Through Ocean for Life we seek to establish cultural connections that ultimately lead to better understanding and the strengthening of our global relationships. The main themes of Ocean for Life are: a sense of place, interconnectedness, and ocean conservation and stewardship.

(Photo: Bryanna Fiame, American Samoa)

A Sense of Place Developing a sense of place stimulates curiosity about the world and its diverse inhabitants and habitats. Students will explore the fascinating ocean and coastal areas found within the national marine sanctuaries and draw comparisons with their own unique local and regional environments.

Interconnectedness
Understanding the connections between Earth's physical and human systems is fundamental to comprehending one's own place in the world. Ocean for Life participants will learn about the interconnectedness of the world's ocean and understand that their local actions impact the ocean, no matter where they live. Students will also learn about the interconnectedness of people around the globe.

Ocean Conservation and Stewardship
Raising awareness of the importance of resources in the ocean, the current issues facing those resources, the research being done to address those issues, and the role of marine sanctuaries in protecting those resources are all part of the ocean conservation and stewardship theme, introduced through the context of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

(Photo: Emiliano Valle, Florida)

VISION
Promote cross-cultural understanding between world cultures through a greater appreciation of the ocean and how it connects us all.

MISSION
Provide high-quality, immersive ocean field studies and follow-on education programs to facilitate cross-cultural learning, appreciation and lasting experiences between multi-national students.

Field Study Activities
Two immersive, two-week field studies were piloted during July and August of 2009. During these two field studies, 30 students from 14 Western and Greater Middle Eastern nations, selected from GLOBE Schools (www.globe.gov) in their home countries, joined 30 Western students. The first group of students, representing Armenia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, and the United States, began their Ocean for Life experience in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During their field study they learned about coral reefs, fisheries, and efforts to protect sea grass and mangrove trees through snorkeling expeditions, kayak trips, visits to research centers, and interactive presentations by ocean experts.

The second group of students representing Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States started their experience by meeting the first group in Washington, D.C. After a few days of joint activities, they departed for their field study in three national marine sanctuaries along California's central coast. During their field study, they learned about kelp forest and sandy beach ecology, Northern elephant seals, conservation issues, and deep-sea research through kayaking and sailing trips, visiting research centers like Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, taking tours of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cal Academy of Sciences, and interactive presentations by ocean experts.

Both sets of students split into two groups during their field studies to document their experiences - through video or still photography - mentored by staff from the National Geographic Photo Camp and graduate students from American University's Center for Environmental Filmmaking in Washington, DC. These "youth media projects" were a tool to help Ocean for Life participants share what they learned and promote ocean conservation and cultural understanding among their classmates, friends and family. Watch the 2009 Ocean for Life student's youth media projects to better understand the impact of the program.

Accomplishments
The impact of Ocean for Life extends far beyond the field study. Since returning home, participants have kept in constant contact through social network sites and Skype, and have even taken trips to visit each other at home. They have started environmental clubs, led beach cleanups and recycling drives, and worked to increase cultural understanding among their peers.

Erika, from Monterey, CA, saw herself and her shores in a new light after the field study saying, "Beyond the beauty that the ocean holds, it managed to bring people from different cultures, backgrounds, and countries together. I experienced many things that went beyond my comfort zone, but I'm glad that I didn't give up and happy that I had people to support me. The friends I made and the connection that I made with the ocean fully exemplifies Ocean for Life's theme that we are 'one world, one ocean'."

Wiame, from Rabat, Morocco, said "Ocean for Life has been the most amazing experience . . . I believe Ocean for Life has widely succeeded in teaching us to care for the environment and for other people around the globe no matter where they come from, what they believe in or how they look . . ."

For more information about the Ocean for Life program, please contact:

Claire Fackler
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
National Education Liaison
735 State Street, Suite 617
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone 805-963-3238, ext. 18
Email Claire.Fackler@noaa.gov

For information about sponsorship of the Ocean for Life Program, please contact:

Allison Alexander
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 501
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone 301-608-3040 ext. 3
Email Allison@nmsfocean.org

The Ocean for Life program is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, The GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program, Scubanauts International and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. It is presented in collaboration with the National Geographic Society and American University's Center for Environmental Filmmaking.