President: Rita Bell (CA) (2004-2005)

President-Elect: Sarah Schoedinger (MD)

Membership Secretary: Sharon Walker (MS)

Treasurer: Don Hudson (ME)

Secretary: Terri Kirby Hathaway (NC)

Editor of Current: Lisa Tooker (CA)

Editor of NMEA news: Valerie Winn (MS)

Administrative Assistant (National Office): Johnette Bosarge (MS)

All photos are by Susan Leach Snyder, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Board of Directors: (2002-05): Rick Tinnin (TX), Lynn Whitley (CA), (2003-06): Elaine McClure (SC), Gene Williamson (OR), Maryellen Timmons (GA), (2004-2005) Patrick O'Callahan (BC), (2004-07) Beth Day (MD), Beth Jewell (VA), Thaxter Tewksbury (CT) (2005-2007) Shelia Brown (MS) (2005-2008) Tami Lunsford (CA), Amy Miller (HI), Eric Simms (NJ)

---

Chapter Representatives:

• CARIBWA (Caribbean and Western Atlantic): Martin Keenley (Cayman Islands)
• FMSEA (Florida Marine Science Educators Association): Lex Waters (FL)/ Julie Childers (FL)
• GAME (Georgia Association of Marine Education): Naomi Thompson (GA)/ Leigh Scott (GA)
• GLEAMS (Great Lakes Educators of Aquatic and Marine Science): Rachel Gross (IL)
• GOMMEA (Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association): David Guay (ME)/Justine Glynn (ME)
• MAMEA (Mid-Atlantic Marine Educators Association ): Lewis L. Lawrence (VA)/Susan Haynes
• MME (Massachusetts Marine Educators): Sue Nourse (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: 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): Diane Sweeney (CA)
• TEAMS (Tennessee Educators of Aquatic and Marine Science): Cortney Kroll (TN)
• TMEA (Texas Marine Educators Association): Pam Stryker (TX)

  ---

Committee Chairs:

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

---

Awards:

 

James Centorino Award: Thaxter Tewksberry (CT)

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Teacher Award: Catherine Foote Silver (NH)

 

Left: Catherine is recognized by President-Elect Sarah Schoedinger (DC).

 

 

 

Marine Education Award: Craig Strang (CA)

 

Left: Craig with President-Elect Sarah Schoedinger (DC).

 

 

 

President’s Award: Linda Hagelin (CA)

 

Photo: Courtesy of Rita Bell (CA)

 

 

---

 

 

 

Honorary Member: Ann (Frannie) Coopersmith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conference Highlights:

A tremendous amount of organization was involved in the planning of this conference held on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. Ann “Frannie” Coopersmith coordinated the events to take place all around the island.

A Marine Science Symposium, concurrent sessions, field trips, and special evening events filled the week. The details of the week follow below:

Prior to the conference, there were Pre-Conference Workshops, and on Sunday July 10th, meetings were held by the Sea Grant Educators Network, the NMEA Long-Range Planning Committee, and the NMEA Finance Committee.

Monday, July 11th: The conference began with Registration and the operation of NMEA Central, where participants could pick up information and ask questions.

 

 

 

 

Left: Maui Community College: Site of the 2005 NMEA Conference.

 

 

 

 

Above: Left: Past President John Dindo (AL) picked up his registration materials at NMEA Central. Right: Ann Coopersmith (HI) (at right), the Conference Chair, talked with her NMEA friends.

Above: Left to Right: Conference Program, Conference Cup, and Conference Towel.
Below: Conference Water Bottle and Conference Bag.

The NMEA Board of Directors held their meeting from 8 AM - 3 PM, followed by the NMEA Conference & Chapters Committee meetings.

 

Left: Officers of NMEA: Treasurer Don Hudson (ME), President Rita Bell (CA) and President-Elect Sarah Schoedinger (MD) listen as one of the committee reports is presented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left and Below: NMEA Board Members Maryellen Timmons (Mare) (GA), Diana Payne (CT), and Thaxter Tewksbury (CT) listen as President Rita Bell introduces this year’s list of action items.

 

Tuesday, July 12th and Wednesday, July 13th: These two days were reserved for field trips. During the registration process, participants could chose from the wide variety of offerings: Snorkel Honolua Bay Marine Life Conservation District; Discover Lana’i Sunrise Excursion; Iao Stream Ecosystem & the Hawai’i Nature Center; Introduction to REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) Fish Identification & Ecology Workshop; REEF Fish Identification; Pacific Whale Foundation’s Dolphin Discovery around the Island of Lana’i; Diving the Island of Lana’i with Ed Robinson’s Diving Adventures; South Maui and/or Molokini with Ed Robinson’s Diving Adventures; South Maui and/or Molokini with Mike Severns Diving; Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Paddling; Geology Tour of Haleakala National Park; Hike the Crater: Natural History of Haleakala; Coastal Kayaking; Native Hawaiian Rain Forest in the Waikamoi Preserve; Learning to Surf: The Sport of Hawaiian Ali’i; Behind the Scenes at the Maui Ocean Center; The Hidden Valley-Kahakuloa Hawaiian Cultural Experience; Drive to Hana; Maui Tidepools (Na Mea Ike, Honi a me Ai Kaheka); Learn to Windsurf; Biofilms & Biodiversity in Kahului Harbor; Rebuilding a Wall-Revitalizing a Culture.

Left and Right: Maui Tidepools Field Trip (Click on the image of the shell to see more pictures of this field trip.).

 

 

 

Below: Creatures seen on the Pacific Whale Foundation's Dolphin Discovery around the Island of Lana'i Field Trip . Left: Green sea turtles. Right: Pantropical spotted dolphins. Photos by Robert Rocha (MA)

 

Right and Below: Scenic spots on the Field Trip titled “Drive to Hana.” Photos by Robert Rocha (MA).

 

 

 

Left: Paddling along on the Coastal Kayaking Field Trip. For additional photos, click on the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the field trips could not take place on Tuesday because of four arsonist-set brush fires near Rt. 30. Rt. 30 was closed to traffic.

 

Tuesday, July 12th, following the field trips: At 3 PM, buses transported participants to Kahekili Beach Park in Ka’anapali for an afternoon at the beach. By that time, one lane of Rt. 30 was open and the buses were able to get through. A stroll down the beach at sunset was followed by an awesome lu’au at the Royal Lahaina Resort.

 

 

Left: Mare Timmons (GA) with her daughter, Niki Summer Sky.
Below: Keith Gregor (New Zealand), Andrew Wilson (VA) and George Duane (MS).

 

The scenery at the beach party couldn’t have been more spectacular with a perfect rainbow and a gorgeous sunset.

 

 

The lu’au began with each participant receiving a beautiful orchid lei. Then the festivities continued with tropical drinks, traditional Hawaiian dance performances, and a delicious lu’au feast.

 

 

 

Left: Bill and Peggy Simpkins (MD). Below: Anne Bicker (NY), Dick Bach (NY), Ariel Freudenthal (NV) and Allison Warren (PA).

 

Left: Rick Timmons (TX), Gene Williamson (OR), and Bill Hastie (OR) paraded through the lu’ai grounds chanting that PIKE was going to be sacrificed to Pele.

 

 

 

 

 

Below: Left: Some of the NMEA crowd were brave enough to try learning the hula on stage. Photo by Robert Rocha (MA). Right: One of the dance performers.

Below: Left: Dancers perform. Right: The lu’au pig is lifted from the pit. Photo by Robert Rocha (MA)

Below: The feast begins!

 

Wednesday: Following the field trips, the Past NMEA Presidents met for the President’s Circle at 3:00 PM .

Right: Left to Right: Valerie Chase (MD) 1989-90, Rita Bell (CA) 2004-05, Nora Deans (AK) 1994-95, Bill Hastie (OR) 1997-98, and Rosanne Fortner (NC) 1988-89. Photo by Gene Williamson (OR).

 

 

 

 

 

 

From 4:00 PM -9:00 PM, the Exhibitors Reception and Sea Faire took place. Participants learned about marine curriculum, saw old friends, met new friends, and got to sample delicious pupus.

 

 

Above Right: Mellie Lewis (MD), Wendy Allen (SC) and Don Hudson (ME) listen intently to what Kent Hathaway (NC) has to say.

 

Thursday, July 14th began with a Coffee Hour, followed by the first day of the Marine Science Symposium. The day’s symposium was titled, “Cutting Edge Technologies.” Keynote speakers included the following:

 

Kalei Tsuha (Culture & Education Coordinator for the Kaho’olawe Reserve Commission) presented the Pule (blessing) and an Oli (chant).

 

 

 

Left: Kalei Tsuha was introduced by Ann Coopersmith (HI).

 

In a prerecorded video, NMEA members were graciously welcomed to Hawaii by Senator Daniel Akaka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Arthur C. Nedeiros (Research Biologist with the USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Haleakala Field Station) presented “Introduction to the Natural History of Hawai’i, What Makes These Islands Unique?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jo-Ann C. Leong (Professor& Director of the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology, University of Hawai’i at Manoa) and Manning Taite III, (Marine Education Coordinator, Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology) described their program in their presentation titled “Moku O Lo’e, An Education for All.”

 

 

Left: Manning Taite III

 

 

Randy Cates (Owner of Cates International) described “Future Direction in Aquaculture” by explaining his method of using open-ocean sub-surface cages to raise Moi fish offshore. He explained that this method of aquaculture is much less damaging to the environment than land-based aquacultural techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard L. Pyle (Associate Zoologist, Ichthyology, Department of Natural Sciences, Bishop Museum and Board of Directors for the Association for Marine Exploration) presented his talk on “Tapping into an Unexplored Undersea Realm: the Biodiversity of Deep Coral Reefs.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Walter Dudley (Director, Kalakaua Marine Education Center and Professor of Oceanography, University of Hawai’i at Hilo) presented “Tsunami Warnings-Eliminating ‘False Alarms’ and ‘Fatal Responses.’”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the Symposium, Paula Keener-Chavis (SC) had a special treat for the crowd. She introduced Dr. Robert Ballard, who spoke via telephone from aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown and Dr. Deborah Kelley, who spoke from her command center at the University of Washington in Seattle about their studies of hydrothermal vents.

 

Left: One of the slides shown to the audience during the telephone presentation by Drs. Kelley and Ballard.

 

 

 

 

A Lunch Break was followed by Regional Chapter Meetings.

Next, concurrent Sessions began. More than 72 sessions were offered during the afternoon.

One session, titled “Ocean Literacy through Science Standards” was lead by Sarah Schoedinger (NOAA-Office of Education & Sustainable Development, Washington, DC), Francesca Cava, (National Geographic Society), and Craig Strang (University of California at Berkeley, Lawrence Hall of Science). They shared information about a two-week on-line workshop on “Ocean Literacy through Science Standards” that took place in October. The goal of the workshop was for 100 participants to come to consensus as to the definition of “ocean literacy” and to identify concepts that should be included in the National Science Education Standards.

The workshop leaders passed out a pamphlet that defines Ocean Literacy as developed by the workshop participants. “Ocean Literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean.” Also included in the pamphlet are seven essential principles and fundamental concepts and a matrix that correlates these principles to the National Science Education Standards.

Pamphlet titled “Ocean Literacy...The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K-12”

 

At 5:30, buses were boarded for the evening adventure in Ma’alea. Participants had dinner on their own, and then attended an open house at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Sciences Discovery Center. They also boogied to the music of Banana Slug Band.

 

Friday, July 15th began with a Coffee Hour, followed by the second day of the Marine Science Symposium. The day’s symposium was titled, “Biodiversity & Conservation." The Pule & Oli were presented by Kimokeo Kapahulehua, the National Marine Sanctuaries Volunteer of the Year. (Black and white photos below are from the conference program. Photos are courtesy of the speakers).

Dr. Elliott A. Norse (President of the Marine Conservation Biology Institute) talked about “Coral Forests and Protecting America’s Best Undersea Real Estate.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul Forestell (Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Southampton College of Long Island University and Senior Research Associate of the Pacific Whale Foundation) presented “Recovery and protection of Marine Vertebrates in Hawai’i.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Eric Brown (Marine Ecologist with Kalaupapa National Historical Park, National Park Service) discussed “Integrated Watershed Science in Hawai’i: The Ridge to Reef Program.”

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew MCClung (Doctoral Candidate, Zoology Department, University of Hawai’i, Manoa, and Representative of NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center) presented “Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Symposium Research Montage.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Sheila Conant (Professor and Chair of the Department of Zoology and Professor in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate specialization at University of Hawai’i, Manoa) presented “Birds of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Randall Kosaki (Research Coordinator, NOAA/National Ocean Service, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve) discussed “New Directions for Coral Reef Research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.”

 

 

 

 

Bobby Gomes (Commercial Fisherman) spoke on “Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish: A Model Fishery in Jeopardy.”

 

 

 

 

 

‘Aulani Wilhelm (Acting Reserve Coordinator, NOAA’s Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve) discussed “Managing the Largest Marine Protected Area in the United States.”

 

 

 

At noon, everyone scurried to grab lunch and attend NMEA Committee meetings.

Left: Seated at the table for the ad hoc committee meeting on National Science Education Standards are Mellie Lewis (MD), Rita Bell (CA), Sharon Walker (MS), Bob Wohlers (CA), Dean Alllen (CA), Lesley Alexander (CA), Julie Lambert (FL), Margaret Tower (IL) Craig Strang (CA), Lynn Whitley (CA), and Sarah Schoedinger (MD). Present but not shown: Beth Jewell (VA), Bob Stewart (TX), and Susan Snyder (OH).

 

 

At 2:00 PM, Concurrent Sessions began and continued until 5:00 PM. That afternoon there were more than 75 concurrent sessions.

Right: Richard Anderson (CA) presented an outstanding concurrent session titled, “Charles Darwin & the Earthquake Still Shaking the World.”

 

At 5:00 PM, busses were boarded at the college by those NMEAers headed to Ma’aleaea Harbor for the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Sunset Cruise. They would later end their cruise at the Maui Ocean Center.

 

Above: Pictures from the sunset cruise. Picture 1: Sandy Nichols (SC), Elizabeth Rogers (SC), Amy Cline (NH), Wendy Wicke (SC). Picture 2 : Melissa Feldberg (OR), Lisa Tautz (Canada), Wendy Barry (New Zealand), Keith Gregor (New Zealand), and Anne Dervan (GA).

Below: Kathy Siegfried (MD), David Christopher (MD), Wendy Barry (New Zealand), Jennifer Sillitti (MD), Eve Stelzer (MD), and Robert Rocha (MA). All cruise photos: Courtesy of Robert Rocha (MA)

At 6:00 PM, other NMEAers left by bus to go directly to the Center.

From 6:30 - 9 PM, the Pacific Region National Marine Sanctuaries presented “Evening at the Maui Ocean Center.” Excellent pupus were served as we gathered by the aquariums to admire the beautiful creatures and to discuss the day’s events.

 

Saturday, July 16th began with a Coffee Hour, followed by the final day of the Marine Science Symposium. The day’s symposium was titled, “Multidimensional Marine Science: Culture & the Arts.” (Black and white photos below are from the conference program. Photos are courtesy of the speakers).

The first symposium speaker was Sol Kaho’ohalahala (Executive Director of the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission.) His presentation was titled “Let the Life of Kaho’olawe Live On.”

Next, Kaliko Amona (Management Plan Assistant of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve) discussed “Polynesian Voyaging Society.”

 

 

 

 

 

Mahina Paishon (Executive Director of Paepae O He’ei’a) presented “Restoration of Hawaiian Fishpond in He’ei’a.”

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Ka’ai’ai (Indigenous Coordinator of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council) presented “Cultural Utilization of the Resources of Hawai’i and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.”

 

 

 

Robyn Kneubuhl (Kumu Hula, Singer, and Songwriter) shared “Hula as a Way of Understanding the Culture & Environment.”

 

Patrick Ching (Painter, Author of Children's Books, and Owner of the Naturally Hawaiian Gallery & Gifts) presented “Inspirations of a Hawaiian Wildlife Artist.”

 

 

 

Jim Toomey (Cartoonist) shared “Sherman’s Lagoon: Teaching Through Storytelling.”

 

 

 

 

 

The next presenter was Ellyn Tong (Outreach Coordinator of the Pacific Fisheries Coalition, a project of the Hawaii Audubon Society). She spoke about “Using Art to Reveal Environmental Truths.”

 

The last symposium presenter was Keoki Stender (Photographer and Owner of Fishpics Hawai’i) with “Images for Education.”

 

 

 

Lunch and the New NMEA Board Meeting followed the symposium. At this meeting, the Board voted to increase funding for scholarships for NMEA conferences from $3,500 to $4,550/ year, beginning in 2006. This money will provide $ 350 scholarships to 13 members each year.

Then, more than 70 concurrent sessions took place between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

At 5:00 PM, buses left campus to take NMEA members to the Velma Santos Community Center in Wailuku for the last evening events of the conference: the Silent and Live Auctions, the Taste of Maui, and the Annual Meeting and Awards.

Below: NMEAers examine the many items on the Silent Auction tables.

At the Annual Meeting, President Rita Bell (CA) presented the following awards: James Centorino: Thaxter Tewksberry (CT), Outstanding Teacher: Catherine Foote Silver (NH), Marine Education Award: Craig Strang (CA), President’s Award: Linda Hagelin (CA), and the very special award, Honorary Member to Ann (Frannie) Coopersmith (HI).

Rita also recognized the hard work of Ann Coopersmith and the Oceania Chapter for organizing the tremendous conference on Maui.

Above: President-Elect Sarah Schoedinger (MD), Phyllis Dermer (NY), Wendy Allen SC), Kent Hathaway (NC), and Terri Kirby Hathaway (NC) surround Ann Coopersmith (HI).

 

Dressed in a black tuxedo and representing NYSMEA (The New York State Marine Educators Association), Bob Cummings (NY) described some of the highlights of next year's national conference and showed a video of next year’s NMEA conference site: New York City July 15-21st.

Everyone was encouraged to get into the spirit of next year’s conference by wearing the Statue of Liberty hats they had been given and by singing the song "New York, New York."

 

Left: Essie Kafka (NY), Diane Stimmel NY), Merryl Kafka NY), and Gail Keyes (NY) pose with their hats.

 

 

At the end of the business meeting, President Rita Bell (CA) handed over the caulking hammer to President-Elect Sarah Schoedinger (MD) as a gesture of passing on the leadership of the organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final event of the evening was the live auction.

Left: If you wanted to bid in the live auction, you'd better hold up your number.

 

 

 

 

Below: Left: Dr. Stephenie Slahor (CA) and her mother Eugenia Slahor (CA) at the live auction. Right: Robert Rocha (MA) and Keith Gregor (New Zealand). Photo: Courtesy of Robert Rocha.

One of the highlights of the auction was when PIKE came up for bid. The “mascot” of NMEA since 1986, PIKE has been auctioned to the highest bidder every year. In order for the new NMEA crowd to learn about PIKE, and for the old crowd to be reminded of his rich history, Gene Williamson (OR), George Duane (MA), and Bill Hastie (OR) produced and distributed a pamphlet describing PIKE’s importance as an auction item for helping fund NMEA Scholarships to national conventions.

Left: The Pike Pamphlet. Click on the image to enlarge this page and see the rest of the pamphlet.

After the bidding had been completed, NYSMEA (New York State Marine Educators Association) had won PIKE with their bid of $135.00. So....PIKE will be vacationing in New York until he reappears at next year’s conference....his 25th conference and NMEA’s 30th anniversary.

 

Left: Some of the NYSMEA members posed with their PIKE. Left to right: Merryl Kafka, Anne Bicker, Dick Bach, Sarah Richards, Bob Cummings, and Tom Greene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the conference, Ann (Frannie) Coopersmith and the 2005 Conference Committee made available streaming video of all conference symposium speakers and some concurrent session speakers. The video can be seen at http://stream.hawaiirdp.org/library/nmea.asp This is the first time this type of technology has been used as a follow-up to a NMEA National Conference. Thanks Ann!

 

Additional Highlights of 2005:

 

The NMEA Executive Committee Winter Retreat was held January 25-26. Committee reports were shared at the retreat.

---

The Mid-Year Board Meeting took place March 30, 2005 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Dallas Texas from 8:35 AM - 4:50 PM. This meeting was held in conjunction with the NSTA Annual Convention.

Some action items from the Board Meeting included, but were not limited to the following:

• Don Hudson (ME) (NMEA Treasurer) will develop a set of guidelines for NMEA “planned giving” procedures.
• Rita Bell (CA), Sharon Walker (MS), and Sarah Schoedinger (MD) will develop a letter to James Connaughton, Ocean Action Plan Chair on behalf of NMEA regarding the Ocean Action Plan. Rita Bell will send a template for Chapter Representatives to use in developing a letter from their respective Chapter.
• Rita Bell (CA) will contact Lee Larkin to inform her that the Board was receptive to her proposed plan to include posting NMEA News to the NMEA website.
• Rita Bell (CA) will develop a letter of re-introduction to the Ocean Technology Foundation regarding the need for international scholarship funds.

  
  As has happened for many years, NMEA sponsored a Share-A-Thon at the conference on March 31st.

---

The first issue of NMEA News (Volume 21, Issue 1, Spring 2005) included the following:

• A review by Rita Bell (CA), NMEA President, of the importance of two important documents published in the last 18 months: America’s Living Oceans, a report submitted to Congress and the nation by the Pew Ocean Commission in June 2003 and An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, submitted to Congress and the nation in September 2004. Bell noted that “both documents stress the importance of lifelong education for all levels of society as being essential to the development of an ‘ethic of stewardship and responsibility toward the oceans.’ ”
• Highlights of the upcoming NMEA Conference in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
• Summer Opportunities from the BRIDGE (Sea Grant Ocean Sciences Education Center)
• A call for articles for Current: The Journal of Marine Education
• Chapter Reports
• Summer Opportunities for teachers

To enlarge the front page of this NMEA News, click on the image.

The second issue of NMEA News (Volume 21, Issue 2, Summer 2005) included

• An article titled “From the Pilot House: Looking Backward and Forward” by President Rita Bell (CA). In this article, Bell discussed the recent successful “Share-a-Thon” in Dallas where 300 science teachers benefited from the NMEA Presentations, and Bell encouraged the membership to look forward to another outstanding learning experience at the 2005 Conference in Maui.
• A "News Blast" about World Ocean Day in June
• Highlights of the upcoming NMEA Conference by Ann Coopersmith, Conference Chair
• Information about the BRIDGE by Susanna Musick.
• A report by Susan Haynes on the National Ocean Science Bowl that was held in Biloxi
• Chapter Reports
• Opportunities for Teachers & Students

The Annual Board of Directors Meeting took place from 8 AM - 3 PM at the National Conference at Maui Community College on July 11th . The agenda included introductions, adoption of the agenda, approval of the minutes of the Mid-Year Board Meeting on March 30, reports from the President’s chain (President and President-elect), a Finance Committee Report, a Long Range Plan Committee Report, a Membership Report, a National Office Report, Standing Committee Reports, Ad/hoc Special Committee Reports, and New Business. Some of these reports are detailed below:

*****

Don Hudson (ME), NMEA Treasurer, shared that as of 5/31/05, NMEA had $90,103.93 in the Bank and $289,009.48 in its Endowment Fund. He reported that in Fiscal Year 2005, the Endowment Fund replaced the Capital Account, an Endowment Sub-Committee of the Finance Committee had been established, and a Capital Reserve Account of $35,000 - $45.000 would be created.

*****

The Long Range Plan Committee Report stated:

NMEA’s mission is to make known the world of water both fresh and salt. To maintain a leadership role in marine and aquatic education, the long range planning committee, with input from the membership and guidance from the board, has updated the NMEA long range plan. This update includes suggestions and feedback received up through March 1, 2005 and is summarized in the following pages. The components of the long-range plan include goals, strategies, objectives and action items.

Goal: An outcome statement that guides NMEA to meet its mission.
Strategy: A coordinated, broad approach or direction adopted by an organization in response to the environment so that the organization can achieve its purpose.
Objective: A measurable, time-phased result that supports the achievement of a goal.
Action Items: Specific steps that are required to achieve the objectives, including a due date for completion and the person or committee responsible for ensuring that the action is completed.

 

Process for reviewing, updating, and communicating the plan:
1. The Long Range Planning Committee will consist of representatives of each standing committee (either the Chair or an active member of their committee whom they designate), the Treasurer, President, Past President and President Elect.

2. The Long Range Planning Committee co-Chairs will send the revised plan to Committee Chairs (all standing and Ad Hoc) with a request to do the following:

• Refine the action items referred to them in the plan;
• Add action items as they deem appropriate;
• Prioritize action items ; and
• Identify completion date for action items (2006, 2007, and 2008).
• Provide feedback to LRP Committee co-chairs (Wendy Allen, wendy@belle.baruch.sc.edu and John Dindo, jdindo@disl.org) no later than 15 September.

3. LRP Committee checks in with other committees responsible for action items during the year and reports out on their status at each NMEA board meeting.

4. The NMEA Board members are invited to participate in updating the plan annually. Members not on the board should be encouraged to provide input to planning through the committees or the board.

 

The goals of NMEA are to:
1. Facilitate the exchange of marine and aquatic information among educators, scientists, policymakers and the general public;
2. Provide opportunities for professional support and personal renewal for educators;
3. Enhance formal and informal marine and aquatic education;
4. Empower people to make responsible decisions concerning the environment and its resources;
5. Assure continued fiscal strength and stability of the organization; and
6. Build a dynamic organization capable of meeting the needs of its members and challenges of the future.

 

To view the entire plan: Long Range Plan 2006-2008

 

Other recommendations made by board and committee members for Long Range Planning at the Board Meeting included:

• Develop an Education Activity Template that can be used consistently in CURRENT and at NMEA Conferences (ExCom 2005)
  
• To reach a larger audience, encourage and remind NMEA members to submit articles for publication in NSTA journals.
  Status: In 2004, members had articles published in at least three NSTA publications.
  
• Include information about new and ongoing national research initiatives in our publications and at conferences (LRP 2004)
  
• Include information about new and ongoing national initiatives in other professional organizations (eg, AZA, NAI, The Oceanography Society, etc.) (LRP 2004)
  Status: Special issues of CURRENT focus on various initiatives and/or issues, depending upon funding agency. The Call for Papers for each of the NMEA Conferences is distributed widely. The general membership and Chapters are encouraged to submit articles of interest for CURRENT and NMEA News.

*****

Johnette Bosarge (MS) reported that membership as of June 1, 2005 was 1,095. There were 12 honorary members, and 21 life members.

*****

Lee Larkin (VA), Webkeeper for the NMEA website shared a document titled “NMEA Branding and Website Proposal, July, 2005.” In this document she described the background of the NMEA website and its needs: 1) consistent branding, 2) a more professional, coherent look and feel for the entire NMEA website, 3) unified management and maintenance of existing web elements, 4) ability to add enhancements and new web-based components to support new NMEA activities and significantly extend existing information, and 5) a web steering committee for policy and planning.

*****

Vicki Osis (OR) shared that she and Harry Breidahl (Australia) had been busy organizing an international meeting to follow this year’s national NMEA Conference. The international meeting, titled “One Ocean Marine Forum, ” had 24 delegates registered from the following countries: Mariana’s Island, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Japan, and South Africa. The goals of the forum were:

1) The development of real partnerships in education for the sustainability of the Pacific Ocean (and beyond).

2) To bring together leaders in marine and environmental education from across the Pacific to develop partnerships and promote cooperation for marine education across the region.

3) Creation of community, partnership, sharing of ideas, resources, challenges, opportunities, identification of new collaboration, sharing knowledge, and inviting emerging issues and ideas.

---

The New Board of Directors met at the conference on July 16 from 12:25 PM -1:43 PM.

Some of the Action Items included:

• The Chapter Committee will provide suggested changes to the NMEA Long Range Planning Committee by September 15, 2005.
• Bill Hastie (OR) will coordinate with Johnette Bosarge (MS) and the Chapter Representatives information needed for the NMEA lost members’ survey. Bill Hastie will process the survey by December 31, 2005.
• Sarah Schoedinger (MD) will make the Ad Hoc Committee on the National Science Education Standards a NMEA Standing Committee, "Committee on Ocean Literacy." Craig Strang (CA) will be the Committee Chair. Sarah S. will coordinate with Craig S. a list of committee members and committee goals. The committee’s focus will encompass improving ocean literacy in both free-choice learning environments and the formal education system (K-16).
• The Presidents’ Circle will write a column focusing on a NMEA story or historical event for NMEA News. Bill Hastie will coordinate the article with Johnette Bosarge.

On August 29th, a 26-foot storm surge and high winds from Hurricane Katrina destroyed the NMEA National Office in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab was kind enough to find a temporary space for NMEA. TMEA (Texas Marine Educators Association) members voted during early September to donate $ 500 from their budget to assist NMEA members and/or the national office in any way they could. They challenged the membership to match the TMEA money. Several other chapters have met that challenge.

NMEA News (Vol. 21, Issue 3, Fall 2005) was an electronic issue, posted on the BRIDGE website. This issue was posted instead of being mailed as a hard copy to the membership. The reason this was done is that the printing company that had been producing previous NMEA News was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina (August 29). The NMEA National Office wanted to send out the News in a timely fashion and decided the electronic way would be the best way to do that.

This issue included:

• "From the Pilot House" by President Sarah Schoedinger (MD).
• "NMEA 2005" by Bill Hastie (OR).
• "From Past-President" by Rita Bell (CA).
• "From the BRIDGE" by Susanna Musick (VA).
• "Awards"
• "An invitation to the Sea Stories Project"
• "One Ocean Marine Forum" by Vicki Osis (OR).
• "Chapter Reports
  

The fourth issue of NMEA News (Volume 21, Issue 4, Winter 2005) included:

• President Sarah Schoedinger’s “From the Pilot House” article about the effects of Hurricane Katrina and Rita on the NMEA National Office. She stated that NMEA currently has approximately 1,100 members and she commended the volunteer work being done by the Publications Committee, Ocean Literacy Committee, and the International committee members.
• A "News Blast" about the Volvo round-the world sailing race and teaching resources that have been developed
• An article by Paula Keener-Chavis titled“A Network of Caring” explained that many members of NMEA offered help during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating blow to the Gulf Coast
• Highlights of the upcoming NMEA 2006 Conference in New York City by Sarah Richards
• “Blessings and Updates” from Sharon Walker (MS) described the Scott Aquarium and the NMEA National Office after Katrina's destruction
• Committee Reports
• Chapter Reports

Issue one of Current, The Journal of Marine Education (Volume 21, No. 1, 2005) was titled “Our National Marine Sanctuaries ....America’s Ocean & Great Lakes Treasures.” This issue was sponsored by NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program. This program is within NOAA’s National Ocean Service. The Issue Editor was Michiko J. Martin, National Education Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Sanctuary Program.

In this journal, interspersed among articles about the National Marine Sanctuaries and programs for teachers, are activities for students grades 4-12, as well as website addresses and lists that show alignment of each activity to National Science Education Standards.

 

This second issue of Current, the Journal of Marine Education (Volume 21, Number 2, 2005) was titled “Aquatic Invasive Species.” This issue was sponsored by the Aquatic Plant Management Society, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant, the Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Issue editors were Dr. John Dindo, senior marine scientist and chairman of the Discovery Hall Programs, the educational division of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Jeff Schardt, administrator of Florida’s aquatic plant management program for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, President Elect of the Aquatic Plant Management Society, and member of the National Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

Journal articles include discussions of invasive species in the United States, successful management programs, teaching activities, and a comprehensive list of aquatic invasive species resources.

 

The third issue of Current, the Journal of Marine Education (Volume 21, Number 3, 2005) was titled, “Deep Hydrothermal Vents.” Funding for this issue was provided by the National Science Foundation through the REVEL (Research and Education: Volcanoes, Exploration and Life) and the Ridge 2000 research program.

Issue editors were Veronique Robigou, Marine Geologist at the University of Washington School of Oceanography in Seattle; Liz Goehring, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Ridge 2000 program; and Kathleen Heidenreich, Life Science and Oceanography teacher at Chinook Middle School in Lacey, Washington.

“This issue of Current presents some of the latest geological and biological discoveries and future trends as well as technological advances to investigate our planet’s watery abyss. It also introduces educational programs, activities, websites, and films inspired by the kingdom of ‘black smokers.’ Each is meant to encourage educators, students, and the general public to better understand and participate in today’s and tomorrow’s exploration of our world’s largest and still little-known frontier.”

 

The fourth issue of Current, the Journal of Marine Education (Volume 21, Number 4, 2005) was titled Deep-Sea Corals.” Funding for this issue was provided by the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Bullitt Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, J.M. Kaplan Fund, and the Oak Foundation.

Issue editors were Dr. Elliott A. Norse (President of the Marine Conservation Biology Institute, President of the Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation), Dr. Lance E. Morgan (Chief Scientist for the Marine Conservation Biology Institute and Affiliate Assistant Professor at the School of Marine Affairs at the University of Washington), and Margaret Pizer (Research Assistant at the Marine Conservation Biology Institute and Editorial Associate at Conservation in Practice Magazine. )

The Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a nonprofit science and conservation organization headquartered in Redmond, Washington.

This issue deals with the least-explored forests on Earth, the deep-sea “forests” of gorgonian corals and reefs of stony corals. Articles discuss what deep-sea corals are, how they are being researched and managed, the biomedical potential of deep sea corals, and how climate change affects these corals. Three activities are included in this journal. An activity titled” Leaving Home” for grades 5 and 6 focuses on the dispersal of benthic invertebrate larvae. An activity titled “How am I supposed to eat that?” for 7-8 grade focuses on feeding adaptations among benthic organisms . An activity titled “History’s Thermometers” for grades 9-12 focuses on paleoclimatological proxies.

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

Homepage

© 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 NMEA This site is maintained by the NMEA History Committee (Sarah Richards, Chair; SRichards@saintannsyn.org)