The International SeaKeepers Society and a group of children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County are expected to board DISCOVERY Yacht Defiance at Newport Shipyard. They will be hosted by charter yacht Defiance in order to learn about plastic pollution and ocean sustainability, and participate in the deployment of a biodegradable coastal drifter.
Onboard motor yacht Defiance, a team of scientists from The International SeaKeepers Society and Massasoit Community College will use presentations and hands-on activities to teach the children about ways plastic pollution ends up in the oceans, the negative effects plastic pollution has on marine life, and actions that everyone can take to become more environmentally friendly. The children will learn about ocean currents, and decorate and deploy a biodegradable coastal drifter, an instrument that will measure currents in the region. A plankton net tow will give the children the opportunity to examine plankton and the negative impacts of plastic pollution on marine life. The scientists will provide microscopes so the children can observe and learn about harmful plastic microbeads, found in common products like toothpaste, that end up in the ocean.
The outreach program will consist of children nine to 10 years old that typically spend their summer days at Camp Grosvenor, in Saunderstown, Rhode Island. The camp extends over 95 pristine acres along the Pettaquamscutt River and offers various activities including ecology lessons and creature exploration.
The program includes six educators who focus on ocean conservation including, SeaKeepers Director of Programs and Policies, Angela Rosenberg; DISCOVERY Yachts member and Co-Owner and Founder of Global Oceans, Claudia Potamkin; Co-Owner and Founder of Global Oceans, Captain Sandra Yawn; Founder of Ports of Cause, Joyce Clear; and Melany McFadden, a Professor of Earth Science at Massasoit Community College. A number of Camp Grosvenor counselors will also attend the program.
