Why Visiting Marine Education Centers with Students Matters

How Experiential Learning Can Promote Marine Stewardship

At Dolphin's Plus Bayside, marine conservation and stewardship are at the heart of our organization. As one of the earth’s most valuable natural resources, the ocean is far more essential to the health of our planet than many people realize!

Research has revealed that the ocean plays a vital role in everything from preventing climate change to producing food for people all over the world. Here are some of the many reasons that ocean conservation is such an important issue for current and future generations:

• The planet's oceans generate 50% of the oxygen we need to survive.
• Seafood serves as the primary protein source for over half of the populations of many developing countries.
• Over 3 billion people, or nearly half of the world's population, rely on the ocean for their livelihood.
• The ocean plays an invaluable part in reducing climate change by absorbing 23% of the CO2 emissions produced by humans each year.
• The ocean also serves as the world’s largest ecosystem, providing a home for nearly a million known species.
• The earth's oceans are a treasure trove of scientific discoveries, including the potential for innovative new medicines.

Yet, the Marine Conservation Institute estimates that only 3% of the earth’s oceans are effectively protected. Unfortunately, our planet's oceans are now facing an unprecedented number of challenges, from ocean acidification and pollution to rising water temperatures.

Teachers all over the world enjoy a priceless opportunity to ensure a better future for our planet by inspiring the next generation of ocean ambassadors. Visiting a marine education center like Dolphins Plus Bayside offers students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning opportunities designed to inspire marine stewardship among the generations of tomorrow.
Whether at a government or local level, marine stewards of the future will find themselves at the forefront of tackling issues such as sustainability, climate change, and marine preservation. Let’s explore how experiential learning works and why it offers a unique approach to marine mammal conservation education.