Hatfield Marine Science Center

Introduction

The sixth in a national series of Student Ocean Conferences was presented at the Hatfield Marine Science Center February 22, 2002 in Newport, Oregon. The goal of the conference was to provide high school students with a realistic look at the issues and guidelines for establishing a marine reserve. The students had the opportunity to hear two excellent speakers and then break into groups to discuss a marine reserve for the state of Oregon.

Activities

After checking in and touring the HMSC exhibits, the students heard two speakers. The first was the keynote speaker, Robert Bailey from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. Mr. Bailey is the leader of the Marine Reserve committee for Oregon. Following Mr. Bailey was Marjorie Ernst, who is an Environmental Protection specialist with the NOAA National Marine Protected Program. Ms. Ernst's talk focused on providing a national perspective on Marine Protected Areas.

Next, the students were divided into small groups where they were challenged to select and designate a marine reserve for Oregon. Each group was provided with a facilitator and experts to help them to reach a conclusion. After the group discussions, the students reassembled to present their decisions for designating and regulating a Marine Protected Area.

Student Comments

As a result of the conference:

• 83% that their understanding of federal and state efforts to establish marine protected areas increased as a result of the conference.
• 80% of the students increased their understanding of marine protected areas.
• 66% of students stated that their understanding of the need for marine protected areas had increased significantly.
• 64% of the students also felt that they had a better understanding of the controversies and issues surrounding the designation of marine protected areas.
• 62% of the students said that they felt their knowledge of the Oregon coast and current marine issues had significantly increased.
• 27% of students said that their confidence for giving presentations in front of large groups increased.