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National Student Summit on Ocean Issues

National Student Summit on Ocean Issues

Coastal America coordinated a three day National Student Summit on Ocean Issues in Washington, D.C. January 14-16, 2004. The Summit included 100 high school students, teachers, and marine educators from 14 Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers (CELCs), as well as participation from the White House, the NOAA Science Center, the U.S. Ocean Commission, the National Geographic Society, Coastal America Partners, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Overview

The National Student Summit on Ocean Issues convened in Washington, D.C., from January 14-16, 2004. The Summit included 100 outstanding high school students, teachers, and marine educators, as well as participation from the White House, the NOAA Science Center, the U.S. Ocean Commission, the National Geographic Society, Coastal America Partners, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Students presented summaries of their regional issues to over 60 science experts at the NOAA Science Center. Repeatedly, the students emphasized the sustainability of fisheries, marine resources, and coral reef ecosystems as major issues facing our Nation.

After hearing regional presentations, the students prepared a national perspective of issues and recommendations. Students presented national concerns to a panel of three U.S. Commissioners on Ocean Policy and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest at a National Geographic Society dinner. The Summit concluded with students presenting personal Commitments to Action to six Coastal America Principals at a White House Ceremony. Other activities included participation in live-interactive learning programs featuring Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary, a presentation of National Geographic's Film, Crittercam, and a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The purpose of the summit was to foster interest in ocean science among high school students and to provide a student voice in the Ocean Commission's deliberations. The Summit builds upon the success of a number of Regional Student Ocean Summits that have been occurring around the country at the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers.
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Proceedings

Individual presentations from the Student Delegations cover a broad range of ocean issues that affect our country and coastal zone. These presentations are available for download below:

Sponsors

The National Student Summit on Ocean Issues was hosted by:

  • The Coastal America Federal Partnership
    • Executive Office of the President
    • Department of Commerce
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • National Science Foundation
    • National Geographic Society

In conjunction with:

  • The Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers
    • The Seattle Aquarium
    • Hatfield Marine Science Center
    • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • Aquarium of the Pacific
    • Alaska SeaLife Center
    • Waikiki Aquarium
    • Texas State Aquarium
    • Dauphin Island Sea Lab
    • The Florida Aquarium
    • IGFA-Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum
    • The South Carolina Aquarium
    • National Aquarium in Baltimore
    • New York Aquarium
    • The New England Aquarium

With special thanks to the Summit Co-Sponsors:

  • Coastal America Foundation
  • Consortium for Oceanographic Research & Education
  • Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership
  • National Oceans Industries Association
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Outcomes

Students at the Summit agreed to a series of 29 Commitments to Action related to the sustainable use of our ocean and coastal areas. The Student Ocean Summit Proclamation is available for download, in PDF format.
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Summit Photos

Students meet with James Connaughton, CEQ

Students meet with James Connaughton, CEQ

 

U.S. Ocean Commissioners and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest participate in the Summit

U.S. Ocean Commissioners and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest participate in the Summit

Students en route to make a presentation

Students en route to make a presentation

 

Sylvia Earle, Ocean Explorer, talks with students

Sylvia Earle, Ocean Explorer, talks with students

Students discussing ocean issues

Students discussing ocean issues

 

At the National Aquarium in Baltimore

At the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Senior Administration Officials listen to students

Senior Administration Officials listen to students

 

Listening to the student presentations

Listening to the student presentations

Students develop a presentation on national concerns

Students develop a presentation on national concerns

   

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Contact

For additional information on the National Student Ocean Summit, contact:

Marguerite Duffy
Deputy Director for Education, Outreach, and Communication
Coastal America
300 7th St, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250-0599
Tel: (202) 401-9923
Email: marguerite.duffy@usda.gov
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This page was updated Tuesday, 22-Jun-2004 14:55:00 EDT

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