The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation would like to thank the esteemed group of professionals who made 'Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2002', June 4-6, such a resounding success!
This was a substantive focus on key ocean issues, including:
• Education: Creating an Ocean Literate Society
• Coral Reefs at Risk: Challenges and SolutionsBelow, you'll find our photo gallery, panel summaries, and speakers' remarks.
Click here for the Executive Summary.
‹‹ Admiral James Watkins, (USN - Ret.), Chair, U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Luncheon Keynote Speaker during 'Connecting the WOW!: Creating an Ocean Literate Society' "It is imperative that we have an ocean literate public which understands the role of the oceans and has the basic knowledge to be able to make the hard decisions relating to our use of the oceans and our impacts on them. We can only accomplish this through education of our youth who will eventually be the stewards of our natural and cultural resources."
View our Photo Gallery
‹‹ The Ocean Technology Fair, June 5-6, provided valuable information to an audience which is rarely given the opportunity to experience the oceans or ocean technology, firsthand. That audience included Members of Congress, their staff, the media and constituents. Those interested in becoming an Ocean Technology Fair Exhibitor during 'Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2003' are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible because space is limited.
Hosts and Partners
'Connecting the WOW! (Wonders of the Ocean World):
Creating an Ocean Literate Society'
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216
United States Senate
Washington, D.C."Knowledge of the oceans is more than a matter of curiosity.
Our very survival may hinge upon it.”
President John F. Kennedy
March 1961 message to Congress
Education Day Speakers' Bios
Opening Remarks:
Lori Arguelles
Executive Director, National Marine Sanctuary FoundationMorning Welcoming Remarks:
The Honorable Ernest Hollings
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation CommitteeThe Honorable Barbara Boxer
Member, Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation CommitteeMorning Keynote Speaker:
The Honorable Leon Panetta
Chair, Pew Oceans Commission
Summary of Remarks (57 KB)
Panel I: Connecting the WOW!: Formal Education
This panel stressed the need for stronger partnerships among educators and researchers to advance ocean science at all levels of formal education, and called for a nationally coordinated ocean science education program to achieve excellence and to promote the dissemination of new knowledge. It highlighted the notable successes of programs, such as the Consortium for Oceanographic Activities for Students and Teachers (COAST), the SEA Semester, and the JASON Project, and provided an inside view from alumnae. The panel also sited the need for a nationally coordinated effort to improve ocean literacy.
Moderator
Rick DeVoe, President, Sea Grant Association
Panelists
Paula Keener-Chavis
National Education Coordinator, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration
Dr. Sharon Walker
Associate Dean for Outreach, College of Marine Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi
An Exemplary Ocean Sciences Curriculum for K-12 Teachers” (3.9 MB)
Dr. Kevin Chu
Academic Dean, Sea Education Association
“The SEA Semester”
Sally McGee
Alumna, Sea Education Association
“The SEA Semester”
Kris Ludwig
JASON Argonaut, JASON Education Foundation
Panel II: Connecting the WOW!: Informal Education
This panel discussed highly effective informal ocean education efforts, such as Ambassadors of the Environment and the National Sea Grant Program, as a means of providing firsthand experience with oceans, freshwater and coastal habitats, and cutting edge science research. It outlined the benefits of popular informal education venues, such as aquariums and zoos, and how these entities might improve their education efforts. The panel also talked about successful government-sponsored community education and outreach efforts, highlighting the work of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Moderator
John Berry, Executive Director, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Panelists
Dr. Richard Murphy
Director, Science and Education, Ocean Futures Society
Dr. Valerie Chase
Director, Conservation Education, National Aquarium in Baltimore
Dr. Elizabeth Day
Education Program Leader, National Sea Grant Program
“Successful Informal Education Programs: Examples from the Sea Grant Network”Billy Causey
Superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Panel III: Connecting the WOW!: Non-Traditional Education
This panel stressed the use of media, primarily radio, television and the Internet, in non-traditional ocean education and outreach efforts, and highlighted some particularly successful partnerships. It demonstrated that non-traditional education programs play a crucial role in both educating and engaging people of all ages about ocean, fresh-water and coastal habitats. The panel also highlighted successful non-traditional education programs, including Rivers to Reef and KidScience, which enhance classroom education.Moderator
Keith Good, Physical Scientist, Minerals Management Service
Panelists
Cathy Sakas
Education Coordinator, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Sharon Hussey
Senior Vice President, Program, Membership and Research, Girl Scouts USAPatty Miller
KidScience, Hawaii Department of Education
Dr. Ellen Prager
Assistant Dean, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami
Luncheon Keynote Speaker:
Admiral James Watkins, (USN-Ret.)
Chair, U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
Afternoon Welcoming Remarks:
The Honorable Jim Greenwood (R-PA8)
Founder and Co-chair, U.S. House Oceans Caucus
Panel IV: The Future of WOW!: Increasing Ocean Literacy
This panel recommended specific steps that would help establish ocean literacy, not as an abstract goal, but as a national imperative. It requested more funding, better programs to educate our next generation of professionals, and greater collaboration to educate the public and our political leaders about ocean and coastal issues. Major emphasis was placed on expanding ocean science curriculum at all levels of formal education to insure that ocean science research would not suffer in the future. The panel also challenged all ocean education and outreach programs to make their messages meaningful to every person, regardless of age or background.Moderator
Eric Lindstrom, Oceanography Program Scientist, Office of Earth Science, NASA
Panelists
Francesca Cava
Education Program Manager, National Geographic Society
Dr. Carolyn Thoroughgood
Acting President, Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education
Vice-Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, Jr., (USN-Ret.)
Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, U.S. Department of Commerce
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.
President, The Ocean Conservancy
Captain Thomas E. ‘Ted’ Thompson, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)
Executive Vice President, Operations, International Council of Cruise Lines
Dr. Sylvia Earle
Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic Society
Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society
Panel V: Setting an Action Agenda
This was an open forum inviting members of the audience to share their thoughts about an action agenda for the future.
ModeratorLori Arguelles, Executive Director, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Key Recommendations from the Open Forum for an Action Agenda:
1. Expand the goal to create an ocean literate society internationally. Also, national ocean literacy must include a proper perspective of the U.S. role in both the problems and the solutions regarding oceans.
2. When it’s not possible to make oceans the agenda, weave oceans into the agendas that are receiving notice
3. Address population growth in efforts to address ocean issues
4. Form a group that can create a core ocean curriculum for universities
5. Encourage school districts to incorporate marine sciences into their curriculum requirements
6. Include teachers in the dialog because they know better than anyone what is needed in classrooms, K-12
7. Encourage textbook authors to use oceans and coastal habitats in their lessons
Coral Reefs at Risk: Challenges and Solutions
Thursday, June 6, 2002
B338 & B339 - Rayburn House Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.“We must no longer think of the sea as ‘mysterious’ … there are no longer ‘mysteries’; there are only
problems to which we must find the answers.”
Jacques-Yves CousteauCorals Day Speakers' Bios
Morning Welcoming Remarks:
The Honorable Neil Abercrombie (D-HI1)
Member, U.S. House Oceans CaucusSymposium Moderator:
Dr. Michael Orbach
Director, Duke University’s Marine Laboratory and Coastal Environmental Management Program
Panel I: Coral Reefs at Risk
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and productive communities on Earth. They are found in the warm, clear, shallow waters of tropical oceans worldwide. Reefs provide food and shelter to many fish and invertebrates, protect the shore from erosion, provide food and livelihood to millions of people worldwide, and serve as attractions and education tools to thousands. The reef-building corals, and their symbiotic unicellular algae (zooxanthellae), are the source of primary production in reef communities. However, degradation of these precious resources is apparent worldwide, and is largely due to climate change and human impacts, including over-fishing, exploitation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Integrated monitoring and management, increased public awareness, sustainable tourism, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are important steps towards increasing coral reef health.
Introduction
The Honorable Peter Deutsch (D-FL20)
Member, U.S. House Oceans CaucusPanelists
Dr. John Pandolfi
Research Paleobiologist, Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History
Lauretta Burke
Senior Associate, Information Program, World Resources Institute
“Assessment of Threats to the World’s Coral Reefs”Dr. John Ogden
Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography
Panel II: Finding Solutions: Sustainable Reef Fisheries
Economics are a powerful driver of action worldwide, and commercial use of coral reef ecosystems is no exception. There is great demand for coral reef resources as food (fishing), coral souvenirs, and tropical and exotic aquarium species. Regardless of whether the demand is to fill local needs or international trade, it can provide a driver for destructive fishing practices and over-fishing. The use of poisons, the removal of live rock, and the destruction of essential habitats can have serious impacts on the coral reef ecosystem. They can also reduce the productivity and value of reefs to local communities who depend on them, threaten food security and the livelihoods of those local communities, and threaten the natural treasure and worldwide interests of those who visit the reefs. To address these issues, possible solutions include retraining fishers in the use of environmentally friendly practices, providing incentives for sustainable use and collection practices, strengthening the management and enforcement of coral reef areas, increasing the number and effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas, and creating incentives for alternative and sustainable practices such as environmentally safe tourism.
Introduction
The Honorable Sam Farr (D-CA17)
Co-chair, U.S. House Oceans CaucusPanelists
Dr. Jim Bohnsack
Research Fishery Biologist, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
Anthony Iarocci
Commercial fisherman and member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Gerry Davis
Chief, Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources
“Sustaining Coral Reefs and Fisheries in Guam: Lessons and Recommendations”Dr. Barbara Best
Advisor, U.S. Agency for International Development
“International Trade in Coral Reef Animals: Causes, Consequences and Courses of Action”
Luncheon Keynote Speaker:Introduction
The Honorable Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA22)
Member, U.S. House Oceans CaucusSpeaker
Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society
“Coral Reefs: Making the Connection”
Panel III: Finding Solutions: Sustainable Coastal Development
In many areas, the decline of coral reefs is linked to a variety of human impacts including sedimentation, over-fishing, destructive fishing practices, anchor damage, hurricanes, diseases, and over-development. Unwise and sustainable coastal development can cause significant impacts on coral reefs, and is increasing in many areas. Sustainable and sound development practices are essential to avoid impacts on reef environments. Potential strategies include: national education and advertising campaigns; increased partnerships among managers, stakeholders, researchers and policy makers; focusing on managing natural capital; utilizing impact reduction technologies; integration of traditional knowledge in development of management plans; integrated watershed management practices; the establishment and enforcement of additional Marine Protected Areas, and increased coherent legislation and appropriate management of human activities affecting coral reefs.
Introduction
The Honorable Curt Weldon (R-PA7)
Co-chair, U.S. House Oceans CaucusPanelists
Dr. Robert Richmond
Professor of Marine Biology, University of Guam Marine Laboratory
“Coastal Development and Coral Reefs: Causes, Consequences and the Need for Solutions”
Janice Hodge
Director, Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program
“Reducing Impacts of Coastal Development on Coral Reefs in the United States Virgin Islands: Approaches, Solutions and Recommendations”
Dr. Richard Kenchington
Chair, International Coral Reef Action Network
“Reducing Impacts of Coastal Land Use on Coral Reefs” (PPT, 418 KB)Dr. James Ray
Manager, Environmental Ecology and Response, Shell Global Solutions (US), Inc.
Panel IV: Finding Solutions: Responding to Climate Change
Climatic effects are quickly becoming a driving force of the coral reef decline. As local and regional anthropogenic stresses continue, they add to and may accentuate natural and human-caused climate effects. Regardless of what action is taken now or in the immediate future, current science suggests that if global trends continue, climatic stress on coral reefs will continue to increase over the coming decades. Panelists suggested that action to reduce impacts from other, non-climate impacts was critical to help increase the ability of coral reef organisms to survive climate-associated impacts. The panel also highlighted the need to strategically focus on areas with the best chance of surviving climate changes, and perhaps prioritizing action to protect the least damaged reefs in order to preserve both the genetic stock and living reef. Increased establishment of Marine Protected Areas was recommended as a key management tool to address these needs. In addition, the panel highlighted the need for increased scientific research efforts and funding as vital to progress in this area. Recommendations were made to include integrated process science, remote sensing, local institution support, an in-depth study of coral diseases, sustained long-term monitoring and mapping, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate existing threats.
Introduction
The Honorable John Olver (D-MA1)
Member, U.S. House Appropriations CommitteePanelists
Dr. Robert Buddemeier
Senior Scientist, Geohydrology, Kansas Geological Survey
Dr. Robert Halley
Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, FL.
Slides: “Coral Reefs and Global Change: Long-term Responses in
Florida and the Caribbean”(PPT, 15.1 MB)Dr. Lara Hansen
Senior Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
“Taking Action: Responding to Climate Change” (PPT, 7.9 MB)Dr. John McManus
Director, National Center for Caribbean Coral Reef Research
“The Social and Economic Consequences of Coral Reef Degradation From Climate Change” (PPT, 11.9 MB)
Findings and Recommendations:
Reports from Panels 1-4
Panel 1: Dr. John Ogden
Panel 2: Dr. Jim Bohnsack
Panel 3: Dr. Robert Richmond
Panel 4: Dr. Lara Hansen
Symposium Moderator
Dr. Michael Orbach
Director, Duke University’s Marine Laboratory and Coastal Environmental Management Program
Discussion with Congressional and Agency representativesThe Honorable Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD1)
Chairman, U.S. House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and OceansThe Honorable Tom Allen (D-ME1)
Co-chair, U.S. House Oceans CaucusThe Honorable Jim Greenwood (R-PA8)
Founder and Co-chair, U.S. House Oceans CaucusThe Honorable Samuel Bodman
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of CommerceThe Honorable John Turner
Asst. Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Dept. of StateDavid Smith
Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, U.S. Dept. of the Interior
