Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are being encouraged to take a few moments to reflect on the valuable contribution ocean ecosystems make to our daily lives. World Oceans Day is observed globally each year to highlight the importance of protecting and sustaining the world’s oceans and marine environments.
There are many ocean-themed virtual events being offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador World Oceans Day Planning Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Canadian Parks Wilderness Society NL Chapter, Fish Food and Allied Workers Union – Unifor and Marine Institute. Everyone is welcome to visit the World Oceans Day NL Facebook page for a list of in-person events and virtual activities, including:
- A virtual reading of the children’s book ‘Emily the Puffling’s Amazing Adventure’
- Atlantic salmon theme activities at Salmonier Nature Park
- A ‘how to’ video demonstrating how to make jellyfish art work out of a sea urchin
- Adult Ocean Trivia at Nine Penney Brewery
The World Oceans Day NL Facebook page is also showcasing the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture 2022 World Oceans Day Art Contest entries. This year, 719 submission were received from pre-K to grade 12 students throughout the province. Category winners are listed in the backgrounder below.
Department staff recently hosted World Ocean Day events at schools in the Coast of Bays and Burgeo areas which encouraged youth participation in a variety of fun-filled and educational ocean-themed activities.
Quote
“Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, our unique connection to the ocean has been integral in helping shape our culture and history. Congratulations to Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture staff and the entire World Oceans Day committee for engaging the public, particularly youth, in activities that highlight the importance of taking action to protect our sensitive ocean ecosystems and marine environments today and for future generations.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
– 30 –
Learn more
World Oceans Day – NL Facebook Page
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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
2022 World Oceans Day Art Contest Winners
- S. Nguyen – Pre-kindergarten student from St. John’s
- H. Penton – Kindergarten student who attends Fogo Island Central Academy on Fogo Island
- E. Hoffe – Grade 1 student who attends Fogo Island Central Academy on Fogo Island
- B. Peach – Grade 2 student who attends Southwest Arm Academy in Little Hearts Ease
- G. Rowe – Grade 3 student who attends Lakewood Academy in Glenwood
- A, Parrill – Grade 4 student who attends JRS Middle School in Labrador City
- E. Peach – Grade 5 student who attends Southwest Arm Academy in Little Hearts Ease
- P. Connolly – Grade 6 student who attends All Hallows Elementary in North River
- M. Hicks – Grade 7 student who attends St. Peter’s Elementary in Upper Island Cove
- A. Hill – Grade 8 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Albans
- L. Oates – Grade 8 student who attends École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s
- A. Yoga – Grade 9 student who attends École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s
- T. Cox – Grade 9 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Alban’s
- A. MacKey – Grade 10 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Alban’s
- J. Aylward – Grade 11 student who attends St. Gabriel’s All Grade on St. Brendan’s Island