On April 24, 2001, The Florida Aquarium, in partnership with the National Geographic Society, Coastal America (a consortium of federal agencies) and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, hosted a Student Ocean Conference for 60 middle and high school students and teachers from 15 schools. Students and teachers came from 4 counties: Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas. These 4 counties immediately surround Tampa Bay. While the conference was the 3rd in a series of Student Ocean Conferences, it was titled ROCS (Regional Ocean Conference for Students) to link it to 2 ocean conferences that had happened previously at the Florida Aquarium.

The primary goal of the conference was to inspire young people to think critically about some of the main environmental issues facing our nation, particularly as they relate to Tampa Bay. Through work with local and national science "experts," students were challenged to determine the main causes of 4 previously chosen environmental problems and to develop potential solutions to these problems. The topics were global warming, fisheries (primarily over-fishing of sharks), water quality (particularly runoff), and invasive plant species.

The day began with welcoming remarks and a viewing of the video "The Island." Following the video and a short discussion period, 4 presentations were given by technical experts, each addressing one of the day's highlighted topics. Students were then divided into groups and were charged with determining the main causes for their problem and possible solutions. Each group made a short presentation of their ideas, and a small panel of environmental experts was given the opportunity to ask questions of each group and provide feedback.

Prior to lunch, the participants were honored to receive the Keynote address by Dr. Sylvia Earle. While Dr. Earle has become well known the world over, students were especially intrigued by her Clearwater, FL upbringing. She is certainly an inspiration to students and teachers, and the evaluations often cited her "no one is exempt" quote. Many students commented that she is their role model, and hearing her speak in person was an honor that is difficult to verbalize.

The conference concluded with closing statements from Florida Aquarium Executive Director / CEO, Jeff Swanagan. He commented that the gathering of students, teachers, and experts was an extremely rewarding event for all involved.

The Florida Aquarium Student Ocean Conference marked the first of the Conferences to host a pre-conference teacher's workshop. The Aquarium brought the teachers together for a mandatory 1-day orientation, providing them with a variety of resources from participating organizations and agencies to help prepare the students for the workshop.

This conference was yet another great success in the series of Student Ocean Conferences!

Student Evaluations   When asked for their favorite quote from Dr. Sylvia Earle, some students recalled the following comments: I danced with an octopus. No one is exempt. There is still hope. When asked to complete a sentence, one student responded: [Before I came to the Student Conference I thought]…that one person couldn't change the world, [and now I think]…that every voice counts. When asked about the most important decision that they can make to influence the marine environment: To take care of it and make other people aware of the problems. To be aware, especially of issues such as we talked about today. I'm going to be a marine scientist. When asked to make a hypothetical comment on the environment for a newspaper, magazine, or television news report, what would you say? We all helped to pollute the earth. Why can't we all help clean it up? That kids today are becoming more aware and trying to make a difference. That our teachers should be thanked for putting that love and knowledge in our hearts. …we are the ones that will be around to make the difference. Other comments? Tell Dr. Earle that I will see her underwater!