Vol. 2, No. 1 Contents
Headline Back Issues Winter 1997
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Immerse yourself Anne Donovan With the International Year of the Ocean well under way, opportunities to learn about and appreciate the importance of marine environments abound. Even long-time users of and advocates for ocean and coastal environments are likely to experience something new as part of this year-long effort to provide insight into the importance of the world's oceans to our livelihood and quality of life. Ocean98 has been years in planning. The United Nations General Assembly in December 1994 proclaimed 1998 International Year of the Ocean (Ocean 98) to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of the sea, its resources, and marine activities to the welfare of the world's communities. Ocean98 is working to ensure that governments do all they can to promote the exploration, sustainable use, and conservation of the sea. The Gulf of Maine Times looks forward to bringing you closer to Ocean98 so you can make the most of the events taking place and resources being developed. Here are a few of the developments we'll be following during Ocean98. In the US, SeaWeb a public education initiative in support of ocean conservation funded by Pew Charitable Trust, is working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop activities and resources designed to increase awareness of ocean issues during Ocean98. A Gulf-wide effort to clean up the coast will include spring coastal cleanups in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, coordinated by the Clean Nova Scotia Foundation with support from Moose head breweries. Fall coastal cleanups will take place in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, coordinated by government agencies and supported by the Washington, DC-based Center for Marine Conservation. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment will use information gathered during the cleanups to determine the best way to combat marine debris along the Gulf's coasts. Environment Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Federation are working with provincial governments to develop a kit to promote Ocean98 to schools. Formal education programs will also be available in the Internet, and via video, CD ROM, and printed materials. As part of a circumnavigation expedition, research vessels will relay a UN flag to one another during their regularly scheduled research cruises. A virtual expedition on the Internet will follow these cruises providing extensive information about the regions and oceans where the research vessels do their work. International Ocean Day is June 18 and will be marked with numerous events. And don't expect Ocean98 to wash away at year's end. The effort plans to continue its work into the future. Visit the Ocean98 web site at ioc.unesco.org/iyo for more information on this year-long celebration and education effort . |
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Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine