THE LITTORAL DRIFT NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA MARINE

SCIENCE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION FALL 2008

We Have a Plan! ‘Tis the season for change and

FMSEA has not been spared. Thanks to the efforts and input from the majority of our membership prior to and during our Wonder-Water Dis-covery conference, as well as a Board retreat held immediately thereafter, a strategic plan for FMSEA was out-lined by Myrium Springuel of Springuel Consulting. The President’s Chain (Jim Wharton, Leslie Sprague and I) reviewed the draft plan and made comments. The draft strategic plan was then presented to the full Board on August 23-24 for further discussion and approval. I am happy to report back to you, after unani-mous Board approval, FMSEA has a 5 year plan! On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped shape FMSEA’s future. @#$%, now what?

I am convinced that our member-ship and current Board is ready and committed to move this plan and or-ganization forward. We cannot do this without the participation and support from our entire membership. You may be asking yourself-what can

I do now? FMSEA’s strategic plan identifies several working commit-tees: Website, Conference, Budget/Finance, Membership, Development, Marketing and Outreach & Aware-ness. The role and responsibilities for the Conference and Budget/Finance Committees are more devel-oped than the other committees listed. Your involvement now on the ground level will help outline the roles and responsibilities of each of these committees. I encourage you to contact your Regional Director or me directly for more information.

Our strategic plan is flexible enough to allow FMSEA to take ad-vantage of unexpected opportunities that support our mission, yet focused enough to keep us on track and mov-ing forward. We expect to have a final copy of the strategic plan to post to the FMSEA website by the first of November. I am excited to be at the helm of FMSEA during this exciting transition and look forward to a productive and positive year of change (in more ways than you can imagine!). Hope to see you at FAST or at your next regional meeting!

— Howard

CAPTAIN’S LOG - E. Howard Rutherford

Inside Story 2

Inside Story 2

Inside Story 2

Inside Story 3

Inside Story 4

Inside Story 5

Inside Story 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Littoral Drift 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Captain’s Log 1

Region Reports 2

FMSEA Awards 3

Holiday Gift Guide 4

2009 Conference Regis-tration Packet: • Tentative schedule • Lodging information • Fieldtrip Details • Registration form • Call for Presenters form • Exhibitor form • Silent Auction Donation

5-18

FMSEA Board Notes - Nominations & Meetings

19

FMSEA Officers & Region Map

22

Membership Application 23

Ocean Literacy Principles 20-21

Scholarships are available to cover Annual Conference

registration. Contact Kathy Russell at

krussty1@aol.com for more details.

Littoral Drift 2 Fall 2008

Northeast Hi Northeast FMSEA members! In case you haven’t heard, the John Beakley Marine Science Educator of the Year award went to Roger Wood, a local teacher at Fletcher High School. Please help me in congratulating him for years of helping to teach future generations about the wonders of science!

I’ve heard from some of you that your permits are ex-pired and it’s time to have another Aquatic Species Col-lecting Workshop. For those of you not familiar with this workshop, it’s basically a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conser-vation Commission permit allowing teachers to collect ma-rine species for educational purposes. We’ll be hosting one here at the Research Reserve on August 11th please mark your calendars! This collecting workshop will pro-vide you with the permit, give you a chance to practice seining out in the field, network with local educators, and more!

Please send an email to Angie.Golubovich@dep.state.fl.us to let me know if you would be willing to distribute FMSEA flyers/brochures at your school or educational institu-tion. The more educators we have in our local network the better!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have informa-tion on local upcoming marine science related events that you would like to see posted in the FMSEA newsletter.

I hope all of you had a wonderful summer, and remem-bered to take some time to visit the beach and enjoy some much deserved R & R! -Angie Golubovich

Southeast The SE Region has increased in number by 90! 90 class-room educators from St. Lucie County recently completed their Aquatic Science Educator Collection Certification. The educators (45 middle and 45 elementary) completed the workshop while attending a professional development course sponsored by St. Lucie County. Sara had the op-portunity to meet with the middle school teachers during their stay on Pigeon Key. The newest FMSEA members are excited about their memberships and look forward to participating in upcoming FMSEA events.

Florida Keys Dive Center is planning to host some special events for the Honors Marine Science class at Island Christian School’s (Islamorada FL). The students will be getting dive certified at the beginning of the year, and assisting Ken Nedimyer (founder of the Coral Reef Foun-

dation) with coral reef restoration. For more information please contact Chris Calderwood marty@terranova.net.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has some very exciting news! They were chosen as the Best Day Camp in Nick-elodeon's Parents' Pick 2008 Awards. The link is at-tached: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/ParentsPicks/Best-of-Miami/cityresults.htm?city_id=27&age_group=big_kids. WAY TO GO LOGGER-HEAD!

Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, is expanding their edu-cation programs to include outreach and day long camp programs. For more information please contact Sara Hamilton sara@islanddolphincare.org - Sara Hamilton

West Central I am excited to be a new board member and look forward to meeting members and expanding FMSEA’s network! So, join me for a regional meeting at The Florida Aquarium. All West Central Region members are invited to visit The Florida Aquarium on November 8th. We will have a short meeting where I will share updates from the Board and members can share activities, news and events at their school/organization with each other. Then we will board the Aquarium’s catamaran, The Bay Spirit and head to Fantasy Island, a small spoil island in Tampa Bay, to enjoy the bay. Seine nets and box sieves will be provided. If you have a collecting permit, feel free to bring equipment needed for specimen collection. Please send an RSVP to ltyler@flaquarium.org by October 31st. After the meeting members are free to visit the Aquarium and see the new exhibit, Ocean Commotion, which blends live animals and technology and celebrates the diversity in the ocean. -Lauren Tyler

Southwest October is…National Seafood Month, as well as…National Car Care Month, National Pretzel Month, Na-tional Roller Skating Month, National Pickled Peppers Month, and National Toilet Tank Repair Month (among others). So get out there and get eatin’, skatin’, and repairin’. - Tim Oldread

Editors Note: Good news? Moving on? Ideas or sugges-tions members across the state could use? Please send your Regional Directors items of interest to be included in their quarterly reports.

FMSEA REGION REPORTS

ANNUAL FMSEA AWARDS

Nominate a colleague or two for his or her contribution(s) towards marine science education! Annually, FMSEA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions towards moving the field of marine science forward, who provide outstanding marine science education and who want to share their successes with other practitioners. Nominations are currently being accepted for the following awards: FMSEA Service Award- The FMSEA Service Award is given each year to a member who has exhibited dedicated service to the organization. Nominees must be FMSEA members. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination must address the following points. Please submit bullets instead of a long narrative:

• Professional experience and background • Projects/programs related to FMSEA undertaken by nominee • Number of years and in what capacities nominee has served in FMSEA

John Beakley Marine Science “Educator of the Year” Award- This Award is given to an educator who has demonstrated dedication to promoting and developing marine science in Florida. Nominees need not be members of FMSEA, but member nominations are encouraged. Self-nominations are ac-cepted. Please ask the person you nominate to address the following catego-ries - we encourage bullets of information as opposed to a narrative:

• Professional experience and background • Special recognition already received relating to marine education • Marine Science programs/projects developed by nominee • Publications/workshops/presentations

FMSEA Teacher Trust Fund Award- Individual awards will be presented to FMSEA members to attend either an environmental professional development program or a professional conference. Awards may cover registration, travel or accommodation costs. Applicants are encouraged to secure matching funds from sources other that FMSEA. All award winners must agree to make ac-knowledgments of FMSEA support in all activities related to the funded pro-gram; file copies with FMSEA of all products generated by the program; write a short report for the program; file copies with FMSEA of all products generated by the program; write a short report for the Littoral Drift or present a session at the following Annual Conference after the completion of the project. FMSEA Student Project Award- Enter a student project related to the marine environment. Three awards of $300 each will be given to the selected project in three categories. The purpose of the Student Project Award is to encourage continuing education and study of the marine environment. Please submit nominations to: Leslie Sprague Caribbean Conservation Corporation 8685 S. Hwy A1A Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 *** Nominations online at www.fmsea.org can be emailed to leslie@cccturtle.org.

Fall 2008 Littoral Drift 3

In 1986, FMSEA began recogniz-ing its members, as well as mem-bers of the Marine Science com-munity in Florida, for the hard work and dedication that has helped to better the organization and the field of Marine Science.

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

2008 - Debbi Stone 2007 - Laura Diederick 2006 - Ned Webster 2005 - BJ Viers 2004 - Kathy Russell 2003 - Rosalyn Kilcollins 2002 - Jean Knight 2001 - BJ Viers 2000 - Lynn Christensen 1999 - Karen Hamilton 1998 - Jackie Fletcher JOHN BEAKLEY MARINE EDUCA-

TOR OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS

2008 - Rober Wood 2007 - Mike Mullins 2006 - Angie Golubovich 2005 - Maia McGuire 2004 - Charlene Mauro 2003 - Any Guerin 2002 - John Hargis III 2001 - Kathy Russell 2000 - Alex Waters 1999 - Dave LaHart and George O. Dawson

Fall 2008 Littoral Drift 4

Earth-friendly Holiday Gift Guide

from your friends at the

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund

GIFTS THAT GIVE TWICE These gift ideas continue giving long after they’re opened.

• Help spread care for the world we share: Flower seeds, satchels of songbird food with tips on supporting winter wildlife, or fruit trees donated to developing countries through organizations such as the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (www.ftpf.org) or Sustainable Harvest International (www.sustainableharvest.org) are gifts that give over and over.

• Go easy on the earth: When sending more traditional corporate gifts, do your best to source environmentally responsible vendors who offer earth-friendly products made from biodegradable materials and renewable resources. A few of BEC’s Merchandising group’s picks include: www.2oceanspromotions.com www.younameitspecialties.com www.vantageapparel.com

• Support fair trade: Fair trade provides fair wages for artisans and farmers while ensuring environmental sustainability for wildlife and their habitats. Behind all fair trade goods are stories that connect us to people, cultures and traditions

from around the world. Organizations like the Fair Trade Federation (www.fairtradefederation.org), Global Mamas (www.globalmamas.com) or Aid to Artisans (www.aidtoartisans.org) are great places to start shopping.

• Minimize packaging while maximizing value: Donations in an individual’s or group’s honor, gift memberships to conservation organizations, or honorary adoptions of animals or habitats through partners like those below fit inside an envelope, and are meaningful, memorable alternatives to heavily packaged or wrapped gifts. In addition to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund (our first suggestion, of course), here are a few of our partner organizations: The Nature Conservancy: www.nature.org National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.org World Wildlife Fund: www.wwf.org Conservation International: www.conservation.org National Audubon Society: www.audubon.org Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute: www.hswri.org

PACKING LIGHTLY You’ve got the perfect gift idea. Now you just need to wrap it up and send it. Here are a few more tips.

• Use only biodegradable packing peanuts: Packing peanuts made from vegetable starch dissolve in water, leave no toxic waste behind, and can be found at any major office supply store. Add an insert that says, “Packed with reusable materials made from 100% biodegradable and renewable resources.”

• Get the rap on wrap alternatives: When possible, use reusable cloth or paper gift bags, baskets, or other alternatives to gift-wrapped boxes. If 40% of U.S. households used just two less sheets of wrapping paper this year, it would be enough to gift wrap the entire island of Manhattan.1

• Cut the ribbon: Thoughtful gifts don’t need a bow on top to make them beautiful. If just two out of three households cut back on even an arm’s length of ribbon, that would be enough to tie a great big bow around our planet.1 Cloth ribbon offers a reusable alternative. 1 Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen, The Green Book (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2007), p. 82-84.

Tentative Conference Schedule

Thursday, May 14 Afternoon Conference Committee Meeting 5:00 - 8:00 PM Registration Open - Helmsley Lobby

Friday May 15 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open - Helmsley Lobby 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Full and 1/2 day workshops and field trips - Vans leave from Helmsley 4:00 - 7:00 PM Exhibitors set up - Mote Marine Laboratory 5:45 PM Buses depart for Mote Marine Laboratory - Helmsley 6:15 - 6:45 PM Social with Appetizers in Mote’s Goldstein Marine Mammal Center 6:45 - 7:00 PM Conference Opening Opening Speaker, Dr. Eugenie Clark 7:45 PM Busses to Helmsley 8:00 - 9:30 PM Luau - Helmsley Banquet Room Saturday May 16 *All programs and sessions are at Mote Marine Laboratory 7:00 - 10:00 AM Exhibitor set-up 7:45 - 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Registration Open - Mote Marine Laboratory 8:30 - 10:00 AM Opening Session & Strategic Planning Update SeaTrek Distance Learning Program Demonstration 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open 10:10 AM - 12:00 AM Concurrent Sessions 1 & 2 12:00 - 1:30 PM Box Lunch and Regional Meetings 1:00 - 1:30 PM New Committee Interest Meeting 1:40 - 2:30 PM Concurrent Session 3 2:30 - 3:00 PM Cookie Break in Exhibit Hall 3:10 - 5:00 PM Concurrent Sessions 4 & 5 4:30 PM Deadline to submit election ballots Exhibit Hall breakdown 6:00 - 7:00 PM Silent Auction and Social 7:00 - 10:00 PM Banquet, Annual Meeting & Evening Keynote - Trevor Corson Sunday, May 17 8:30 - 9:30 AM FMSEA/FWC Collecting Certification Facilitators Meeting 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM Board Meeting

*** The conference hotel, the Helmsley Sandcastle, is 2.5 miles from Mote Marine Laboratory. Transporta-

tion will be available to all field trip locations and to and from Mote on Friday evening. Transportation will also be available from the Helmsley to Mote on Saturday morning and before the Silent Auction and Banquet that evening, and back to the Helmsley from Mote after sessions on Saturday afternoon and after the banquet Saturday evening. Limited parking will be available at Mote for those who wish to drive.

Page 6 2009 Conference Registration

We’ve got great plans for FMSEA 2009: Education and Research, Schooling Together. The conference will take place at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in sunny Sarasota with field trip sites all around Sarasota Bay. Just take a look at what we have in store:

Friday has an incredible slate of field trips, workshops and events. This year’s field trips include diving in the Gulf, kayaking through mangrove tunnels on Sarasota Bay, and a unique opportunity to spend the day on the water collecting data with Mote’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. You might also choose to take advantage of one of our half- or full-day workshops where you can renew your Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate, become CPR-certified, or “discover” scuba! Workshops this year will be included with your conference registration. Friday evening come explore the Goldstein Marine Mammal Center, home of Mote’s Marine Mam-mal and Sea Turtle Hospital and its resident turtles, manatees and dolphins, while enjoying drinks and appetizers with colleagues. The evening will be highlighted by our opening speaker, the Shark Lady herself, Dr. Eugenie Clark. Dr. Clark founded Mote Marine Laboratory in 1955 and is still an active and contributing researcher and Trustee. We’ll cap the evening in style with a luau back at the Helmsley. Saturday will feature cutting-edge marine science research and education. We’ll start Saturday off with a technological bang with a demonstration of Mote’s interactive video conference distance learning program, SeaTrek. Sessions will feature the best of marine science education in Florida and a snapshot of ongoing research at Mote with a dedicated Mote research session track. Throughout the day we’ll be making a selection of sessions available to non-participants via Webcast. The Call for Presenters is open now (see pages 15-16). Saturday evening will see our annual Silent Auction and Social held in the Mote Aquarium galleries. Enjoy a drink, do some networking, and place your bids…but remember, the giant squid is not for sale! Your contri-butions go to support educator scholarships and all donations are fully tax-deductible. If you’d like to con-tribute an item for the auction, see page 17 or simply bring your donation(s) with you to the conference! After our Annual Business Meeting and the installation of officers, we’ll enjoy a keynote address from Trevor Corson, an author best described in his own words:

I’m the author of the worldwide pop-science bestseller "The Secret Life of Lobsters," which cemented my until-then-uncertain status as the planet earth's foremost writer on the topic of crustacean dating.

My most recent book is "The Story of Sushi: An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice" (originally titled "The Zen of Fish" in hardcover). The book is a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice and was named a Best Food Book of the Year by Zagat, as well as the Best American Food Literature Book of the Year by the Gourmand Awards.

You can learn more about Trevor at his website: http://www.trevorcorson.com. He’s a can’t-miss speaker at a can’t-miss event.

Page 7 2009 Conference Registration

The Helmsley Sandcastle

1540 Ben Franklin Drive Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-2181 800-225-2181 www.helmsleysandcastle.com

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-4441x369 www.mote.org

Registration begins October 15, 2008 – see enclosed forms. Full registration includes FMSEA t-shirt, special conference items, Friday Evening Social, all Saturday ses-sions, Saturday lunch, and evening dinner. Friday workshops are included this year with your registration and are available as space allows. Field trips on Friday are an additional cost. Additional tickets for guests can also be purchased for both the Friday and Saturday evening events. See the registration form for costs and details. LODGING OPTIONS Conference Hotel The Helmsley Sandcastle

1540 Ben Franklin Drive Sarasota, Florida 34236 Hotel: 941-388-2181 Toll-free Reservations: 1-800-225-2181

Be sure to ask for the group rate. Just let them know you’re with the Florida Marine Science Educators meeting. This special reduced group rate is valid only through April 14, so be sure to book early! $119/night (1-4 persons per room) All rooms have cable television, coffee-maker, hair-dryer, iron with ironing board, and mini-refrigerator. The hotel features two heated pools and 600 feet of private beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

Nearby Hotels

Page 8 2007 Conference Registration

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 Tamiami Trail North, U.S.41 Sarasota, FL 34234 (800) 531-5900

Best Western Midtown 1425 Tamiami Trail South, U.S.41 Sarasota, Florida 34239 (941) 955-9841

Conference Site - Mote Marine Laboratory

Conference Hotel - Helmsley Sandcastle

Alternate Lodging - Best Western

Alternate Lodging - La Quinta

FMSEA Conference • May 15 - 17, 2009

Field Trips • Friday, May 15 Field trips are on Friday, May 15, 2009. All trips include a box lunch and beverage, as well as transportation to and from the Helmsley. Times indicate departure and return times to/from the Helmsley. Indicate the Letter for your first and second choice(s) on the registration form – confirmation and trip details will be sent after your registration is received. You will only be registered for your second choice if your first choice is already filled to capacity. If you do not wish to be registered for another trip should your first choice trip be filled, please do not list a second choice. A. Kayak Tour with Island Style 9:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: $30.00 (includes transportation and lunch) Paddle around Sarasota Bay and through mangrove tunnels to explore this diverse area. This 3-hour tour begins with a basic paddling clinic. Then, participants will meander through quiet mangrove tunnels to discover estuarine wildlife. (Limit 15 participants)

B. Dive trip with Florida Underwater Sports 8:00am - 1:00pm Cost: $80.00-$95.00 (includes 2 tanks and weights, transportation and lunch) Rental gear: regulator, BCD/computer, wetsuit: $40.00 See what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer underwater. Enjoy a 2 tank dive on this half day excursion. The warm water and cool views are sure to make this trip unforgettable. (Limit 15 participants)

C. Dolphin Research Trip 8:00am - 5:00pm Cost: $50 (includes transportation and lunch) Ever wonder what it’s like to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins? Travel with Mote scientists around Sarasota Bay to record dolphin data on location and behavior. Prior reading/studying is re-quired! (Limit just 5 participants, so register ASAP)

D. G-Whiz Science Museum/Selby Botanical Gardens 8:00am - 5:00pm Cost: $20 (includes transportation and lunch) Explore the museum through the eyes of a student. Participants will explore one of the many pro-grams G-Wiz has to offer. After the program, let your inner child enjoy the interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, submerge yourself in a luxurious tropical garden filled with mystifying plants, poison dart frogs, art exhibits, and gift shops. Take a hands-on, behind the scenes tour of greenhouses and re-search facilities. Participants will create their own hanging garden.

E. Boat Trip with Sarasota High School on the Carefree Learner 2:30 - 4:30pm

Cost: $15.00 (includes transportation and lunch) Learn about the local waterways from above the water. This cruise will include water quality tests, history of the area, a bird rookery visit, and pulling a trawl net to inspect what critters lay beneath Sarasota Bay. (Limit 25 participants)

F. Myakka State Park 8:00 - 11:00am

Cost: $15.00 (includes transportation and lunch) You’ll be happy you hopped in a pickup in this park famous for its gators! This guided park tour will take you through the freshwater ecosystem, with frequent stops for pictures and conversations about local flora and fauna. (Limit 18 people)

G. Mote Aquaculture Park/Riverview Aquaculture Program 9:00am - 3:00pm

Cost: $20 (includes transportation and lunch) Begin with a visit to the Mote Aquaculture Park for a behind-the-scenes tour of Mote’s aquaculture projects, including the sturgeon farm. Finish with a visit to the new and expanding Aquaculture Program at Riverview High School, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists and aquaculturists. Take a tour of the outdoor fish crypts with several varieties of freshwater & saltwater fish, coral tanks, indoor aquaria, student-made reefballs, and more! (Limit 25 participants)

Page 9 2009 Conference Registration

FMSEA Conference • May 15 - 17, 2009

Workshops • Friday, May 15

Workshops will occur at Mote Marine Laboratory. Workshops this year are included with registration, but available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required. Indicate the Letter for your first and second choice(s) on the registration form – confirmation and trip details will be sent after your registration is received. You will only be registered for your second choice if your first choice is already filled to capacity. If you do not wish to be registered for another trip should your first choice trip be filled, please do not list a second choice. A. Educators Aquatic Species Collection Certification 8:00am - 12:00pm

This workshop highlights both the benefits and the alternatives to the collection of aquatic species for use in the classroom. Collection methods, minimum impact techniques, and associated conditions and restrictions will be discussed. Learn about available resources and related activities, too. Partici-pants will be eligible to receive a 3-year collection certification from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Con-servation Commission or renew their certificates. Field demonstrations of equipment and techniques will follow, so please come ready to get wet. Closed-toe water shoes are required.

B. CPR and First Aid Certification 8:00am - 4:00pm Feel more confident leading a field excursion or just standing in front of your class by making sure you know what to do in the unlikely event of a medical emergency. Participants will earn American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications. Final exam is required for certification.

C. Discover Scuba and Snorkeling Workshop 8:00am - 4:00pm Stop reading about the ocean and get in the water! In this two-part workshop participants will first learn proper snorkeling technique and how to teach snorkeling to children, then will have their first taste of Scuba through this PADI-certified trial program. Skills learned in this program may be cred-ited towards a PADI Open Water Diver Certification.

D. REEF Fish Identification Workshop 1:00 - 3:00pm In collaboration with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), this workshop will intro-duce recreational divers and snorkelers to the enjoyable activity of fishwatching. Participants will learn the basics of fish shape and anatomy and how to use these traits for identification. Upon com-pletion of the program, participants will be certified REEF surveyors able to contribute to the world of “citizen science.”

Page 10 2007 Conference Registration

Page 11 2009 Conference Registration

Florida Marine Science Educators Association 2009 Conference

Research & Education: Schooling Together

May 15 - 17, 2009 Sarasota, Florida

REGISTRATION FORM

Last name: _________________________________________________ First name: ________________________________ Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State: _______________________________________ Zip: ___________________ County: ____________________ Home Phone: (______)______________________________ Work Phone: (______)_________________________________ Email address to confirm registration: ____________________________________________________________________ Affiliation/School:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Check all that apply:

I am a new FMSEA member and/or am attending my first FMSEA conference

I agree to have my contact information included in a FMSEA Member Directory

I do not wish to have my contact information included in a FMSEA Member Directory

PAYMENT INFORMATION: Make checks payable to FMSEA (FEID ## 02-0638324) Early Bird Rate: $145 (postmarked by March 1) Life members pay $130 Late Registration: $170 (postmarked by May 1) Life members pay $155 On-site Registration: $190 Conference Package: FMSEA t-shirt, special conference items, Friday Evening Social, all Saturday sessions, Saturday lunch, and evening dinner. Friday workshops are included this year with your registration and are available as space allows. Field trips on Friday are an additional cost. Additional tickets for guests can also be purchased for both the Friday and Saturday evening events. NOTE: Lodging and Field Trips are not included in registration. Refer to enclosed information. Check if vegetarian meals are requested: _________

Registration $ ____________

Page 12 2009 Conference Registration

Field Trips Please indicate the letter(s) of your choice(s). See page 9 for descriptions and prices. Enter the cost of your FIRST choice on the line provided. If you are placed in your second choice, we will collect or refund the dif-ference at Registration. PLEASE NOTE: You will only be registered for a second choice field trip if your first choice is full. If you do not wish to be registered for a second choice should your first choice be unavailable, do not list a second choice. Field Trip Letter: First Choice _________ Second Choice _________ Please circle your lunch preference: Vegetarian Ham Turkey

Total Field Trip Cost $ ____________

Workshops Please indicate the letter(s) of your choice(s). See page 10 for descriptions. If you are placed in your second choice, you will be notified at Registration. PLEASE NOTE: You will only be registered for a second choice field trip if your first choice is full. If you do not wish to be registered for a second choice should your first choice be unavailable, do not list a second choice. Workshop Letter: First Choice _________ Second Choice _________ Conference T-shirts Each participant will receive ONE conference t-shirt FREE with registration.

Please indicate size (S - XL) _________ Additional Guest Tickets Friday Night Social $30.00 X _________ (number of tickets) = $ _____________

Saturday Banquet $45.00 X _________ (number of tickets) = $ _____________

Total Ticket Cost $_____________

Total Payment Enclosed $_____________

Please mail by March 1 for Early Bird Rates or by May 1 for Late Registration, along with payment

made payable to FMSEA to:

Jeremy Lake 9214 Knights Branch Street Temple Terrace, FL 33637

For questions about registration, please contact:

Jeremy Lake (813)494-7619 • JLake@earthforce.org

For general conference questions, please contact: Jim Wharton (941)388-4441 x 474 • jimwharton@mote.org

Page 13 2009 Conference Registration

Florida Marine Science Educators Association 2009 Annual Conference - May 15-17, 2009

Sarasota, Florida

Research & Education: Schooling Together

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

Showcase your products, programs and/or services to the largest annual gathering of marine science educational professionals in Florida! The exhibits will be on display at Mote Marine Laboratory in the Keating Building from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday, May 16 while conference attendees are moving between and participating in concur-rent sessions. Lunch pick-up and a 30-minute coffee break will also be located in the Exhibit Hall, in an effort to increase traffic of conference attendees. Please refer to the tentative schedule below. If you wish to attend any of the conference sessions or events other than the Exhibit Hall, conference registration is required. Please refer to the registration information included in this newsletter. The Exhibitor Fee is $35. Please make check or money order payable to FMSEA. Ex-hibit spaces are 8 feet wide and either one 6-foot or two (slim) 8-foot table(s) and two chairs will be provided. Please bring any necessary equipment such as projectors, extension cords, DVD players, laptops, etc. Exhibit Set Up: Friday, May 15 4:00 - 7:00 PM Saturday, May 16 7:00 - 10:00 AM Exhibit Viewing: Saturday, May 16 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Exhibit Breakdown: Saturday, May 16 4:30 PM SUBMIT NOW - DEADLINE is May 1, 2009. To sign up as an exhibitor, complete the exhibitor form on the following page and mail with payment by May 1 to:

Diane Lavarello Riverview High School

One Ram Way Sarasota, FL 34231

Or email to:

LadyDi_1959@msn.com You will be sent confirmation when your form and payment are received. For ques-tions about the conference Exhibit Hall, contact Diane Lavarello at (941)923-1484 x 4149 or by email at LadyDi_1959@msn.com. .

Page 14 2009 Conference Registration

Florida Marine Science Educators Association 2009 Annual Conference - May 15-17, 2009

Sarasota, Florida Research & Education: Schooling Together

EXHIBITOR APPLICATION

SUBMIT NOW - DEADLINE IS MAY 1, 2009 Confirmation will be sent upon receipt

Name of Company/Organization: ________________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Representative(s): ____________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ___________________

Work Phone: ___________________________________ Cell Phone: ___________________________________

FAX: ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________

Exhibit spaces are 8’ feet wide and include either one 6’ table or two (slim) 8’ tables and two chairs. If your space requirement is larger than 8’ feet wide, you must reserve and pay for TWO spaces. Exhibitor Fee: $35 per space. Set-up Requirements: (please check all that apply)

____ space with table

____ open floor space (without table) for standing exhibit - please specify space needed ___’ x ___’

_____ access to electricity

____ I will be selling items, including:

Please list any other special needs:

____ Number of spaces X $35 $ __________

____ I will NOT be registering for the conference but would like to become a member of

FMSEA - Number of FMSEA memberships x $20 $ __________

____ I will be registering for the conference. (FMSEA membership is included in conference

registration fee. Please send registration forms and payment separately to registration address.)

____ I will donate item(s) to the silent auction (please provide a brief description)

Total enclosed $ __________ Make check or money order payable to FMSEA. Federal ID # 02-0638324; FL Vendor # F593129045001. NOTE: If you wish to attend any of the conference sessions or events other than the exhibits hall, conference registration is required. Please refer to the enclosed registration information.

Mail by May 1 to: Diane Lavarello • Riverview High School • One Ram Way • Sarasota, FL 34231 or

email to LadyDi_1959@msn.com Questions? Call Diane at (941)923-1484x4149

Page 15 2009 Conference Registration

Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA)

May 15 – 17, 2009 • Annual Conference Sarasota, Florida

Call for Presenters Presentation Proposal Form

FMSEA invites you to propose a session at our Research & Education: Schooling Together an-nual conference. Topics on new and innovative marine science content, research, conservation, activities and curriculum are encouraged. All concurrent sessions will be Saturday, May 16 on-site at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.

Please complete and submit the Call for Presenters form by:

5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2009

Presentation Title: (Not to exceed 15 words)

Primary Presenter Name & Title:

Additional Presenter(s) Name & Title:

School/Organization:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )

FAX: ( ) Email:

Preferred Length (Please check one)

___ Single (50 min)

___ Double (110 min – number of double sessions may be limited based on availability of space)

E-MAIL TO: tim.oldread@mote.org

MAIL TO: Tim Oldread

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236

Page 16 2009 Conference Registration

Type of session Please check one: ___ Demonstration ___ Hands-on activity ___ Discussion/Panel ___ Make & Take ___ Field Experience ___ Other: Please Check topic(s) most closely related to the session you are proposing: ___ Scientific Research ___ General - Marine Science ___ Professional Development ___ Marine Technology ___ Marine Ecology ___ Teaching Methods ___ Marine Science Careers ___ Marine/Ocean Conservation ___ Sunshine State Standards ___ Global Issues ___ Deep Sea Science ___ Other: __________________ Intended Audience(s): ___ General ___ Non-Formal ___ Elementary ___ Middle School ___ High school ___ Post Secondary Preferred Audience Size: ___ 10-20 ___ 20-30 ___30-50 *** In the interest of conservation, please provide electronic copies of any “handouts” and presentation mate-rials that you would like included on the FMSEA website pre-/post-conference. Please check all standard A/V equipment needed (provided at conference site) ___ Screen ___ DVD &TV Monitor Presenters must supply specialized equipment, including LCD projectors, laptops, flip charts, easel stands, extension cords, etc. (Please specify what equipment you will bring so we can assign rooms to accommodate your

needs):

Special Space or Room Requirements: Please attach a write-up that includes the following points:

Presentation Description for the Conference Program (Max. 75 words) Major presentation points Materials you plan to hand-out Additional information that would encourage participation in your session Any Sunshine State Standards that correlate to your presentation, if applicable

Short Biography (Max. 50 words)

Please include your most recent experiences relevant to the presentation you wish to give

Please complete and submit the Call for Presenters form by: 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3 , 2009

For more information call Tim at (941)388-4441 x 369

E-MAIL TO: tim.oldread@mote.org

MAIL TO: Tim Oldread

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236

Page 17 2009 Conference Registration

2009 FMSEA CONFERENCE Silent Auction DONATION FORM

Thank you so much for your donation to the silent auction, which will take place during the 2009 annual FMSEA Conference, Research & Education: Schooling Together. The auction will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 6:00pm. FMSEA is a non-profit organization, and your donation is tax de-ductible (FEIN # 02-063824). All proceeds from the auction will be used for need-based scholarships to attend future confer-ences. Today’s Date ___________________________ The item(s) I have donated is (are) as follows: Retail Value:

_________________________________ ______________________ _________________________________ ______________________ _________________________________ ______________________ _________________________________ ______________________ _________________________________ ______________________

The total retail value of the item(s) is:

Donated by_____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State _______________________________________ Zip _______________ County __________________ Phone _______________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________________ Auction Co-Chairs E. Howard Rutherford, The Pier Aquarium Leslie Sprague, Caribbean Conservation Corp hrutherford@pieraquarium.org leslie@cccturtle.org (727)895-7437 x 202 (321)723-3556

Conference Committee Chair: Jim Wharton • (941)388-4441 x 474 • jimwharton@mote.org Concurrent Sessions: Tim Oldread • (941)388-4441 x 369 • tim.oldread@mote.org Amy Fleischer • (941)388-4441 x 514 • amy@mote.org Registration/Hospitality: Jeremy Lake • (813)494-7619 • jlake@earthforce.org Lauren Tyler • (813)367-4017 • ltyler@flaquarium.org Food: Edgar Comellas • (407)363-2394 • edgar.comellas@seaworld.com Miranda Wrobel • (941)388-4441 x 264 • miranda@mote.org Lodging: Jim Wharton Transportation: Amy Fleischer Field Trips: Brad Tanner • (941)388-4441 x 351 • bradtanner@mote.org Miranda Wrobel Speakers: Jim Wharton Entertainment/Events: Jim Wharton Edgar Comellas Silent Auction: Howard Rutherford • (727) 895-7437 • hrutherford@pieraquarium.org Leslie Sprague • (561)596-1847 • leslie@cccturtle.org Exhibits: Diane Lavarello • (941)923-1484 • LadyDi_1959@msn.com Publications & Signage: Laura Diederick • (772)465-3271 • diederick@si.edu Technology: Jason Robertshaw • (941)388-4441 x 250 • jrshaw@mote.org Mote Research Liason: Kim Bassos-Hall • (941)388-4441 x 216 • kbhull@mote.org Volunteers: Krystle Harvey Lisa Kinsella Toni Borman

A special thank you to all those who have been involved with the planning of this year’s conference! If you would like to help out, it’s not too late! Contact Conference Chair Jim Wharton at jimwharton@mote.org or by calling (941)388-4441x474.

Littoral Drift 19 Fall 2009

Many species of water birds nest, rest, and feed on Florida’s beaches. Common species include gulls, terns, skimmers, plovers, & willets.

Several shorebird species are in decline but there are ways you can help!

• Keep your distance. If birds appear agitated or like they are going to take flight—you are too close! (A distance of 600 feet is recommended) Walk around them to avoid disturbance.

• Keep out of posted areas. Spring & summer are nesting seasons and many bird eggs blend in per-fectly with our local sand! Areas that are marked are particularly important.

• Avoid running any watercraft close to shore. Loud noises & vessel wakes disturb feeding, rest-ing, and nesting activities.

• Keep your pet on leash. Dogs, even small ones, are viewed as potential predators and will most likely cause birds to take unnecessary flight possibly abandoning their nest.

• Finally, do what you do best-- Help educate others about positive shorebird etiquette.

(Information from: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. A Matter of Survival; Co-existing with Florida’s Beach-nesting Birds. www.MyFWC.com)

FUN FACTS TO PASS ON: SHOREBIRDS - COMPILED BY ANGIE GOLUBOVICH

THE FMSEA BOARD WANTS YOU!

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The FMSEA Board is seeking nominations for the positions listed below. The term length for Regional Directors is two years. Term lengths for other offices vary from two to three years. The ballot will be available in the next issue of the Littoral Drift and on the FMSEA website after February 1, 2009. Election results will be announce at FMSEA’s annual conference, which will be held in Sarasota, May 15-17, 2009. Questions regarding the nomination process or commitment requirements of Board Members can be directed to Leslie Sprague, FMSEA President Elect, by emailing leslie@cccturtle.org or calling (321)723-3556.

President Elect - 1 year Secretary - 2 years Membership Secretary - 3 years Northeast Regional Director - 2 years East Central Regional Director - 2 years Southeast Regional Director - 2 years

BOARD MEETINGS OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS The FMSEA Board meets several times a year at locations across the state. Taking place over a weekend, the extended time allows members to fully cover the many items on the agenda, as well as take-in some behind-the-scenes exploring of the host site. Board meetings are open to all members and we urge you to come! If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, but were uncertain how to do so - JOIN US! The next board meeting will be held in January or February. Look for details on the FMSEA Listserv or online at www.fmsea.org. Feel free to contact any board member (see page 22) for information on the next meeting.

Littoral Drift 20 Fall 2009

Dear Marine Science Education Community:

Thank you for your interest in participating in the on-line public review of the Scope & Sequence for the Ocean Literacy Principles. The review will take place on the virtual campus of the College of Explo-ration from November 5 to 19, 2008. We realize everyone is busy & no time is perfect for everyone, so we definitely want the review to be as flexible & accommodating as possible. That said, the review will be mostly asynchronous, but there will be two scheduled synchronous sessions.

The asynchronous session will take place as an Internet forum where the discussions are threaded and open anytime throughout the two-week period. A thread is a collection of posts displayed in chronologi-cal order. Reviewers can post comments, questions, feedbacks, critiques, etc, for other Reviewers to respond, react, support, challenge etc. Anyone can join the conversation at any time & stay on as long as they want/need/like to weigh in on any part of the Scope & Sequence -- even at 2 am to give their two cents on how the water cycle infiltrates all 7 Principles, if they so choose!

The two synchronous sessions still need to be finalized, but will likely take place on the two Mondays within that two week period, 10 & 17 November. On those occasions, they will start at a time most con-venient across all US time zones: 9am Hawaii time, 12pm Pacific time, & 3pm for the east coasters.

The discussions for the review will be found at: www.oceanliteracy.net.

Anyone will be able to read the discussions, but if you want to contribute to the conversations, you will need to log in. Creating a log in ID to the College of Exploration is easy, if you do not already have one. We are still in the process of preparing & uploading materials for the review on this site. So I will share some relevant background information with you here: (continued next page)

OCEAN LITERACY PRINCIPLES - REVIEW OF SCOPE & SEQUENCE

Littoral Drift 21 Fall 2008

1. The Scope & Sequence intends to show, graphically, (1) the science concepts underlying the Princi-ples and how they are connected; (2) developmental appropriateness – are the concepts appropriate grade bands and do they build towards higher-level concepts; (3) standards correlations; and (4) how instruction of the concepts might “flow”.

2. We created conceptual flow diagrams (CFDs) to organize and present the Scope & Sequence. A con-ceptual flow is an instructional sequence of concepts and supporting ideas nested in a hierarchy. It is distinguished from a concept map in that it addresses concepts in a unit of instruction and has both a hierarchy of ideas (indicating the relationships between and among the ideas) and a direction (i.e., the sequence for instruction of the unit). It is distinguished from an outline in that it is a dia-gram rather than pages of text.

3. For each of the 7 Principles we broke down the major ideas & concepts into four grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, & 9-12. So in total, we have 28 CFDs, one for each grade band for each Principle!!

4. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to review as many CFDs as possible. We want and need feed-back, critique, comments, suggestions, etc for all CFDs individually as well as within a Principle across all 4 grade bands & across all 7 Principles within a grade band.

5. Each CFD will have its own virtual breakout room & a facilitator. Here, reviewers and facilitators will chat, discuss, argue, review, and revise the content and organization of that CFD. We used CMAP Tools (http://cmap.ihmc.us) to create the CFDs, and share them with you as a PDF. Unfortu-nately, you will not be able to manipulate the components of the CFDs during your discussions, but we labeled each concept bubble on the CFD to assist your conversations. Facilitators are there to help keep the conversations on track & moving, and to update the CFDs in the light of these conver-sations.

6. During the review, there are several focus questions to guide your discussions & commentaries: • For the knowledge that is presented, is the science accurate & organized sensibly? • Is the knowledge that is presented developmentally appropriate for that grade band? • Are the concepts appropriately nested with biggest ideas at the top, smaller more fact-oriented ideas

below? • Do the concepts "flow" in a possible instructional sequence? • Is the wording precise and engaging; is it well written? • What state &/or national standards correlate with the concepts?

7. As a Reviewer, we ask that you bring your expertise in ocean science research and (formal & infor-mal) education to address the above 6 questions for the CFDs. This includes reviewing the contents of the concept bubbles and the connections & organization of the CFD, and making suggestions, as needed, for revisions based on conceptual development, developmental appropriateness, & stan-dards. You are free, and encouraged, to jump between CFDs in order to offer suggestions, make comments, identify gaps & connections, and simply, share your knowledge and experience.

If you have any questions about the process, Scope & Sequence, conceptual flow diagrams, etc, please contact Lynn Tran at lynn.tran@berkeley.edu. Thank you very much for your help.

OCEAN LITERACY PRINCIPLES. . .CONTINUED

Lynn Uyen Tran, PhD Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence Center for Research, Evaluation, & Assessment Lawrence Hall of Science University of California, Berkeley

Littoral Drift 22 Fall 2008

Southwest - 2008-10 Tim Oldread 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941)388-4441 x 369 (941)388-4381 Fax Tim.oldread@mote.org

Panhandle - 2008-10 Rich Abrams FWC - Marine Fisheries 2590 Executive Center Cr. Berkley Bldg, Ste. 204 Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850)488-6058 x 228 W (850)528-5487 Cell rich.abrams@myfwc.com

Northeast - 2007-09 Angie Golubovich Guana Tolomato Matanzas - NERR 505 Guana River Rd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (904) 823-4500 W Angie.Golubovich@dep.state.fl.us

West Central - 2008-10 Lauren Tyler The Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 (813)367-4017 W Ltyler@flaquarium.org

East Central - 2007-09 Edgar Comellas SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, FL (407)363-2394 W Edgar.Comellas@SeaWorld.com

North - 2008-10 Hugh Adkins Crystal River Marine Station 12646 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34428 (352)795-4393 W adkinsh@citrus.k12.fl.us

Historian Carol Leonard 7228 Sunnybrook Blvd. Englewood, FL 34224 (941)473-3292 H (941)474-7702 W (941)-474-8269 Fax Carol_Leonard@verizon.net

FMSEA Officers

Newsletter Editor Laura Diederick Smithsonian Marine Station 701 Seaway Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34949 (772)465-3271 W (772)465-3237 Fax diederick@si.edu NMEA Representative Jim Wharton Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941)388-4441x474 W (772)215-6232 Cell jimwharton@mote.org

Visit the FMSEA website at www.fmsea.org

FMSEA Regional Directors

President - 2008-09 E. Howard Rutherford The Pier Aquarium 800 2nd Avenue, NE Ste. 2001 St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3503 (727)895-7437x202 W (727)894-1212 Fax hrutherford@pieraquarium.org President Elect– 2008-09 Leslie Figg Caribbean Conservation Corp. 8385 S. Hwy A1A Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 (321)723-3556 leslie@cccturtle.org Secretary - 2008-09 Jeremy Lake Suncoast Earth Force 9214 Knights Branch Street Temple Terrace, Florida 33637 Email: JLake@Earthforce.org Phone: (813) 494-7619

Treasurer - 2007-10 Kathy Russell 85121 Tinya Road Yulee, FL 32097 (904)277-7350 W (904)225-9280 H/Fax krussty1@comcast.net Membership Secretary - 2006-09 BJ Viers 1042 Big Pine Key Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 (904)247-5973 W (904)247-5976 Fax bchguynfla@aol.com Past President - 2008-09 Jim Wharton Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941)388-4441x474 W (772)215-6232 Cell jimwharton@mote.org

Southwest - 2008-09 Sara Hamilton Island Dolphin Care 150 Lorelane Pl Key Largo, FL 33037 (305)451-5884 W (305) 360-7727 Cell sara@islanddolphincare.org

Florida Marine Science Educators Association

Membership Application

Date:

Name: Home Address: City: County: State: Zip:

*E-mail: In a joint effort to stay connected and support FMSEA’s ecological ideals, all new and renewing members will be automatically added to the FMSEA Listserv and moved to “electronic-only” distribution for the Newsletter. Please indicate below if: 1) you do NOT want to be added to the FMSEA Listerv, and/or 2) you would like to receive a hardcopy of the FMSEA Newsletter, The Littoral Drift, via U.S.Mail.

Do NOT sign me up for FMSEA Listerv. I would rather receive a hardcopy of the Newsletter via U.S. Mail.

School/Institution: Please check one (1) box that best describes your involvement in marine science education:

K-12 University Nonformal Government Student Other

Public Elem. Professor Aquarium Federal High School Year:

Other: Public Middle Instructor Zoo State Public High Museum County College

Year: Other: Sci. Center Parks Private Elem. Field educator Grad. School

Program: Private Middle Other: Private High Other:

Other: Home school Administrator Other:

May 1 to April 30 (full year) $20 Amount Enclosed:

October 1 to April 30 (half year) $10 1st Year Teacher (full or half year) FREE NMEA Dues (Affiliation Special) +$35 New member: ____ Renewing: ____ Life Membership $140

Enclose with payment and mail to: B.J. Viers, 1042 Big Pine Key, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Phone Contacts: (Home) (Work)

(Cell)

(Fax)

NMEA NEWS - Jim Wharton

What is FMSEA?

The Florida Marine Science Educators Association is a nonprofit organization whose members are dedicated to making the public more aware of Florida’s fragile coastline through education. The major role of FMSEA is to provide a medium for the exchange of ideas, informa-tion and resources among Florida’s marine educators. FMSEA is a chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA).

Florida Marine Science Educators Association Newsletter Editor, Laura Diederick Smithsonian Marine Station 701 Seaway Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34949

2009 Conference Registration Pack Enclosed, including:

• Registration Form • Lodging Information • Exhibitor Form • Presenter Form

At the Mid-Year NMEA Board Meet-ing, I was please to discover that FMSEA is not only the largest of NMEA’s Chapters (by a little), but also the Chapter with the largest NMEA membership (by A LOT). This is as it should be. Though I will con-cede that the NMEA member number is largely due to Mike Spranger and Florida Sea Grant’s generous donation at the 2007 conference, I would like to challenge the membership to show your appreciation to Mike and Sea Grant by renewing your membership this year. Make sure to visit http://www.marine-ed.org to learn how your member dues go to support NMEA’s Strategic Plan, its Ocean Literacy

efforts, and Current, the Journal of Marine Education. Also, feel free to contact Howard or myself if you’re interested in hearing any specifics about the education and conservation initiatives tied to NMEA’s new Strategic Plan.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Submissions are always welcome! Please email

pictures, articles, lesson plans and other items of

interest to Laura at diederick@si.edu.