The idea of One World Ocean is a relatively new way of thinking about the saltwater basins we all learned about in elementary school: the Atlantic, Arctic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern oceans. So why the emphasis on changing the way we think about our salty seas? Over 70% of Earth’s surface is ocean, and understanding its enormous influence on our planet and our lives on land is the first step to understanding the urgency to preserve and protect this life-giving resource.
The ocean supports a staggering diversity of life, providing more than half of the oxygen we breath, over one-fifth of animal protein consumed world-wide, and millions of livelihoods that stimulate local and global economies. Moreover, our dynamic global ocean system drives water and air currents that moderate weather and climate. As our atmosphere warms, those established systems wobble and the result is changing rain, weather and heat patterns, and more extreme weather events.
So, how can we possibly help mitigate the challenges facing this enormous system? We can all make a difference. Inform yourself about the science and local and global impacts of policy choices when you fill out your ballot. Consider the choices you make in your daily routine and the message you want your family and community to hear. Understand that while there is urgency, lifestyle changes today will have generational impact that put us on a path of conservation with long-term, positive consequences.
At Seacoast Science Center, we believe that science-based education holds the key to inspiring conservation and bringing restorative, positive change to our environment. Most importantly, there must be joy in learning. Every day, we see the excitement in the eyes of our visitors when they experience the wonder of our marine and coastal environment firsthand. By deepening our understanding and appreciation of the natural world, we gain insight to make informed decisions to take action to preserve and protect our planet.
This spring and summer, Seacoast Science Center is introducing new opportunities to explore and learn about the stunning diversity in Odiorne Point State Park and our coastal waters. Families and groups can explore tide pools to discover the role plants and animals play in the intertidal, including sea stars, crabs, snails, the rainbow of rich and life-giving algae. Kayaking tours will provide a new perspective on learning while recreating. A new community science program will provide ways to help advance knowledge of the biodiversity in our region. Indoors, a new investigation station will empower visitors to continue to inquire and learn about the natural world around them.
Whether you live in NH’s Seacoast, or are visiting from the heart of the midwest, our goal is to provide a memorable experience at SSC that sparks joy, inspires gratitude for our life-giving ocean, and motivates conservation to preserve the beauty and health of our Blue Planet
To learn more about Seacoast Science Center and its new opportunities, visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org. If you’d like to learn about how you can join us in our mission to inspire conservation of our Blue Planet, please contact us at 603-436-8043 or info@sscnh.org.
