Ocean Matters

Ocean Matters is proud to welcome Cadey Ryce, who was previously a member of our Ocean Matters Team Ocean, to a new role mentoring and supporting our current Team. Here are some of Cadey’s reflections on her journey thus far.

"One thing about me is I love to gain experience and then teach those around me about what I learned. That is why I am so excited to help Ocean Matters students how to be strong leaders in the realm of marine science. Specifically, in my written work I have touched on, and for my masters thesis, I have emphasized the need for stewardship in youth, especially women in STEM." - Cadey

Join Us in Welcoming Cadey: Our New Team Ocean Youth Mentor | Ocean Matters Ocean Matters is proud to welcome Cadey Ryce, who was previously a member of our Ocean Matters Team Ocean, to a new role mentoring and supporting our current Team. Here are some of Cadey's reflections on her journey thus far. by Cadey Ryce I am so excited to be joining the Ocean Matters team again!

A bright blue light just moved heavenward.

We are heartbroken to hear that our watery plane has lost Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. J. was a big supporter of Ocean Matters over the years and a true pioneer, founding the BlueMind movement at a time the world so desperately needed the healing of fresh and deeply authentic voices, just like his. J was one-of-a-kind in a world where that is rare.

Several years ago our founder Laura Parker Roerden was fortunate to present at BlueMind 3, the annual conference led by J. that explores the poetic question, "Why do we love water?"

The answer to this question over the past 10-years has only become more relevant and is definitely getting traction in health care circles, because there is legitimate science now to back up the claim: time spent in nature is healing. We sincerely think a lot of what ails us is because we are too disconnected from the power and integrity of nature, which helps us reflect both in our own lives

We're grateful forever for J's incredible work, but more so for the way he walked in the world---committed to live his truth that water held the key to so much. His gentle manner and love for all has ripples that will never end.

But he will be deeply missed.

Our hearts goes out to his wife Dana and his two daughters and his many, many dear loved ones.

WIshing you water, friend.

Thanks to Rarefied Creative for this beautifully inspiring design for our Team Ocean young people and for your support over the years. We love this shout out about our Team Ocean's conservation work for World Oceans Day and we love you all, too.

On we absolutely love this message from Ocean Matters Team Ocean leader Sophie (then age 15).

"What I really believe is important is that you're not small in this world. You might think you are small. But you can actually do something that can change the world."

Yes. Yes, you can.

✂️ You can change the world. 10 seconds · Clipped by Laura Parker Roerden · Original video "We Need YOU on Team Ocean! Join Ocean Matters teens in rising for the sea!" by Laura Parker Ro...

What a night it was! Thank you to everyone who supported our Team Ocean teens by coming out to hear them present with Emmy-award winning photojournalist and founding director Brian Skerry at our partner for the event's beautiful venue in Brewster: the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. The ripples from that evening will continue radiating out for a long time.

Please join us by making a Team Ocean pledge for an action you'll take to support healthier seas. Because. . .it takes everyone.

Going Deeper | Ocean Matters Ocean Matters Teens, Brian Skerry, and Stories about Whales Remind Us of the Power of Communal Action by Arcadia Davies, Ocean Matters Teen Advocate Leader I just want to thank everyone for coming out and making that night as wonderful and special as it was! Just by showing up you all are making the...

Meet our dedicated, youth-leaders presenting with Emmy Award winner Brian Skerry at our joint event on Thursday July 27, at 6pm!

🌊Jack hails from Boston and is currently a rising sophomore at Loyola Marymount College. In addition to being on our Team Ocean Youth Leadership Council, he is interning with Ocean Matters for the summer.
🌟“Without our ocean, life on our would not be sustainable, thus, it is our duty to protect the ocean from threats like climate change and pollution.”

🌊Team Ocean teen leader Cheyenne, age 17, is from our Florida project has found connection and meaning in the ocean her whole life. She exemplifies why youth leadership is important and how the ocean matters.
🌟”The ocean has always been more than just a place to go swimming. I feel it in my veins and a connection like no other. I find it almost hard to put into words except to say it is my grace and spiritual place that I can turn to at anytime. It soothes and calms me to watch the tides roll in and out.”

🌊17-year old Alena is from Ohio and is a passionate about protecting the marine environment. She serves on the Ocean Matters Team Ocean Youth Leadership Council.
🌟”My unique perspective comes from my passion for the environment and specific environmental issues. Because I have this passion, I have taken advantage of many opportunities, such as Ocean Matters, to further educate myself on conservation issues. My curiosity is constantly fueled by the knowledge I already have, with new questions constantly arising that I want to find the answer to.”

🌊18-year old Isabella (Isa) is from Florida and was with Ocean Matters this past summer doing coral restoration work in Key Largo for our Ocean Matters Florida Marine Ecology Expedition. Isa is passionate about marine biology, ocean conservation and its intersection with art.
🌟”My passion for the ocean has definitely been shaped by my perspective as an artist. I love science immensely, but I also love art and all things creative, which has greatly shaped my view of the ocean. I find that I’m most passionate about the more poetic and artistic things within the ocean.”

🌊Join Ocean Matters and the Cape Cod Museum of National History for an unforgettable evening full of inspiration and hope!

🌊Get your tickets here!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/an-evening-with-brian-skerry-tickets-136709

June 8th is World Ocean Day!

We know so many of you love the ocean. How about we show the ocean some love?

🐬Drop a note here on why the ocean matters to you.

🐬Make a pledge at our website for one action you will take to help support healthy seas and tag us on social media to spread the love and inspire others to join. Matters or IG

🐬See below for tips on ways to make a difference!

https://www.oceanmatters.org/team-ocean/

Team Ocean | Ocean Matters Our Team Ocean Teen Leaders (TOTL) are building a movement for the sea: one person at a time, one action at a time. Teens who join Ocean Matters for a project in Florida, Hawai'i, or Honduras, are eligible to join our youth leadership council Team Ocean Teen Leaders (TOTL). Through monthly meetings,...

Middle and High School Students: One more month to submit to the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest!

Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity. Two of our Ocean Matters Team Ocean Teen Leaders have won in the past.

This is great way to advocate for our beautiful blue planet!

There is still plenty of time to apply for our Florida Marine Ecology Expedition! By attending you could earn a PADI Open Water scuba certification, snorkel with manatees in Crystal River, observe nesting sea turtles and so much more! We have teamed up with Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Coral Restoration Foundation for an adventure packed 10 days! What are you waiting for?! Apply today!
Deadline is April 3!

Click here now! 🐬✨

https://www.oceanmatters.org/florida-marine-ecology-expedition-june-17-27-2019-a-joint-project-of-ocean-matters-the-clearwater-marine-aquarium/

Happy ! We have been incredibly lucky to work with strong, confident & dedicated women! They continue to be an inspiration to us everyday! 💪🏼💫

Are you interested in joining our compassionate youth leaders? Click the link below!

https://www.oceanmatters.org/florida-marine-ecology-expedition-june-17-27-2019-a-joint-project-of-ocean-matters-the-clearwater-marine-aquarium/

TEENS! 📣📣📣

It’s that time again! We are currently taking applications for our Florida Marine Ecology Expedition taking place this summer! Join Ocean Matters from June 20-30, 2023 for 10 exciting days of marine education and conservation with Clearwater Marine Aquarium, hands on training with Coral Restoration Foundation, learn how to scuba dive and earn a PADI open water scuba certification plus so much more!

Interested in learning more/applying? Click here!

Florida Marine Ecology Expedition, June 20-30, 2023: in partnership with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Ocean Matters Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax Join other teens from Florida and all over the world for the Florida Marine Ecology Expedition and learn how you can be part of the solution to the many problems facing our oceans. The

Who else thinks this is FIN-tastic?

An art teacher in Michigan is causing a stir with her yard full of sharks.
READ MORE: https://trib.al/nZIXdby

Our hearts go out to our partners for the Florida project: the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the wonderful group of aquarists, vets, educators, and marine biologists who make CMA such an inspiring place. Rescue and rehabilitation takes the courage to care. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Hemingway.

As the writer Hemingway himself once noted, only those who live in proximity to death live their lives to the fullest.

Don't miss out! Teens (age 15+) get your applications in for this summer's Florida Marine Ecology Expedition, June 20-30, 2023 in conjunction with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Coral Restoration Foundation. This summer program combines service, scuba, leadership training, and marine science!

✅ Become PADI Open Water scuba certified
✅ Learn about dolphin, turtles, and manatees and our watershed
✅ Restore the coral reef in Key Largo on scuba
✅ Opportunity to extend the learning by serving on our Youth Leadership Council for the year following (included).

And so much more!

Scholarship is available, because of our generous donors.
Please help us spread the word. Because sharing is caring and the ocean does truly matter!

“Amazing trip! So thankful for everything—the experiences, scuba certification, the friends I’ve made. This has honestly been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life—will never forget it!” — Ellie

More info here: https://www.oceanmatters.org/florida-marine-ecology-expedition-june-17-27-2019-a-joint-project-of-ocean-matters-the-clearwater-marine-aquarium/

Teens (ages 15+)!
Get your applications in for this summer's bi-coastal Florida Marine Ecology Expedition (June 20-30, 2023) held in conjunction with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Coral Restoration Foundation. This summer program combines service, scuba, leadership training, and marine science.

✅ Become PADI Open Water scuba certified
✅ Learn about dolphin, turtles, and manatees
✅ Restore the coral reef in Key Largo on scuba
✅ Opportunity to extend the learning by serving on our Youth Leadership Council for the year following (included).

And so much more!

Scholarship is available, because of our generous donors.
Please help us spread the word. Because sharing is caring and the ocean does truly matter!

“Amazing trip! So thankful for everything—the experiences, scuba certification, the friends I’ve made. This has honestly been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life—will never forget it!” — Ellie

Florida Marine Ecology Expedition, June 20-30, 2023: in partnership with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Ocean Matters Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax Join other teens from Florida and all over the world for the Florida Marine Ecology Expedition and learn how you can be part of the solution to the many problems facing our oceans. The

Once you realize that the ocean is full of hidden life, it's difficult to take it for granted.

These Gorgeous Photos Capture Life Inside a Drop of Seawater A passion for the infinitesimal leads a photographer to discover the countless creatures that live unseen in the ocean

We work closely with other nonprofits that impact the ocean, as partners, but also just as friends. From time to time we will be featuring their work, as a way to remind us all that we are all on Team Ocean.

Today we want to talk penguins. Because who doesn't love 'em? First: why do penguins matter to the ocean?

"Penguins do far more than make us smile, however; they also play important roles in ecosystems both in the ocean and on land. Penguins—adults, young and eggs—serve as food for predators such as leopard seals and seabirds in cold areas, along with foxes, leopards, and even crabs in warmer climates. By chasing after fish, squid and krill, they affect prey populations wherever they hunt. They carry nutrients between land and sea, and enrich both with their f***s. Some burrowing species even modify the landscape as they dig nests into the ground."

Nonprofit Oceanites is on their way on expedition to survey declining populations in Antarctica.

Their work will focus on documenting the devastating impact of climate change. Sadly, initial reports for this penguin breeding season are very disconcerting as it appears there is an ongoing massive breeding failure because of the tremendous amount of snow. Amounts of snow never seen in the recorded history of Antarctica expeditions.

Warming temperatures translates into much larger and faster evaporation and when combined with the temperatures of Antarctica in the winter months - that equates to much more snow which in turn inhibits the breeding of the 3 species of penguins that have been living in Antarctica for between 30-50 million years. The species are the Adélie penguins, Chinstraps and Gentoo.

Consider liking and following them on their new website page.
https://Oceanites.org where they will be posting pictures, videos from spectacular drone footage as well as occasional commentary from the Scientists and Researchers who are accompanying them.

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/seabirds/penguin-health-equals-ocean-health

Penguin Health Equals Ocean Health Breadcrumb Home Ocean Life Seabirds http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/seabirds/penguin-health-equals-ocean-health Penguin Health Equals Ocean Health Article Penguin Health Equals Ocean Health Magellanic penguin parents typically lay two eggs under a bush or in a burrow, taking turns swimming out to sea...

"It takes everyone to help keep our oceans healthy. I wish more people could spend some time in the ocean surrounded by the magic that happens there. How beautiful it is to see a mother manatee and her baby interact and chew on grass: the sound that they make while eating and the in-awe moments of the baby making noises. . ."

Cheyenne, age 17.

We think there is plenty of reason to be hopeful for our world oceans when they are in the next generation's hands.

Meet Cheyenne from our Youth Leadership Council | Ocean Matters Team Ocean teen leader Cheyenne, age 17, is from our Florida project has found connection and meaning in the ocean her whole life. She exemplifies why youth leadership is important and how the ocean matters. 1) What did you receive from your involvement in Ocean Matters that will stay with you movin...

We're so proud of Ocean Matters Teen Leader Isabella Campos (age 17) of our Florida project for her Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs wins and recognition of her impactful art on behalf of the coral reef.

If you want to purchase It Takes Everyone T-shirts or Rash Guards to support teens efforts on behalf of healthy oceans you can do so here:

https://lnkd.in/eHWvuDyq

Great summer INTERNSHIP opportunity: Scientists in the Park!

INTERNSHIP ALERT!!!!

Maybe you’ve always imagined yourself working outside. Maybe you’ve considered a professional career in the sciences. Or maybe you’ve just dreamed about an office with a truly jaw-dropping view.

If so, maybe Scientists in Parks is for you!

Every year, the Scientists in Parks work experience program places hundreds of aspiring professionals across the National Park System to work on natural resource management needs. The program is committed to providing all aspiring professionals—especially those underrepresented in science—with a unique opportunity to work on important real-world projects while building professional experience and a life-long connection to America’s national parks.

In 2023, Biscayne National Park will be hosting TWO Scientists in Parks interns. One internship will focus on coral restoration and the other will assist on projects related to fisheries, sea turtle nesting and other resource management activities.

If you or someone you know might be interested in applying, check out
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/science/scientists-in-parks.htm for more details, including internship specifics, how to apply, and qualifications.

For more details on the Coral Restoration internship, visit https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/p/c7c1d09f7fba-ecology-assistant

For more details on the fisheries and sea turtle internship, visit: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/job/natural-resource-management-assistant-dha-5/

The internship application period closes on January 22, 2023.
We hope you'll consider applying!

NPS Photo shows a student intern snorkeling in clear blue water.

Teens (ages 15+)!

Get your applications in for this summer's bi-coastal Florida Marine Ecology Expedition (June 20-30, 2023), which combines service, scuba, leadership, and marine science.

✅ Become PADI Open Water scuba certified
✅ Learn about dolphin, turtles, and manatees and challenges facing the watershed
✅ Restore the coral reef in Key Largo

And so much more!

Scholarship is available, because of our generous donors.

Please help us spread the word. Because sharing is caring and the ocean does truly matter!

“Amazing trip! So thankful for everything—the experiences, scuba certification, the friends I’ve made. This has honestly been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life—will never forget it!” — Ellie

Florida Marine Ecology Expedition, June 20-30, 2023: in partnership with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Ocean Matters

Our Youth Leadership Council is fueled by passion. Meet Alena from Ohio!

"My curiosity is constantly fueled by the knowledge I already have, with new questions constantly arising that I want to find the answer to."

Meet Alena from our Youth Leadership Council | Ocean Matters 17-year old Alena is from Ohio and is a passionate about protecting the marine environment. She serves on the Ocean Matters Team Ocean Youth Leadership Council. 1) What did you receive from your involvement in Ocean Matters that will stay with you moving forward?What will stay with me from Ocean Mat...

Who wants to meet our Team Ocean's Youth Leadership Council?

First up is 17-year old Isa from Florida. . . .

Isabella (Isa): "It’s amazing to know that I have a whole team of people that I know will always have my back in any sort of ocean-related activism I or any of the rest of the group want to do or are currently doing."

Isa shared some other thoughts about what's happening with the ocean and her place in it all in this recent interview. Please check out her beautiful ocean conservation art-ivism. We think it's particularly inspiring.

(Don't forget to head over to Instagram to follow the Youth Leadership Council's account: )

Ocean Matters Team Ocean’s Youth Leadership Council Launches New Instagram Account | Ocean Matters Let's Meet our Ocean Matters Youth Leadership Council! First up is 17-year old Isabella (Isa) from Florida, who was with Ocean Matters this past summer doing coral restoration work in Key Largo for our Ocean Matters Florida Marine Ecology Expedition. Isa is passionate about marine biology, ocean con...