Media Releases
Promises to The Ocean
Posted on: September 16, 2009
September 16, 2009 SIDNEY, BC — The visitor experience at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre on Sidney’s waterfront is far from passive. In addition to discovering microscopes, touch tanks, and knowledgeable Oceaneers, visitors are encouraged to get involved by making a pledge to the ocean at the Take Action Station. It’s a sea of blue post-it notes.
Since opening its doors in June, the Ocean Discovery Centre has seen several walls full of handwritten promises to the Salish Sea from visitors of all ages, totalling over 3,000 pledges. Angus Matthews, Executive Director at the Centre says, “Visitors are inspired by what they see in our exhibits but worry about the challenges the ocean ecosystem faces. They learn, discover and then do their part by making a personal promise to take care of our ocean.”
Each time the wall has been completely covered, the promises are carefully transferred to a binder for safe keeping. Here’s a selection of the most memorable ocean oaths.
“I promise to… keep loving and learning about nature and sea life till I’m old and grey.”
“I promise to… respect the beaches and land of the Coast Salish people.”
“Je promis de… prend soins de l’ocean et la terre.” (“I promise to… keep the world clean and the ocean cleaner.”)
“I promise to… enjoy the ocean shores and take home pictures and memories, not shells so that other sea creatures may use them.”
“I promise to… become an ocean scientist.”
“I promise to… be nice to the sea cucumbers.”
“I promise to… to come again and tell everyone I know to come too – this is an awesome place. I’ve learnt so much today.”
“I promise to… clean the house with environmentally friendly products, especially the sink, toilet and bathtub.”
“I promise to… respect all sea life in its habitat and not make fun of ugly fish.”
“I promise to… volunteer here someday!”
“I promise to… pick up plastic bags if I see them in the ocean so that the sea turtles won’t mistake them for jellyfish.”
“I promise to… keep our ocean safe and use my annual pass all the time!”
“I promise to… help take care of nature for my grandchildren.”
About the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is an aquarium and marine education centre focused on the amazing ecosystem of the Salish Sea. The Centre operates as a not-for-profit community facility that is self supporting through admission fees, grants and donations. The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is governed, funded and owned by the New Marine Centre Society. Funds for the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre were raised through generous community support, and a major donation from Shaw Communications. The Centre is located in a spectacular waterfront building in Sidney, BC.
- 30 -
For further information, please contact Robyn Waterman, Public Relations Manager, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, 250.665.7511 or pr@oceandiscovery.ca
Click here to download PDF version
