of the Eckerd College sign.

 

 

 

 

Below: Signage at the Conference was wonderful. Here we see the Welcome Sign and the NMEA Central Sign.

 

 

 

 

 

Below, Left: Laura (FL) sells T-shirts at NMEA Central . Right: The Conference Program lists the many concurrent sessions and other activities of the conference.

Below: the conference bag, cup, lunch bag, and hat.

 

Evening events on July 18th included the Welcome and Keynote Speaker event and the Exhibitors' Reception.

Left: Lex Waters, Scott Willis, and Julie Childers were the 2004 Conference Co-Chairs. Right: Scott Willis welcomed everyone to the conference, while wearing Julie's shark hat.

The conference sponsors were Current Publishing, The Florida Aquarium, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Sea Grant, Mote Marine Laboratory, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Geological Survey.

 

Dr. Sylvia Earle, the keynote speaker and Explorer-In-Residence at the National Geographic Society, wowed the audience with her inspirational speech. She explained that when asked how she became an explorer, she says she started off as a little kid and never grew up. In talking about the oceans, she stated, “Most destruction to oceans has occurred in the last 50 years. We should value our natural heritage. With knowing, there’s caring, and if there’s caring, there’s hope. “ There’s plenty of time to turn around bycatch and habitat destruction. There is opportunity to take action. Everybody has power.” She stated, “There are two major discoveries in science, 1) The ocean is the cornerstone of our existence. The ocean drives the entire world. 2) We have the capacity to change it.”

At the end of her speech, Dr. Earle responded to questions from the NMEA audience.

 

At the Exhibitors' Reception, participants enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, got reacquainted with NMEA friends, met new people, and viewed the exhibits.

Above: Left: Beth Day (MD), Sara Schoedinger (DC), and others enjoyed the exhibits. Right: Maryellen Timmons (GA) and Anita Freudenthal (NY) enjoyed the hors d’oeuvers.

Above: Left: Libby Hopkins (MA) laughs with her friends. Right: Dru Clark (KS) and Susan Snyder (OH), good friends since they met at the 1988 Santa Cruz Conference, catch up on the last year.

 

Sylvia Earle has a book signing.

 

 

 

 

 

The BRIDGE is demonstrated by (left to right) Marilyn Cook (TX) Troll volunteer, Kimberly Williams (NY) Troll volunteer, Susanna Musick (VA) BRIDGE staff and Lisa Ayers Lawrence (VA) BRIDGE staff.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, July 19th, began with a Buddy Breakfast and an International Attendees Welcome Breakfast. This was the 1st NMEA International Breakfast. Twenty people attended.

Exhibits were open, and the General Session with Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick and George Burgess took place. Dr. Kirkpatrick, director of the environmental health research program at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Eco-toxicology, presented a most informative talk on the causes and effects of red tide and the effects of red tide toxin on the human respiratory system. George Burgess, Director of the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, stated that a person is more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a shark.

 

Speaking of sharks, does anyone know what Mike Spranger (FL) said to this shark to make her get up and leave the audience at the general session?

 

 

 

Following the general sessions, Concurrent Sessions began. During the morning and afternoon, there were more than 60 sessions offered.

In her session, Debbie Berger (FL) discussed next years Jason Project theme, "Disappearing Wetlands," and participants performed a Jason Project lab on nutria populations.

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In one morning session, attended by 63 conference participants, Dr. Frank Muller-Karger of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) acted as a panel member, discussing the Commission’s recommendations for marine and coastal education. Dr. Muller-Karger stated, “the public is only superficially aware about the importance of the ocean to their daily lives, let alone its importance to all life.” He stressed “that ocean stewardship starts with education.” He stated that for the 16 members of the USCOP (also known as the Watkins Commission) “sustainability of the resources for future generations, and a strong sense of stewardship are among our most important guiding principles” when determining policy. He stated that the Preliminary Report of the USCOP is available on the internet at <http://www.oceancommission.gov>. In closing, he emphasized that, “NMEA and each and every teacher in the country plays a critical role in implementing the recommendations of the Watkins Commission.” Dr. Muller-Karger’s Presentation was followed by interactive discussions among four “break-out” groups:

1. Informal Education: lead by Ms. Paula Keener-Chavis
2. Professional Development Programs and Standards: lead by Dr. Sharon Walker
3. Agency and Professional Organization Involvement: lead by Dr. Elizabeth Day
4. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: lead by Dr. Barbara Spector

The overall introductions, presentation, discussions, “reporting out,” and closing remarks for this session were facilitated by Ms. Sarah Schoedinger.

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In the afternoon, several NMEA past presidents met at what has become known as the “Presidents’ Circle” to discuss NMEA and other events in their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left to right: Presidents' Circle: Vicki Osis (OR) 1990-91, Rob Moir (MA) 1999-00, Wendy Allen (SC) 2002-03, Bill Hastie (OR) 1997-98 , Rick Tinnin (TX) 1987-88, Mike Spranger (FL) 1995-96, and Paula Keener-Chavis (SC) 2000-01. (Photograph by Gene Williamson)

 

At 5:00, busses were boarded for the trip to The Florida Aquarium. Once at the aquarium, we had the opportunity to look at over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals, dance to steel drum music, sit in rocking chairs in front of the coral reef exhibit, and partake in the Taste of Tampa feast.

Everyone enjoyed the aquarium, whether he/she was a seasoned veteran of NMEA or a newcomer. Above Left: Nancy Richardson (CA), one of the original founders of NMEA, and Right Michael Mazell (VA) attending his first conference and posing in a snail shell ...both had a great time.

There was much to see at the aquarium..fish and other aquatic organisms, birds, and of course...good friends.

Below: Right: Mare Timmons (GA) loved the spoonbills.

 

Above: Left: At the coral reef aquarium, the diver put on quite a show. Right: Steve Stewart (MI) and Jim Lubner (WI) enjoyed the aquariums.

 

Tuesday, July 20th began with an early morning departure to Marine Quest at the Florida Marine Research Institute. Once at Marine Quest, the General Session with Dr. Peter Betzer and Dr. Lisa Robbins began. Dr. Betzer, Dean and Professor at the College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, spoke about building bridges between students, the public, and science research. Dr. Robbins, Director of the Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies of the United States Geological Survey, explained how LDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is used for making maps that show coastal change. She explained that NASA, NOAA, and USGS work together to study coastal change.

 

Left: Dr. Lisa Robbins; Above: Dr. Peter Betzer

The General Session was followed by a variety of Concurrent Sessions. While some chose to attend discussions and demonstrations, others chose hands-on workshops and field sessions.

 

 

One field session was a beach seine. For this activity, individuals boarded a bus to Lassing Park where Bob Heagey, Chris Anderson and Kathleen O’Keife of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission of the Florida Marine Research Institute showed eager participants how to set up a random sampling program, how to set a seine in the correct manner, and how to properly handle and identify the catch.

Left: In the session “Proper Seine Technique and Identification of Local Marine Species, Chris Anderson showed the group one of the seines. (Click on this image to see additional photographs of the seining trip.) (Photograph by Jill Johnen (RI))

 

 

Following the morning sessions, everyone picked up box lunches, attended Chapter Meetings, and scurried to more Concurrent Sessions.

Above: Left: In his morning session, Bob Stewart presented “What Every Student Ought to Know: Oceanographers Perspective.”

Above: Right: GLEAMS (Great Lakes Educators of Aquatic and Marine Sciences) members posed for a chapter photo. Top Row, Left to Right: Steve Stewart (MI), ? Jim Snyder (OH), Susan Snyder (OH), Jim Lubner (WI); Bottom Row: Robin Goettel (IL) , Rachel Gross (IL), and Rosanne Fortner (OH). (Photograph by Mark DeCrosta (FL))

Left and Below: One of the afternoon Concurrent Sessions was titled, "Marine Quest: The Most Fun You Can Have Out of the Water!" This session was a sampler of activities that are provided to public groups at the Florida Marine Research Institute. NMEA participants sampled four different hands-on activities: determining fish age and growth by counting rings on otoliths; learning about Karenia brevis, the microalgae that causes Florida’s red tide; experiencing a touch tank; and learning about the biology and threats to the West Indian manatee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In all, there were 45 concurrent sessions that day, some of which were 2-hour events. At 3:30, buses departed for the return to the Eckerd College campus.

From 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, the Sea Faire/Sea Swap Social and Twister Challenge took place. A lot of chapter and other displays were perused, items were swapped, and chapters challenged one another in a very well-run Twister Challenge, organized by The Mid Atlantic Marine Education Association (MAMEA).

Above Left: Twister action: What’s wrong Andrew?

Above Right: SAME (Southern Association of Marine Educators) was the winning Twister team. Members of the team (left to right) were Clarissa Sluder (AL), Sonya Wood Mahler (AL), Joan Turner (AL), and Mendel Graeber (AL). (Photograph by Gene Williamson)

Left: The coveted Twister trophy.

 

Next, buses departed for the Pier Aquarium and an evening for participants to buy dinner and “Sea” St. Petersburg from the Pier and explore the city.

Wednesday, July 21st was field-trip day. We woke to a beautiful, warm, sunny day and a plethora of field trip offerings: Half-day trips included Bay Spirit eco-tour of Tampa Bay, and Shell Key Kayak Trip. Full day trips included Pier Aquarium Tour and Campbell Park Elementary-A Marine Science School, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Tour and Boat Trip, Myakka River Canoe/Kayak with Alligators, Crystal Springs Environmental Center and Hillsborough River Canoe Trip, Gulf of Mexico Dive Trip, Weeki Wachee River Canoe/Snorkeling Trip, Crystal River Marine Exploration and Snorkel, Sarasota Bay Explorer and Snorkel, Cockroach Bay Boat Trip and Collecting, and Weedon Island Canoe Trip.

Above Left: Along the crystal-clear Weeki Wachee River, Vicki Osis (OR) and her husband talked with the guide. Right: Adam Frederick (MD) photographed an alligator that was lounging a few feet away. While on this trip, Jim and Susan Snyder had a close encounter with a water moccasin. Stopping at a sand bar for lunch, Jim got out of the canoe and began pulling it out of the water. At that instant, Susan spotted a sleeping water moccasin within two feet of the front of the canoe. Sadly, there is no picture of the snake. When Susan screamed "WATER MOCCASIN!," Jim leaped back into the canoe and the couple paddled away as fast as they could.

Although most trips were rain-free, the Myakka River trip takers did experience some lightning, thunder, and a downpour. John O'Connell and his daughter Christina (TX) shared that it was pretty frightening riding along in an aluminum boat during the storm.

Following the field trips, there was the NMEA Social Hour and Silent Auction. Silent Auction items included teaching materials, artwork, and clothing. The auction was followed by the Taste of Florida Dinner and NMEA Live Auction. The delicious fare at the dinner included alligator ribs, cherrystone clams, "organic" marine shrimp, and tilapia, along with side dishes prepared from old-time Florida Cracker recipes. At the Live Auction, the Kecia Joy (HI) had the highest bid for THE PIKE at $250. So, he'll be traveling to Maui to help prepare for the 2005 conference.

Left: Participants perused the silent auction tables.

 

Below: Jean Knight (FL) got the crowd at the Live Auction excited with her original songs “Mangrove Blues” and “Songs From the Estuary.”

 

 

 

At the live auction, the auctioneer with the help of George Duane (MA) auctioned off THE PIKE.

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, July 22nd began with the NMEA Celebration. The James Centorino Award, Outstanding Teacher Award, Marine Education Award, President’s Award, and Honorary Member awards were announced, and the Presidential gavel was passed from Jean May-Brett (LA) to Rita Bell (CA). Ann Coopersmith (HI) showed an awesome video about Hawaii 5-0 or was it Hawaii 2005? Anyway, the OCEANIA Chapter of NMEA will host the 2005 Conference on the island of Hilo.

At the NMEA Celebration, the new NMEA President, Rita Bell (CA) said a few words and then requested the massage she’d won at the auction the night before. Two of the massagers were Scott Willis and Lex Waters, Conference Co-Chairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oceania chapter members passed out reminders for the 2005 Conference: book marks with the theme: “Look to the Source, Look to the Sea’, macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian salt.

 

Following the Celebration, Concurrent Sessions began. Lunch, the New Board Meeting and more Concurrent Sessions filled the day. In all, there were 47 concurrent sessions offered on Thursday.

At her session, Ariel Freudenthal (NV) talked about “Creating a Living Classroom.” In her discussion about setting up aquariums, she discussed the importance of fluvial filters, protein skimmers, lighting, tank circulation, and many other issues.

 

 

At 3:45 PM, the Stegner Lecture Began. The lecturer, Christopher Still, showed us a movie of his paintings that are on display at the Florida House of Representatives. These paintings depict Florida’s historic and natural beauty.

 

 

 

 

Christopher Still delivered the Stegner Lecture.

 

 

One of Christopher Still's murals commissioned by the Florida House of Representatives, was used on the cover of the 2004 Conference Program.

 

 

 

Christopher Still received an autographed copy of one of Dr. Sylvia Earles’ books and a thank you from Conference Co-Chair, Scott Willis.

 

 

Following the lecture, buses departed for Mote Marine Laboratory. The evening at Mote provided the opportunity to explore the laboratory and aquarium. Participants saw current research projects and rare animals on display (like a giant squid). Food, drink and dancing to the sounds of The Land Sharks, and watching the sun set on the Gulf of Mexico topped off the evening. Prizes were given to Jimmy Buffett look a-likes and hula hoop champs.

Left: Trisha Reichenbacher (FL), Volunteer at MOTE, welcomed visitors to the aquarium, while below: this manatee peered at us through the glass.

 

Above Left: Dave Graff (FL) enjoyed the aquarium with his good friend, Jim Snyder (OH). Right: The Land Sharks played dance music.

 

Ellen Luber, NMEA 2004 Volunteer, won the hula hoop contest.

 

 

 

All in all....the 2004 Conference was a great success. The conference-capacity total of 420 people attended the conference and there were more than 170 concurrent presentations. FMSEA (The Florida Marine Science Educators Association) did a wonderful job in organizing and orchestrating the conference.

 

 

 

 

Additional Highlights of 2004: (Check back throughout the year)

At the NMEA Executive Committee Annual Retreat held January 11-13 at Ocean Springs, MS, the Executive Committee approved in concept the establishment of the National Office Endowment Fund. This fund will begin with a balance of $300,000, should be able to provide a minimum of $ 9,000 and a maximum of $15,000 annually, and should still grow incrementally. Treasurer Don Hudson (ME) suggests that this investment approach be visited annually by the Finance Committee to insure that the fund is growing along with providing financial support to NMEA.

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The NMEA Mid-Year Board Meeting took place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, GA on March 31, 2004. This meeting occurred during the annual National Science Teachers Association Conference.

Some of the highlights of the NMEA mid year meeting included:

• The Board voted on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, headed by Don Hudson (ME), to adjust the profit from the conferences as follows: 30/70 (chapter/national) for the first $20K; for anything above $20K, 40/60 split. This is after the $6000 startup money has been repaid, and $3,500 has been put into the scholarship fund. This will begin with the 2003 conference. The total to NMEA from the 2003 conference was $56,332.29.
• There was discussion about why some chapter members choose not to become national members. Bill Hastie (OR) suggested that we move from the mindset of “what can NMEA do for you” to “want to be in a group that’s exciting and going somewhere?” The Outreach Committee, headed by Bill, will work on the top 10 reasons to belong to NMEA this summer.
• The Conference Committee, headed by Paula Keener-Chavis( SC), shared that NYSMEA has submitted a proposal to host the 2006 conference July 16-23 at Brooklyn campus of Long Island University. Also, Andrew Wilson has digitized 69 pages of the conference cookbook. The procedure for submitting a conference hosting proposal has been approved and will be put on the web site.
• A motion passed to accept NOAA’s offer to fund a proceeding -type publication from the 2004 conference as a membership benefit.
• Lynn Smith, a teacher in Germany, is interested in starting an international chapter of NMEA.
• Wendy Allen (SC), head of the Nominating Committee, shared that her committee was ready to post the slate for the next election.
• The Scholarship Committee, headed by Ann Coopersmith (HI), will provide three $500 scholarships for international members to attend the 2004 conference.
• Julie Childers (FL) shared that the 2004 Conference Committee is encouraging everyone to go online to register for the conference. The committee is trying not to print more conference registration packets than they have to because they are trying to be green.

The National Marine Educators Association’s Annual Share-A-Thon took place on April 1, 2004 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis “A”, Imperial Ball Room at the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Atlanta , GA.

This advertisement of the event appeared in the Volume 20, Issue 1, Spring 2004 NMEA News.

As quoted from Jean May-Brett (LA) (President) in NMEA news (Volume 20, Issue 2, Summer 2004), “The highlight of NMEA action in Atlanta was the Thursday Mini Conference NMEA delivers each year. Joy Wolf (CA) gets a round of applause for continuing to put together a great day of presentations. The entry door ‘Jellies,’ created by Mare Timmons (GA) and her GAME Team, was a people magnet.”

 

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As of March 1, 2004, NMEA had 1,056 members. As of June 18, 2004, there were 1,042 members. Of the chapters who reported individual total memberships, the overall average of Chapter Members who are NMEA Members is 22%.

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NMEA and the Australian-based Marine Education Society of Australasia teamed up to bring marine educators together for professional development experiences. The program, called Sea ExChange is a cooperative program to assist marine educators working at similar jobs and facilities to set up exchanges. The web site, <http://www.mesa.edu.au/careers/sea_ExChange.asp> (linked to the NMEA home page) is the first step in creating opportunities for marine educators (and students) in North America and Australia/New Zealand to establish partnerships by traveling to work with each other. There are three different opportunities through SeaExchange: Partner ExChanges, Education Group ExChanges, and Job ExChanges. These opportunities were fully explained in Volume 20, Issue 1, Spring 2004 NMEA News. The contact person for the ExChange is Vicki Osis at <Vicki.osis@oregonstate.edu> in Oregon or Harry Breidahl at <deepsea@alphalink.com.au> in Victoria, Australia.

Vicki Osis (OR), Chair of the International Committee, shared at the Conference Board Meeting that the New Zealand Environmental Education Association wants to affiliate with NMEA. Perhaps we should have an International Affiliate Membership category. Osis shared that an International Marine Education Network could be a part of NMEA. There will be a cost to NMEA for a web site, publications, postage, etc. Peter Tuddenham has offered to set up a web-based discussion and will send a budget by e-mail to the Board.

In November, the International Committee was working on an International Forum that would include three days of sessions at the end of the 2005 Conference. In a Board Conference call in November, Osis expressed her desire to have an international website up and running by the summer of 2005 and she asked Board Members for suggestions about sources of funding to assist with the sponsorship of the International Forum.

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At the Conference Board Meeting, Bill Hastie (NMEA President 1997-98) requested that the Board recognize the Presidents' Circle as a formal group within NMEA. The Board voted to approve his recommendation that the Presidents' Circle shall include all NMEA past presidents and invited guests who wish to participate.

The Presidents' Circle shall operate under the following guidelines:

• There will be no regular or required meetings of the Presidents' Circle, except that the Presidents' Circle Reception will become a formal and traditional part of each NMEA annual conference.
• The Presidents' Circle will not be considered a standing committee of NMEA.
• The Presidents' Circle will develop its own agenda and projects as determined by its members. Projects will not be implemented without NMEA Board of Directors’ approval.
• Neither NMEA nor the conference host chapter will incur costs as a result of Presidents' Circle activities, unless approved in advance by one or both entities (Board or host chapter), as appropriate.
• One past president will be responsible for facilitating Presidents' Circle activities and interactions with the NMEA Board of Directors.

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The following scholarship awards were made for the 2004 NMEA Annual Conference : 10, $250 from the regular NMEA scholarship fund (funded by the Annual NMEA Auction), and 3, $350 for members residing in the U.S. and 1, $500 for NMEA members from abroad (funded through a generous gift from the Ocean Technology Foundation.)

In the Fall 2004 NMEA news, Ann Coopersmith (HI) (Chair of the Scholarship Committee) announced that there will be ten $350 scholarships available to NMEA members living in the U.S. and two $500 scholarships for NMEA members living abroad for the 2005 Conference in Hawaii.

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The NMEA Outreach Committee developed and produced NMEA promotional posters and rulers to advertise NMEA. Each person who participated in the 2004 National NMEA Conference received a ruler. On the back of the ruler, it was stated that as members of NMEA, “We believe

• in the magic of the world of water and its ability to facilitate learning..
• that every passenger on our planet needs to be water-literate.
• in sharing our knowledge, experience and dreams about the world of water.”

In addition to this statement, a list of water, ocean, and Planet Earth facts were listed.

 

 

 

 

 

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Results of the Long Range Planning Meeting at the NMEA Conference (July 17th) included the following NMEA Goals:
1. Facilitating exchange of marine and aquatic information and materials between educators, scientists and the general public.
2. Providing opportunities for professional support and personal renewal for educators.
3. Serving as a bridge between marine and aquatic educators and scientists.
4. Being at the forefront of marine and aquatic education trends.
5. Empowering people to make more responsible decisions concerning the environment and its resources.
6. Assuring continued fiscal strength; stability.
7. Assuring every dollar spent is spent in the most mission-optimal way.
8. Building a dynamic organization capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

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In October, the NMEA National Science Education Standards Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Sara Schoedinger (DC) and Craig Strang (CA) participated in the Ocean Literacy workshop hosted online by the College of Exploration. The workshop was sponsored by the National Geographic Society’s Oceans for Life Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The workshop goal was to:

• identify the key concepts that every graduating high school student should know concerning the ocean and aquatic science.
• focus on the development of content-strands that are age-appropriate and useful in a variety of educational arenas.

The Ad Hoc Committee served as a key source of input during the workshop and will continue to serve as a sounding board for resulting products of the workshop and any other efforts related to the implementation of the endorsed recommendations.

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“The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) delivered its Final Report, An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century to the President and Congress on September 20, 2004. Under the Ocean Act of 2000, the President must submit his statement of proposals to implement or respond to the Commission’s findings and recommendations to Congress within 90 days.

An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century calls for a new governance framework, more investment in marine science and a new stewardship ethic by all Americans-- all within the context of an ecosystem-based management approach-- to halt the decline of this nation’s oceans and coasts.” In total, the Commission put forward 212 recommendations for a new national ocean policy in the 610-page report. Source of this information is the web site for the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy <http://www.oceancommission.gov/>

Issue one of Current, The Journal of Marine Education (Volume 20, No. 1, 2004) was titled “Aquarius : America’s Inner space Station.” This issue was sponsored by the University of North Carolina of Wilmington’s National Undersea Research Center (UNCW), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA’s) Undersea Research Program (NURP), and the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. The issue editors were Paula Keener-Chavis, the National Education Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Ocean Exploration and Past President of NMEA (2000-2001) and Dr. Steven Miller, Director of NOAA’s National Undersea Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. This issue presents articles about Aquarius, an underwater habitat located 20 meters beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, coral reefs, and a partnership program between NOAA and NASA.

 

 

 

 

Issue two of Current (Volume 20, No. 2, 2004) was a general issue. In it were a variety of articles and activities, from one teacher’s creative hands-on approach to teaching about marine organisms across the curriculum, to successfully venturing out of the classroom into field-based experiences and providing great learning opportunities at the same time. The BRIDGE contributed links to each of the articles and activities in this issue.

 

 

 

 

 

Issue three (Volume 20, No 3. 2004), titled “Marine Protected Areas,” was sponsored by the National Marine Protected Areas Center. The issue's introduction explains that more than 1,000 areas along our coasts have been set aside for protection of natural or cultural resources. In these areas, biodiversity, habitats, and endangered species are protected; fisheries are sustained and rebuilt; and recreational, scientific, and educational opportunities are provided.

Articles in this issue were written by a group of authors who teach about, research, or support our nation’s marine resources. Articles include Marine Protected Area issues, information about migrating birds and whales, examples of interpretative presentations within dune and marsh habitats, and information about Great Lakes shipwrecks and traditional Hawaiian fisheries management. Activities and additional resources for teachers are presented at the end of each article.

 

Click on Current to obtain a complete listing of articles in the 1976-2008 journals.

 

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