Conservation Connections * Summer ‘05
A Seasonal Update of The Ocean Project
Conservation Connections * Summer ‘05
A Seasonal Update of The Ocean Project
This newsletter, for our friends all around the world, is meant to keep you up to date on the many exciting activities that we and some of our featured partners are involved in. We hope it will provide you with new ideas and resources to help your organization become even more effective at communicating the “ocean word” to your visitors and members.
In this seasonal issue
The Ocean Project enters new era
Over the last few months, several exciting developments have taken place that promise to make for a dynamic future and will improve benefits and services for all our partners.
Seas the Day™ initiative launched. The Ocean Project (TOP) officially launched its new personal education and action-oriented initiative, Seas the Day, when the brand new website went live on World Ocean Day! Our inspirational 2006 desktop conservation calendar is now available for partners, and many other fun, informative, useful tools and products have been developed or are in the works. Read below for much more information. All Seas the Day tools and products are geared specifically for our partners, to help effectively reach their visitors and members for positive change. Our efforts have been primarily in the United States, but also, as you will read below, are increasingly global.
TOP now has full time director. Bill Mott, who has been dividing his time between SeaWeb and The Ocean Project for over seven years, is now dedicated full time to TOP and Seas the Day. With a 100% focus as of July 1, Bill is now able to completely dedicate himself to strategic organizational development, further growing and solidifying TOP’s extensive and unprecedented network of 700+ organizations with 200 million visitors annually, and concentrate on customizing conservation opportunities in a range of areas for our supporting partners. Contact Bill at: bmott@theoceanproject.org.
World Ocean Day coordinator on board. Denise Washko was recently hired as part-time coordinator for this growing global event. Read more about WOD below and how Denise is already ramping up for a widely and wildly successful WOD ’06! Contact Denise at: dwashko@theoceanproject.org.
Major fundraising push. This summer and fall we are undertaking a significant effort to generate needed revenue to help us continue, and expand, our mission of helping our partners become even more effective at communicating and educating for conservation outcomes. Our unprecedented and powerful global network is getting very large and it takes considerable time and other resources just to keep TOP’s ship afloat! As resources allow, we are dedicated to customizing conservation opportunities for our partners, especially with those who are able to contribute financially to keep TOP’s ship sailing briskly!
Seas the Day initiative launched
To
complement, reinforce, and expand upon the focus of The Ocean Project, while
helping to enhance the efforts of our 700 plus partners to achieve conservation
outcomes, TOP recently launched the Seas the Day initiative. Planned for
the last year, this effort was possible thanks in large part to the support of
The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation and The Keith Campbell Foundation for
the Environment, as well as an anonymous foundation.
Website goes live. On World Ocean Day, we unveiled a completely new website, www.SeastheDay.org, which aims to serve as an inspirational central location for individuals interested in learning how to bring about positive change in their own lives and in society. This dynamic resource has a bright, vibrant design that captures a reader’s attention; highlighted conservation-themed months with beautiful images from renowned underwater photographer Wolcott Henry; and plenty of simple, easy-to-remember tips for incorporating conservation into everyday life, along with more challenging opportunities to help the planet. The website is up and running, with themed monthly expansions added on the first of each month that complement the Seas the Day desktop calendar. The site also includes an “Action Tip of the Day” related directly to the month’s conservation theme (e.g. transportation, energy efficiency, consumption), as well as the “Seven C’s Pledge.”
Take the “Seven C’s Pledge.” We have recently developed a “Seven C’s Pledge.” When site visitors opt to click on the Pledge, they learn how they can promise to make a real effort to support conservation and make changes in their daily lives that will benefit our ocean. Once one has taken the Pledge, they receive helpful monthly emails to remind them of new tips and tricks they can implement in their daily lives. A Seven C’s progress chart is in the works as well as a wallet card. See below for more on the Seven C’s wallet card.
Making it fun and inspirational! This new site differs considerably from The Ocean Project’s own website as well as most environmental sites out there. The Seas the Day site is a refreshing, fun, and meaningful interactive experience that provides important and easy to follow tips that produce real conservation results, without the “doom and gloom” focus of traditional conservation-oriented sites. Seas the Day offers a vast wealth of resources on making life more “ocean-friendly,” with inspirational information and tips on everything from water conservation to political involvement! The site will continuously evolve and will soon feature a customized “Personal Action Center” for interested individuals.
Use us! We urge all TOP partners to visit www.SeastheDay.org, use the information themselves, and then take the opportunity to offer this exciting new resource to their visitors and members. For example, some partners are linking directly to Seas the Day site, some are incorporating the Pledge into their materials, and TOP is willing and able to customize this information for our partners as much as possible. Everyone’s very busy, so we hope that this new initiative will help you simplify the process of getting involved and making a real difference.
¨ If you like the new website and its inspirational information, use it! Remember, we do the monthly updates. We want our partners to utilize the site as you see fit and will be developing tools and products to complement the website for you soon. Let us know if you would like to be provided with any images, text, or other Seas the Day tools to help you link to and take advantage of this continually-evolving site and further your organization’s conservation mission!
¨ As always, we eagerly welcome any feedback that you might have on the site. Your suggestions will be most important in helping us help all our partners!
New
Seas the Day products and tools developed for you!
To further our mission of helping our partners and, ideally, bring in some necessary revenue, The Ocean Project has a line of Seas the Day products developed or in the works. These products are meant specifically for our partners to use as they see fit, and, as with all our products, you don’t just buy a product: you get a package since the website will continually be improved to complement all Seas the Day items.
2006 desktop conservation calendar now available! We
have recently finished a new design for the soon-to-be printed 2006
calendars! It’s a limited run this year, so place your orders now!
See the Seastheday.org website to do so. As with the 2005 Seas the Day
calendar, the 2006 calendar features eye-catching images from Wolcott Henry,
accompanied by different monthly conservation themes with fun and easy tips on
ways that readers can incorporate conservation into their everyday lives.
The overarching message is that each person can make their homes, families, and
communities safer and better places to live, while helping our ocean.
Seven C’s wallet card coming soon. Similar to the seafood wallet cards that many of our partner institutions feature, the “Seven C’s” wallet card will serve as a portable reminder of how to help with conservation of our world. Featured on the catchy and colorful card will be the Seven C’s and tips for environmental sustainability. As with many Seas the Day products, these will be made available to partners that support TOP financially, and we will work with partners to customize them with your logo and regional messages to make them more suitable to your visitors.
T-shirts, note cards, and mouse pads galore! To help spread this message of personal responsibility towards the ocean and help support our educational mission, we will be offering our partners a variety of additional products, including note cards using images from the calendars, personal action guides, and other exciting products to be announced shortly. The Ocean Project has also teamed with Eques, Inc., a mother-daughter run company in California, to develop and market additional Seas the Day items.
Customizing conservation for our partners. As a not-for-profit initiative that is geared toward helping our partners, the price point is not the key on these items, and we remain flexible, depending upon the needs and situations of all our partners. Depending on the situation, we can customize products, including logos and messages.
¨ Unique and useful items for your gift shop. As part of our initiative and to help further your institution’s mission, we make all products available at wholesale. We are open to working with you to develop conservation-driven products that you would like to add to your gift shop shelves. Please contact us for available items and wholesale costs.
¨ Provide special gifts for members, staff, volunteers, Board members. Get ahead of the curve and order holiday gift now! Contact The Ocean Project if you would like to order some Seas the Day products today!
World Ocean Day expands
For the third year, The Ocean Project worked closely with the World Ocean Network to help plan and promote activities worldwide.
Creating an ocean buzz! The 13th Annual World Ocean Day, on June 8th, was a rousing success as dozens of Ocean Project partners celebrated the ocean and our connections to it. Our partners brought this celebration to tens of thousands of people throughout the entire World Ocean Day (WOD) week with many exciting activities, including art contests, guided walks along coastal areas, ocean themed treasure hunts, national ocean policy activities, underwater clean ups, film festivals, concerts, and more! Thanks to all partners who participated, and those who sent in signed petitions urging our leaders at the national government and United Nations levels to protect our ocean.
WOD ’06 plans underway. We are already gearing up for a much larger week of celebrations next year! The Ocean Project will be launching a newly designed website (www.WorldOceanDay.org) in early 2006 that will generate more active involvement in World Ocean Day '06 and beyond. The new website will include features such as an interactive map that will list World Ocean Day events around the globe and resources for organizations wishing to host a celebration.
Calling all translators! As more organizations around the world join The Ocean Project network, we are planning on going multilingual, or at least translating as much of our material as possible. In order to be most efficient and effective, we do much of our outreach through our websites and email lists and need to translate a few website pages into several different languages so that more people throughout the world will be able to access this valuable conservation resource. We are just getting started on this substantial undertaking and are looking to translate the following pages at this time:
http://www.theoceanproject.org/about/2005.html
http://www.theoceanproject.org/about/mission.html
http://www.theoceanproject.org/about/background.html
¨ If you would like to be involved in the planning committee for ’06, please contact World Ocean Day coordinator, dwashko@theoceanproject.org. Help us make next year even better!
¨ We are in the process of looking for volunteers to assist us in translating web pages. If you or anyone you know would like to see The Ocean Project site in their language, please contact us! We will gladly welcome any time that you are able to donate. For further details, please contact us today.
News from our Partners
Eques and TOP team up. Eques, Inc. is a family-run business located in Northern California. With a love of the natural world, a
focus on art, design, and a commitment to education, Eques has imprinted many
of their products with information promoting awareness of TOP, Seas the Day,
and conservation messaging. Eques is also offering a charming clownfish
with the message: "Seas the Day: Taking Ocean Conservation
Personally" - on t-shirts, note cards, and mouse pads. Eques is
contributing 50% of any profits directly to helping The Ocean Project help
you. View these products online at: www.eques.us. We are very excited to continue our
partnership with Eques and are proud to display our new initiative’s name
on their many beautiful products.
New World of Water films from the New England Aquarium. Two exciting new titles have been added to their World of Water film series:
These films are now available on DVD only. For a free copy of these or any of their other ocean-themed DVDs, contact their film distribution coordinator, Catherine McGuirk, at 617-226-2196 or cmcguirk@neaq.org.
Ocean Revolution targets youth – This innovative new program is designed to grow a creative network of young people and mentors who are intrigued by ocean conservation. This group has been described as "Friendster for the Ocean" because of the online ocean-oriented community it will create. Their youth leadership council kicked off this program by selling Ocean Revolution wristbands that help raise awareness of ocean protection. To learn more, please visit www.oceanrevolution.org.
New marine mammal poll available – Several months ago, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums released a poll conducted by Harris Interactive. According to the results, 97 percent of respondents agree that marine life parks, aquariums and zoos play an important role in educating the public about marine mammals they might not otherwise have the chance to see, and 93 percent agree that visiting these facilities can inspire conservation action that can help marine mammals and their natural environment. Forty percent selected dolphins as their favorite aquarium animal from the eight choices offered. The complete Harris study is available on the Alliance’s Web site in the “What’s New” section – www.ammpa.org.
Innovative public outreach and advertising campaign
underway - The Academy for Educational Development in Washington, DC
and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are behind an unusual new ad campaign that
aims to abandon the traditional environmentalist tactics of an appeal to
conscience and appeal to something else instead—the stomach. With
the slogan “Save the crabs…then eat ‘em!”, this
campaign hopes to get the attention of Bay area residents by warning them that
their lush lawns
are killing a beloved food choice. By using humor and a simple, effective message that is easy for people to remember and follow, the goal is to reach people that Bay programs have not been able to over the last 20 or so years. A microcosm of the general public, a recent survey showed that 90 percent of people living in Chesapeake Bay’s watershed were concerned about its health—but had not done anything about it. This new campaign replaces depressing statistics with one simple message: if you fertilize your lawn in the springtime, delicious crabs will perish before they hit your plate; so why not wait until the fall? Time will tell if these ads are really effective. More at: http://www.chesapeakeclub.org/media.htm.
Healthy Oceans, Healthy Humans - This
program at the Center for Health and the 
Global Environment at Harvard Medical
School aims to create
educational materials to inform the general public of their human health
connections to the ocean environment. This is a collaborative program, working
closely with advisors and partners across the nation. The Center recently
produced a short flash animation piece narrated by actress Meryl Streep. The
objective of this program is to encourage ocean conservation by pointing out that
our health depends on healthy oceans. A goal is for viewers and visitors to be
able to articulate one way that their health is connected to the ocean
environment.
For more information and to watch the trailer, please visit www.healthyoceans.org.
New reef guide for fish collecting enthusiasts - A new pocket guide for marine fish hobbyists is coming soon. Reef Protection International (RPI) educates the public about the marine aquarium trade and promotes responsible consumer behavior. RPI is currently working on a pocket guide designed to educate hobbyists as to which marine fish are best for the home aquarium, and is seeking distribution outlets to help execute this campaign. Learn more at: http://www.reefprotect.org.
Fishy issues in Congress
In March, a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress introduced a bill, H.R. 1431, the “Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005,” that will significantly improve federal management of ocean fish as recommended by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. This Act would improve the use of science in fisheries management, establish cooperative research programs between fishermen and scientists, broaden representation on the regional fishery management councils to include members of the public, limit voting powers for council members who have financial conflicts of interest, and train new council members in the latest fishery science. Fishing and conservation organizations across the country that make up the Marine Fish Conservation Network – an Ocean Project partner – have been working since the introduction to encourage other Members of Congress to show their support for healthy ocean fisheries by cosponsoring this important bill. We encourage your active individual or organizational involvement with our Network partner on this important legislation. For more information, visit www.conservefish.org or email Lee Crockett: lcrockett@conservefish.org.
Hear ye, hear ye…get your International Aquarium Conference proceedings here: The 6th IAC Proceedings are finally complete. Download your copy from the 6th IAC web site, http://www.iac2004.org, until December 31, 2005. Please note that the file is very large and will take a bit of time to download, but it’s well worth it!
Upcoming events
“Water Your
Imagination” in Chicago
at AZA’s National Conference: 
The
John G. Shedd Aquarium will host the 2005 Annual Conference on September 13th
– 18th. Make your reservation now for what promises to informative,
educational, collaborative and fun week. While there, be sure to check out the
following two sessions:
· “Continental Conservation Education and Policy for our Oceans” where panelists will provide an overview of ocean policy action and opportunities. The panel will include: Paul Boyle, New York Aquarium/WCS; Ted Beattie, John G. Shedd Aquarium; Mike Sutton, Monterey Bay Aquarium; John Nightingale, Vancouver Aquarium; and Bill Mott, The Ocean Project.
· “Conservation Commerce: A Fiscal Call-to-Action” where panelists will discuss conservation-driven retail partnerships designed to create profits as well as effective call-to-action messages. The panel will include: Eric Miller, Saint Louis Zoo; Terry Blumer, Woodland Park Zoological Society; Bill Mott, The Ocean Project; Yvonne Miles, Zoological Society of San Diego; Judy Powell, Tennessee Aquarium; and Brad Rutherford, of the Snow Leopard Trust.
Participate in the 20th International Coastal
Cleanup:
To be held on September 17th, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup! In that time, the event has grown from a local event at one beach in Texas to the largest event of its kind. Salt and freshwater enthusiasts will be active around the world, and more volunteers are always needed to help clean all types of shoreline and underwater environments. Join this largest single-day event of its kind. For further information visit: http://www.coastalcleanup.org.
Bonjour! Save the date for a visit to France: The 3rd International Meeting “Acting Together for the Future of the Blue Planet” is being organized by the World Ocean Network. Ocean Project partners are encouraged to participate in the meeting to help further develop a global campaign to raise public awareness and action for the ocean. The meeting will be held at NAUSICAA, Centre National de la Mer, in Boulogne/Mer in France, from January 29 - February 2, 2006. This Meeting, being held under the aegis of the IOC/UNESCO, will immediately follow the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands (www.globaloceans.org) that will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. If you would like to register or have an idea for a presentation, please contact the World Ocean Network office for further information (meeting@nausicaa.fr).
Aloha! Mark your calendar to visit Hawaii: The American Geophysical Union, The Oceanography Society, and the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography are sponsoring the 2006 Ocean Sciences Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, this coming February 20-24. For more information: http://www.agu.org/meetings/os06/.
Thanks and welcome to our blue planet family
We thank all of our partners for your increased involvement in aquatic and ocean conservation education and activities and your continued support for our mission to enhance the efforts of all our partners for a sustainable society!
TOP network expands to over 700 organizations. Started eight years ago by a handful of North American aquariums and NGOs, The Ocean Project is proud to announce that our list of partners has grown to include more than 700 organizations in over 60 countries! Welcome to all, and please click here to see the latest list of partners. If your organization has not yet joined TOP’s network, please sign up today.
Changes with The Ocean Project’s Leadership Council. Patrick O’Callaghan has moved back to Australia with his family but will continue to help on our Advisory Council; Bert Vescolani this past year became director of the John Ball Zoo (and Aquarium!) and will continue his involvement on our Leadership Council. Paul Boyle of the New York Aquarium and John Nightingale of Vancouver continue to serve on the Leadership Council. Thank you all for your leadership over the years!
Policy Advisory Council being created. TOP has recently begun to create a Policy Advisory Council to guide us as we venture forth. With all going on regarding policy, regionally, nationally and internationally, we decided to enlist the expert advice of several policy leaders, both inside Washington, DC and far outside, and some salty some not. The composition of this team will be announced in the next issue of the newsletter.
Thanks to our supporters!
The Ocean Project would especially like to thank our financial supporters. Your generosity helps keep The Ocean Project going!
Private foundations
Supporting and Sustaining Partners
Supporting and Sustaining Partners (continued)
¨ If you would like to learn more about contributing to TOP’s long-term health, as an individual or as an organization, please contact Bill Mott. We also now have a secure online contribution form so you can easily make a tax-deductible contribution today!
Open Season on Ocean Reading
Coming in September, The Ocean Project will have a new seasonal feature on our website, highlighting a book focused on the ocean or environmental sustainability.
The Doryman’s Reflection: A Fisherman’s Life. As our first highlighted book, we are pleased to feature this recently published book by Paul Molyneaux. It deals with the difficult life of a traditional fisherman, in many ways a relic and one of the last hunter-gatherers among us. Commercial fishing still carries the mystique of a world ruled by the elements, and Paul’s book tells the story of Bernard Raynes, one of Maine's last independent commercial fishermen with whom he once apprenticed. In the early 1980s, these two men shared some of the American fishing industry's best years. But, as Bob Dylan once sang, “the times they are a ‘changin.’” Paul discusses the personal and political, environmental and economic factors that led to the decline of New England fishing – a similar fate that has happened around the world – and the situation today.
began working in commercial fishing as a “lumper,” unloading scallop boats, in 1976. He now writes about fisheries and marine issues for the New York Times, Yankee Magazine, and National Fisherman. He and his family split their time between Mexico and Maine.
¨ Some Ocean Project partners may be interested in featuring Paul’s book in their gift shop and/or having Paul discuss the book in person at your institution. If interested, contact Paul Molyneaux directly.
¨ If you have any great suggestions for the “Ocean Book of the Season”, please let us know. Send us your favorite recent read so we can share with all our partners!
TOP Coordinates:
PO Box 2506
Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Phone: +1 401.709.4071
www.TheOceanProject – great resources, geared for partner staff and volunteers.
www.SeastheDay.org – how to take ocean conservation personally, geared for individuals.