2016

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Event Program

December 10 ● Mote Marine Laboratory ● Sarasota, FL

Empowering the next generation of ocean conservationists!

2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit Schedule

Saturday, December 10, 2016 – Mote Marine Laboratory

8:45-9:20 Registration/Check-in

9:30-9:45 Welcome to the Summit and Mote Marine Laboratory

9:50-10:20 Keynote Presentation

10:30-11:00 Youth Ocean Conservation Team member presentations

11:10-12:00 Morning Workshop Sessions:

Conservation Project Action Planning Session

Careers in Ocean Conservation

12:00-12:50 Lunch

(Lunch in two waves; Action Planning participants start at 12:00pm and Careers in Ocean Conservation participants start at 12:10pm)

Afternoon Workshop Sessions: 1:00-1:50 Workshop Session 1

Art in Action: Using the Creative Arts as a Tool for Environmental Conservation (Panel Session)- Moderated by Alyssa Irizarry with Panelists Ryan Sobel, Carly Mejeur

Canvassing the Reef – Presented by Amy Heemsoth Show me the money! – Presented by Howard Rutherford Reel Your Audience In! - Presented by Jennifer Gray How to Lead a Water Monitoring Event – Citizen Science In Action – Presented

by EarthEcho International Liquidate Lionfish – Presented by Sophia Meloro

2:00-2:50 Workshop Session 2

Art in Action: Using the Creative Arts as a Tool for Environmental Conservation (Panel Session)- Moderated by Alyssa Irizarry with Panelists Ryan Sobel, Carly Mejeur

Canvassing the Reef – Presented by Amy Heemsoth Show me the money! – Presented by Howard Rutherford Reel Your Audience In! - Presented by Jennifer Gray How to Lead a Water Monitoring Event – Citizen Science In Action – Presented

by EarthEcho International Liquidate Lionfish – Presented by Sophia Meloro

3:10-4:00 Workshop Session 3

Trash to Treasure: Making use of trash in a positive way! - Presented by Kim Bassos-Hull

The Science Behind Communicating Science - Presented by Sofie Wachtmeister Making ocean conservation films: a hands-on workshop about how marine-

science filmmaking can be simple, inexpensive, and fun! - Presented by Lauren Toth & Phil Gravinese

Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference! – Presented by Ben Duval Rising Tides: A Teen Panel

4:10-5:00 Workshop Session 4

Trash to Treasure: Making use of trash in a positive way! - Presented by Kim Bassos-Hull

The Science Behind Communicating Science - Presented by Sofie Wachtmeister Making ocean conservation films: a hands-on workshop about how marine-

science filmmaking can be simple, inexpensive, and fun! - Presented by Lauren Toth & Phil Gravinese

Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference! – Presented by Ben Duval Rising Tides: A Teen Panel

5:10-5:30 Closing and Thank You’s

2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

9:50-10:20 Keynote Presentation:

Chris Fischer, OCEARCH Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader

Chris Fischer, OCEARCH Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader, is an ocean

explorer who's led 25 global expeditions researching great white sharks, tiger sharks

and other apex predators to advance

conservation, education and public

safety. Through socially innovative

partnerships with Costa Sunglasses,

YETI Coolers, Shell, Contender,

Yamaha, SAFE Boats and Landry’s

Inc., OCEARCH travels the world

enabling teams of regional and

international scientists by providing

them with 15 minutes of unprecedented

hands-on access to mature sharks to

conduct approximately 12 studies on each animal.

In 2013, Fischer launched the Global Shark Tracker website and mobile app, used by

millions worldwide, as part of his vision for ultimate inclusion and open source sharing of

data. In 2014 he announced a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

(STEM) curriculum based on the Tracker, developed in partnership with Landry’s.

Teachers have downloaded more than 3.9K lesson plans to date.

He’s appeared in 210 TV episodes on the National Geographic Channel, HISTORY,

ESPN and others. His work has generated 8 billion media impressions worldwide,

furthering his mission of bringing the ocean into everyone’s lives.

Fischer is a recipient of The Explorers Club 2014 Lowell Thomas Medal for Imagination

in Exploration, joining the ranks of the world’s greatest explorers. He is the Founding

Chairman of OCEARCH, winner of the 2014 Nominet Trust 100 Award, recognizing the

world’s 100 most inspiring examples of social innovation.

Working aboard the 126 ft. M/V OCEARCH vessel, 131 scientists from 70 institutions are generating unprecedented research data, filling critical knowledge gaps to save sharks and human lives. More than 50 scientific papers are in process as a result.

10:30-11:00 Youth Ocean Conservation Team Presentations

Young people are stepping up and leading the charge to protect our planet’s marine ecosystems. Through this series of opening presentations, you’ll be inspired by our Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni as they share the conservation programs they’ve launched after participating in the Summit. Their projects range from marine debris prevention and environmental education efforts to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation programs. Through these presentations they’ll highlight their project planning process, lessons learned, and the impact of their efforts.

"Inspiration is around every corner at the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit. Personally, I found it in the amazing scientists and conservationists who are in attendance at the Summit as guest speakers or workshop leaders. There is so much to learn from the great minds that are working in the field of ocean conservation and marine research" - Monica H., Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni

11:10-12:00 Morning Workshops

Action Planning Session (recommended for first time participants)

Is there an ocean conservation issue you wish to address in your community? Join students from across the country, and work with ocean scientists and conservationists, to develop a project and action plan to help address relevant marine

conservation issues. This engaging session will walk you through the process of planning your own ocean conservation project and help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make your project successful! Afternoon workshops at the summit will help you further develop the skills you need to successfully implement your conservation project in your hometown and help protect our planet’s marine ecosystems!

Careers in Ocean Conservation (recommended for returning participants) Already working on an ocean conservation project and want to learn how to turn your ocean conservation work into a career? Then this workshop is for you! Join a panel of researchers, educators and ocean conservationists to learn about their career paths, educational background, and current day to day conservation work! You’ll also have the chance to have your questions answered by this team of conservationists, and they’ll share with you ways you can take action now to help with the ocean conservation work they do on a daily basis!

About the Careers in Ocean Conservation panelists:

Amy Heemsoth is the Director of Education for the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans

Foundation. She develops and implements innovative education projects and programs for K-12 students, teachers, and non-formal educators. Additionally, she enhances the Foundation’s community engagement through education and outreach.

Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Spring Hill College, a liberal arts school, in Mobile, Alabama. Later, she attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida obtaining a Master’s degree in Marine Biology. She conducted her research thesis on the diet composition of swordfish in the Florida Straits. Amy has over 10 years of teaching experience, working in both informal education including instructor positions at MarineLab and Seacamp, and in formal education including positions as a high school math and science teacher and a community college adjunct professor. Most recently, she worked as a Florida Keys Education and Outreach Coordinator for Florida International University.

Gary Bremen is a native South Floridian. As a boy, his parents took him to places with

names like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Carlsbad, and in so doing, set him on a career path as a National Park Ranger. Thirty years into that career (with 21 years of that being at Biscayne), he still finds enormous satisfaction in discovering the lesser-known aspects of the world around him. With a grateful humility, he understands wholeheartedly the phrase "livin' the dream," and seeks to inspire today's young leaders to do the same. He is the recipient of the National Park Service’s Freeman Tilden award for excellence in interpretation and the Crystal Owl award for training excellence, as well as a special award from the United States Coral Reef Task Force for his efforts to educate South Floridians about the park and its inhabitants. A proud graduate of the University of Miami, he lives in the little town of Wilton Manors with his partner Roger and their cats Neko, Oliver, Elliott and Murphy in an urban oasis filled with native plants and wildlife.

About the Careers in Ocean Conservation panelists continued:

Amanda Foltz’s career working with animals

began after she received her Bachelor's degree in Biology and continued her education to complete her associate's degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management. After finishing this program, she came to Mote to complete an internship with the Manatee Care, Training, and Research program, and was soon hired to work in the Sea Turtle Care department. Seeking additional experience working with marine mammals, she accepted a position with the Navy Marine Mammal Program in Georgia, where she worked with dolphins and sea lions. A year later, she returned to Sarasota and as luck would have it- accepted a position working with Mote's resident dolphins and sea turtle hospital. Most recently Amanda was given the opportunity to help design the new river otter exhibit, and to develop and head up the otter care and training program.

Stevie Freeman-Montes is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Sarasota, leading

efforts to make city operations more efficient, as well as supporting community-wide efforts towards resiliency and sustainable development. Among her current responsibilities are conducting a climate change vulnerability assessment, measuring greenhouse gas emissions, facilitating energy efficiency upgrades for city facilities, integrating climate adaptation into the comprehensive plan, and collaborating on code improvements related to sustainability. Stevie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a focus on Marine Biology and Master’s in Sustainable Development. She has over 8 years’ experience leading sustainability initiatives in the public and nonprofit sectors, including as a US Peace Corps Volunteer, helping establish a marine protected area and teaching elementary school on the island of Yap in Micronesia.

12:10-1:10 Lunch

While enjoying your lunch, continue to finalize the details of your ocean conservation project action plans, and take time to network with other youth attending the summit as well as the representatives from local environmental organizations!

Afternoon Workshops:

Use the below schedule to help select your afternoon workshop sessions. These workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to help launch your newly planned ocean conservation projects and/or continue to expand your existing conservation efforts! Complete workshop descriptions and About the Presenters can be found on the following pages.

Afternoon Workshop Sessions 1:00-1:50 Workshop Session 1

- Art in Action: Using the Creative Arts as a Tool for Environmental Conservation (Panel Session) – Moderated by Alyssa Irizarry with Panelists Ryan Sobel, Carly Mejeur

- Canvassing the Reef – Presented by Amy Heemsoth - Show me the money! – Presented by Howard Rutherford

- Reel Your Audience In! – Presented by Jennifer Gray

- Youth-Led Water Monitoring: Citizen Science & Activism– Presented by EarthEcho International

- Liquidate Lionfish – Presented by Sophia Meloro

2:00-2:50 Workshop Session 2 (Session 1 workshops repeat in Session 2)

3:10-4:00 Workshop Session 3

- Trash to Treasure: Making use of trash in a positive way! – Presented by Kim Bassos-Hull

- The Science Behind Communicating Science – Presented by Sofie Wachtmeister - Making ocean conservation films: a hands-on workshop about how marine-

science filmmaking can be simple, inexpensive, and fun! – Presented by Lauren Toth & Phil Gravinese

- Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference! – Presented by Ben Duval - Rising Tides: A Teen Panel

3:40-4:25 Workshop Session 4 (Session 3 workshops repeat in Session 4)

Afternoon Workshops: Art in Action: Using the Creative Arts as a Tool for Environmental Conservation (Panel Session) (Offered Sessions 1 & 2) The arts have long been used to communicate societal issues, educate people, and inspire dialogue and change. There is a growing need for scientists to make their findings accessible to the general public, and the creative arts can play an important role in helping people understand the threats to our environment and engaging audiences to become part of the solution. This panel will focus on the use of the creative arts and media in conservation marketing, raising awareness for environmental issues, and inspiring communities to take action. Moderated by an artist/nonprofit manager, the panel will feature local ocean artists and YOCS alumni who will speak to their personal experience and practice. Participants will come away with an understanding of the importance of using the arts in environmental outreach, and will brainstorm ways to integrate art into their ocean conservation projects.

About the Presenters: Organizer and Moderator: Alyssa Irizarry is the Program Manager at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes ocean literacy and advocacy through the arts. An artist herself, Alyssa’s career has focused on combining her two passions: environmental conservation and art. As an undergraduate, she spent a semester abroad in Baja California Sur, Mexico, where she studied coastal ecosystems and conducted research on the use of public murals as an educational tool by sea turtle conservation groups. Alyssa has been an educator on The Science Barge and at The Florida Aquarium, and she participated in a teaching fellowship at The Island School in The Bahamas, where she co-taught Land & Environmental Art. Alyssa graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Art History.

Panelists: Carly Mejeur:

Carly Mejeur is a Florida native, marine life artist and former art teacher inspired by her ocean hobbies and travels. Her current work, The Nautical Chart Series is about connecting marine life with specific locations, and accentuating the natural composition of the original charts. Her goal is to bring more awareness to ocean conservation. Natives feel proud to own a map of their home turf and protective of the sea life that they encounter on a regular basis, while visitors bring

home a special souvenir of the place where they met so many of Florida's gems to be remembered and cherished. After 5 years teaching elementary through high school art, Carly and her husband welcomed a baby boy into their family. She has now turned her part-time passion into a full-time career while she raises their son, Cody.

Ryan Sobel:

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ryan has always had a great interest in nature and the arts. His love for art began with simple pencil sketches. Soon, he had fallen in love with paints and brushes, leaving behind his sketchpad for canvas; painting nature and wildlife; soon to be joined by another subject, inspired by his captivation with astronomy. Although these two subjects seem quite different to be combined, they are actually quite similar. “Both the oceans and space have been called ‘our last great frontiers’. People may look up at the stars each night, or look out across the ocean each day, but it's strange to think how little we know about these places. They're out of reach to most people; and often, their mere existence is known to us solely through the pages of a book, or within our imaginations. This inaccessibility sparks curiosity and wonder.” And so, Ryan wanted to take advantage of this curiosity, as it has struck him as well, and combine these two subjects into one; offering a glimpse into worlds we have only just begun to discover. He has dedicated himself to using his artwork for conservation purposes. His work has been displayed across the U.S. in museums, aquariums, zoos, and other scientific institutions. He has had the opportunity to use his work to assist conservationists and environmental organizations reaching from the landlocked mountains of Colorado, to the sandy shores of The Bahamas. He hopes to continue this work and do all that he can to spread the message of marine conservation through the power of art.

Canvassing the Reef – Presented by Amy Heemsoth (Offered Sessions 1 & 2) Can’t make it to a coral reef? That’s okay. We will bring the reef to you! Join us for a hands-on session that integrates real life research techniques and data to your classroom/club/group using ‘reef on canvas,’ a custom-printed 1 meter x 10 meter reef photo. Moreover, discover coral reefs through specially produced videos. Throughout the world, coral reefs are rapidly declining due to anthropogenic (human induced) and natural threats. By studying coral reefs, scientists are able to better understand how to protect and manage these precious ecosystems. In order to get a complete picture of reef health, scientists must look at the entire coral reef ecosystem, rather than studying just one plant or animal. Scientists must observe not only what is present (animals, plants, etc.), but they must also understand the dynamics of that particular ecosystem. This includes studying relationships between organisms as well as organisms within their environment, including the ways humans interact with coral reefs. Join this

workshop and become a scientist for a day by learning the ways scientists determine the health of a reef through this informative presentation.

About the Presenter:

Amy Heemsoth is the Director of Education for the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. She develops and implements innovative education projects and programs for K-12 students, teachers, and non-formal educators. Additionally, she enhances the Foundation’s community engagement through education and outreach. Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Spring Hill College, a liberal arts school, in Mobile, Alabama. Later, she attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida obtaining a Master’s degree in Marine Biology. She conducted her research thesis on the diet composition of swordfish in the Florida Straits. Amy has over 10 years of teaching experience, working in both informal education including instructor positions at MarineLab and Seacamp, and in formal education including positions as a high school math and science teacher and a community college adjunct professor. Most recently, she worked as a Florida Keys Education and Outreach Coordinator for Florida International University.

Show me the money! – Presented by Howard Rutherford (Offered Sessions 1 & 2) Do you have a great idea and need financial support to accomplish it? Ever wonder to yourself, “Where do I begin the process to ask an individual, corporation or foundation for support?” Today, together we will walk through some "tricks of the trade" on how to 1) Identify and Research Prospective Funders, 2) Build Connections and Develop a Case Statement and 3) Identify Elements of a Strong Proposal.

About the Presenter:

E. Howard Rutherford returned to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science (USF-CMS) as Director of Development after a 13 year tenure as President/CEO with The Pier Aquarium d/b/a Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium. Before his tenure at the aquarium, Howard was a research associate in the nutrient chemistry laboratory at USF-CMS where he participated in research projects from the Bering Sea to the Arabian Sea to the Southern Ocean. He has witnessed firsthand the value and fragility of the marine environment, fueling his passion to share these discoveries with the public. His influence extends beyond Tampa Bay as a leader in ocean science education reform.

Currently, Mr. Rutherford serves as an advisory member to the Science Festival Alliance, a collaborative network of organizations, initiatives and individuals dedicated to building more and better science and technology festivals. As founding Co-Chair, Howard helped to establish the St. Petersburg Science Festival. This Festival is one of 24 national festivals included on a grant from the National Science Foundation to gain a better understanding of the impact of learning at science festivals. He has actively participated on the City of St. Petersburg’s Ocean Team, of which the College of Marine Science plays a major role. Howard also helped create the Florida Teen SciCafe network as part of Creating a Community of Practice Around a Proven Teen Science Cafe Model, a $2.6 million project funded by the National Science Foundation. Howard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Chemistry from Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL and attended graduate school at USF-CMS.

Reel Your Audience In! - Presented by Jennifer Gray (Offered Session 1 & 2) Once you have a great idea about ocean conservation you need to share that idea with others. Getting others interested will help you raise awareness about what you are doing. CNN meteorologist Jennifer Gray will lead a session on how to spread the word about your great idea. We will talk about storytelling, and grabbing people’s attention with video and sound. If you currently have a video talking about your project, bring it and Jennifer will offer critiques. Also, if you are looking to make a video, she will teach you the ins and outs of doing it effectively.

About the Presenter: Jennifer Gray is a meteorologist for CNN, HLN and CNN International, with a true passion for ocean conservation. Prior to working at CNN, she was a meteorologist for WTVJ in Miami. While in Miami, she co-hosted and co-produced 'Florida Insider Fishing Report' for Sun Sports and worked on several marine tagging programs in conjunction with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, raising awareness of conservation issues facing the oceans and the world’s fisheries. While at CNN, Jennifer has covered everything from blizzards, to hurricanes, to floods, to the algae problem Florida has faced. She has produced many stories for CNN and CNN.com that focus on our oceans and conservation.

Gray earned her bachelor's of science in geosciences and her broadcast meteorology certificate from Mississippi State, and she earned her bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. She is a lifetime member of the Coastal Conservation Association.

Youth-Led Water Monitoring: Citizen Science & Activism– Presented by EarthEcho International (Offered sessions 1 and 2)

Because water covers about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, it may appear that we have an abundant supply. It is important to realize, however, that 97 percent of the supply is salt water, and two percent is fresh water frozen in glaciers. That leaves only one percent as a readily useable resource to support drinking, cooking, bathing, agriculture, industry, recreation, and other needs. The limited supply of fresh water, and our dependency on it, means that we must use this resource wisely. Every human being plays an important role in caring for water. Throughout each of the world’s watersheds, people are the consumers of and the advocates for water resources. It is our responsibility to respectfully manage them. Government efforts alone cannot provide the range and variety of information needed to assess water quality in each watershed. Therefore, it is essential that citizens become involved in protecting the health of their local waterbodies. Citizens who are willing to build upon governmental efforts play an important role in helping to protect local watersheds. Join EarthEcho International as we provide training and technical assistance for youth to join citizen scientists across the world as part of the World Water Monitoring Challenge™ (WWMC). EarthEcho’s WWMC is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local waterways. Participants who complete the workshop will leave with a ready-to-use water quality test kit and be prepared to: · test and report on a body of water in their own community · access and utilize free water-focused environmental education content · formulate an effective message to reach out into their community and host a water monitoring event · join a youth-led social movement to protect water resources · and take action around water issues across the world

About the Presenter: EarthEcho International is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that youth have the power to change our planet. Established by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., and grandfather legendary

explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, our mission is to inspire young people worldwide to act now for a sustainable future. EarthEcho’s programs are developed for and by youth. All of our resources are designed to equip new generations of leaders and problem solvers to identify and tackle environmental challenges in their own communities and beyond. Our work is focused in three main areas: Inspiration, Cultivation and Activation

Liquidate Lionfish – Presented by Sophia Meloro (Offered Session 1 & 2)

Red Lionfish are an invasive species whose introduction to our waters has been called one of the worst man-made environmental disasters in history. This presentation will reveal why they pose such a serious threat, the impacts they have on our ecosystem, how they affect the human population and what we can do to help solve the problem. This presentation will also include a lionfish dissection!

About the Presenter: Sophia Meloro is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. She has volunteered at Biscayne National Park over the past year and has created and implemented a public education and awareness campaign about the invasive lionfish species. As a result of this campaign, Sophia has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award and presented at the first annual NMEA Youth Conference in June 2016. Sophia is a PADI certified scuba diver and is passionate about environmental conservation and marine issues. She hopes to save the world from disaster :)

Trash to Treasure: Making use of trash in a positive way! - Presented by Kim Bassos-Hull (Offered Session 3 & 4) ARRRT (Always Reduce Reuse Recycle Trash) For Conservation! Come join this workshop to learn all about useful ways "trash" can be used to make beautiful or useful things. Kim will highlight her research work with marine debris and how it impacts wildlife and habitats. Students will then have some hands-on activities working with trash (aka marine debris) that they can take to their schools or conservation clubs to promote awareness of marine debris and encourage conservation actions to reduce it in the environment. This will be a fun DIY (Do It Yourself) activity!

About the Presenter: Kim Bassos-Hull is currently a Senior Biologist with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Kim heads up the Spotted Eagle Ray Conservation Program at Mote and works closely with Mote’s Education Program as a research mentor (specifically the High School Intern Program). Additionally, since 1990 Kim has been studying dolphin populations off the southwest coast of Florida as a Research Associate with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (affiliated with the Chicago Zoological Society). Kim Co-Chairs the Florida Marine Debris Reduction Plan’s Wildlife and Habitats Impacts Group - working on solutions to reduce impacts on our wildlife. Since 2009 Kim has led a research project documenting spotted eagle ray biology, behavior, and fisheries impacts in Florida, Mexico, and Cuba and in more recent years has expanded to include manta and devil rays using tagging and tracking. One of Kim’s career goals is to connect research and education in order to inspire conservation action.

The Science Behind Communicating Science - Presented by Sofie Wachtmeister (Offered Sessions 3 & 4) Have you ever wondered what happens behind the computer? Behind the video screen? Behind the collateral that comes to you in the mail? All of this and more happens within a Communications department. Here at Mote, we strive to communicate the conservation, education and research efforts that happen daily through a variety of channels. Join Mote's Marketing Coordinator while she walks you through the department's goals, processes and successes during "The Science Behind Communicating Science."

About the Presenter:

Sofie Wachtmeister serves as the Marketing Coordinator in the Community Relations & Communications department at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Sofie is responsible for helping create advertisements for the aquarium and placing those ads in various outlets around the area. She also assists with communications plans for major events and future exhibits, project management and event planning of some aquarium and fundraising events, and maintains the organization’s social media sites.

Making ocean conservation films: a hands-on workshop about how marine-science filmmaking can be simple, inexpensive, and fun! - Presented by Lauren Toth & Phil Gravinese (Offered Session 3 & 4) Our workshop will focus on three topics that will help you create videos that will engage, motivate, and inspire audiences while working on a limited budget. First, our team expert team of marine scientists, educators, and professional film-makers will provide key technical tips in video production that will assist you in better planning, producing, and creating your ocean conservation films. During this part of the workshop we will demonstrate how to utilize widely available tools like iPhones, point-and-shoot cameras, and free filmmaking software to make inexpensive, but effective films. We will also share current “hot topics” in marine conservation, and offer expert tips on the various aspects of filmmaking including topics such as storyboarding, camera work, photography, recording, editing, and video distribution. We will then demonstrate how to turn conservation messages into short engaging stories by using skills like storyboarding to highlight the key points, and by generating hooks that will gain the attention of your audience. Finally, we’ll showcase creative examples from our Youth Making Ripples archive to demonstrate how you can create ocean-themed footage even if you don’t have access to the ocean by utilizing items available in most schools and homes. The workshop will culminate with students creating a storyboard for a short film pertaining to an ocean conservation message relevant to their interests and ocean conservation goals.

About the Presenters: Lauren Toth is a coral-reef ecologist who uses the

geologic record to answer important questions about the future of coral-reef ecosystems. She received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology, where she studied controls on coral-reef development in Pacific Panama over the last 7000 years. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the U.S. Geological Survey in Saint Petersburg, FL studying the causes of the historic collapse of coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Lauren also holds an undergraduate degree in film production from the University of Miami, which she is leveraging along with her science background to develop Beneath the Waves Youth Making Ripples initiative. She is dedicated to education and outreach and believes that our work as scientists can only reach its true potential when it is effectively communicated to the next generation of scientists and the general public. Philip Gravinese graduated from The Florida Institute of Technology with his M.S. in

marine biology in 2007. He then taught for Brevard Public Schools and Eastern Florida State College for several years before he returned to pursue his Ph.D. in 2011. Phil

brings over 8 years of teaching experience at the K-12 level to the Beneath the Waves team. Currently, Philip is a Ph.D. candidate at the Florida Institute of Technology. His primary research questions focus on determining how anthropogenic changes like elevated seawater temperatures and ocean acidification impact crustacean’s larval development, survival, and behavior. During his career, Phil has coupled his passion for science and outreach by creating films, publishing educational lessons based on his research, and more recently, promoting ocean conservation to the next generation of ocean enthusiasts by serving as the Co-director of our Youth Making Ripples program. Phil hopes that his work through Beneath the Waves and the Youth Making Ripples program will help promote ocean education and dismantle communication barriers between the scientific community and the public.

Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference! – Presented by Ben Duval (Offered Session 3 & 4) Learn the skills it takes to propose your project and express your passion for conservation not only locally but globally. This interactive workshop is dedicated to breaking you out of your shell and understanding the power of presentation. We will touch on the power of body language and being able to read your audience in order to achieve your goals"

About the Presenter:

Born and raised in Florida, Ben Duval’s love for the outdoors has lead him to be a novice marine science “geek” and Florida history enthusiast. His education has led him all over the United States and across the pond. With a degree in Theatrical Directing from Texas State University, he has studied in Ithaca NY, London, and all over Central Texas. Ben brings a proficiency in Public Speaking and performance as well as talent and event management and directing. In the Theme Park Entertainment industry he has worked with a wide range of skillsets and backgrounds. Ben has brought out the best in individuals from Professional Performers to Educators and even Elementary school students and allowed them to share their passions and knowledge with their audiences. Ben is enthusiastic about not only the environment but

sustainability and conservation. An avid fisherman, he is always reminded that “a bad day on the water is always better than a good day in the office.”

Rising Tides: A Teen Panel (Offered Session 3 & 4)

Your generation is one that can make a difference to help save our majestic oceans. Come learn how to inspire youth and create a better world for our marine neighbors. Join your peers on our Teen Panel as they share community projects and outreach programs they have started in the state of Florida. Each panelist will share their experiences and inspirational ideas to help you get your community project started. You will learn tips and tricks to help make your next project a success. This session is for teens by teens!

About the Presenters:

Our teen panelists are from all over Florida with a passion and enthusiasm for ocean conservation.

5:10-5:30 Closing Remarks/Youth Ocean Conservation Team/Evaluations

2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Film Competition Are you an aspiring filmmaker? Is there an ocean conservation issue you want to share with others? All students in grades preschool-college are invited to take part in the 2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Film Competition! This competition provides you with the chance to highlight an ocean conservation issue that’s relevant in your home town, create a short video to raise awareness about a conservation project, or film a public service announcement encouraging people to protect our planet’s ocean. The possibilities are endless – just use your creativity! Winning films will be screened as part of the 2016 Community Ocean Conservation Film Festival, which will be held on December 9th at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. Winners will also receive exciting prizes! Visit www.yocs.org to download the contest rules and video submission instructions! Deadline for video submissions is October 31, 2016. Good luck!

Come be inspired by the work of young conservation leaders through a showcase of student driven ocean conservation projects and films! Meet young people making a difference to protect our blue planet, hear from ocean conservation leaders of all ages, and watch a special screening of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation short film – Coral Reefs: Trouble in Paradise!

Where: Mote Marine Laboratory’s WAVE Center in Sarasota, FL When: Friday, Dec. 9th – 6:00PM doors open, silent auction/raffle fundraiser and conservation project showcase begins Admission to this event is free but seating is limited and attendees must RSVP to reserve a seat at: www.yocs.org.

Silent Auction/Raffle Fundraiser: Support the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit program during this event by bidding on marine themed silent auction items including art, photography, and ocean themed prizes donated by renowned artists and conservation organizations.

Join young ocean conservation leaders, special guests and members of your community to celebrate ocean conservation and 100 years of the National Park Service as we kick off the 2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit weekend! This year’s event will feature a variety of short films highlighting ocean conservation, and a special presentation - Songs and Stories from our National Parks! National

Parks are best known for wildlife and scenery, but the reasons our parks matter go far beyond the tangible. From Yellowstone to Hawai’i Volcanoes, Gettysburg to Biscayne - national parks are powerful places that impact people in extraordinary ways. At this year’s event, Biscayne National Park Ranger, Gary Bremen and South Florida troubadour, Grant Livingston will celebrate the National Park Service Centennial by blending music and storytelling to share deeply personal experiences from national parks across the country. This journey winds through a full range of emotions, from laughter to tears, and will leave you uplifted, proud, and anxious to create your own memories in your national parks.

2016 Community Ocean Conservation Film Festival

Celebrating 100 years of the National Park Service and the impact of young conservation leaders!

Location and Directions

The 2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit will be held at Mote Marine Laboratory. Mote Marine Laboratory is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. The event will kick-off and conclude in Mote’s WAVE Center located on the left side of the main entrance to Mote Aquarium.

2016 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Overnight Accommodation Options

LaQuinta Inn & Suites – Sarasota

1803 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 Phone: 1-941-366-5128 Special rate of $75.00 + tax per night for standard rooms with 2 double beds if you make a reservation by November 18, 2016! Up to four people per room. Special rate applies for the nights of

Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 2016

Be sure to call-in your reservation and indicate you’re with the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit to receive the discounted rate! ____________________________________________________________________________________

Groups of youth and adults traveling from out of town may also consider learning more about local ecosystems in the area by camping at one of the following state parks. For campground information/reservations visit: www.floridastateparks.org

Oscar Scherer St. Park 1843 S. Tamiami Trail Osprey, Florida 34229 (941)-483-5956

Myakka River St. Park 13208 State Road 72 Sarasota, Florida (941)-362-6511