Poster abstracts and manuscripts from the Third International ...

cartoon fish who encourages the youth to help make a difference
today so we can all share a better tomorrow.
54
In 1992, the Officer Snook Program was initiated by Miami Beach
Senior High School Ecology Club President, Jennifer Sevin, who is
now the outreach coordinator. To date, over 25,000 elementary
school students have been introduced to the Officer Snook
Program, which is now spreading across the national with the help
of the United States Coast Guard. The program is being presented
and exhibited at marine conferences and conventions; and both
high school students and adults are being trained by Jennifer to
be mentors of the program.
The Officer Snook Program consists of a 45 minute presentation
which includes the Center for Marine Conservation/NOAA video
entitled, "Trashing the Oceans." The program also includes handson
activities, slides, and frequently a United States Coast Guard
representative speaks about marine debris and U.S. maritime laws
and treaties, and answers questions from the students. All
students receive a complimentary Officer Snook educational
coloring and activity book. Officer Snook T-shirts are given to
all winners of the essay and drawing contest which is held at
each school. An Officer Snook Curriculum Book is available to
help teachers follow-up on the program.
The Officer Snook Program leaves students with a sense of
compassion of our planet, and the hope and determination to make
a difference. In turn, the children educate their parents,
family, and friends about the marine debris problem, helping to
expand the awareness, knowledge and understanding that the
Officer Snook Program gives them. Beach and bridge clean-ups and
school-wide recycling programs are just some examples of Officer
Snook activities.
The goals of the Officer Snook Program are to preserve our
natural resources, start recycling programs at all of our
nation's ports, encourage smaller packaging of products, expand
the use of recycled materials, and continue the education and
awareness of our youth about marine debris problems throughout
the world.
Slater, Janet
An Integrated: Four Year Marine Debris Survey/Monitoring and
Education Program in Tasmania, Australia
Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart City,
Tasmania, Australia
This (poster) presents, the results of a four year (ongoing)
statewide survey of marine debris around the coastline of
Tasmania, Australia, and also presents how the results were used
to design a comprehensive marine debris education program that
has successfully reached the fishing industry in Australia and
the wider community, and achieved changes to reduce the amount of
debris generated by the fishing industry.