How Early Marine Life Encounters Shape Future Conservationists

Ocean literacy is one way to protect marine life and their environment. Although there’s nothing like being out in open water and seeing animals in the wild, it might not always be easy to arrange a trip. What’s the next best thing? A visit to a marine life theme park, like SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Marine life encounters in Abu Dhabi provide a unique experience for visitors to the capital city. But these encounters also present an opportunity to inspire your kids to learn more about the ocean, its importance, and conservation.

Protecting a Precious Resource

Oceans take up about 70% of the Earth, and they’re home to more than 80% of the planet’s biodiversity. It is teeming with life, from microscopic plankton and reef-dwelling fish to apex predators and marine megafauna. Not only is it home to a rich flora and fauna, but oceans provide oxygen and regulate the world’s climate.

But this precious resource is in a precarious state due to human activities, from overfishing to pollution. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) projects that by 2100, more than half of the world’s marine species could face extinction. With the current warming rate not seen in the past 10,000 years, marine ecosystems are in jeopardy.

Although human activity is the primary cause, human activity (that’s sustainable) can also play a part in safeguarding marine life for future generations.

Feeding a Natural Fascination

The colors, shapes, and even sounds underwater are mesmerizing to adults; they are even more fascinating to kids. The wonders of the ocean should draw children in, making learning feel like an adventure.

Educational projects, like the SeaWorld® school programs, provide opportunities for curiosity and a sense of wonder.

For example, SeaWorld® Camp invites kids to join educational experiences that focus on the ocean and marine life. The program takes kids on an exploration of marine life and offers zoological education. Young participants learn and understand the relationship between humans and the ocean, leaving them with a sense of connection and belonging.

School programs like this provide a good starting point for young minds to develop ocean literacy. Children learn that although there is one massive ocean, it features many ecosystems and supports a diversity of life. Through educational programs themed around the marine environment, kids further develop an understanding that the ocean influences weather and climate, making the planet habitable for humans.

Ocean literacy is a relatively new concept that began in the 2000s. It was conceived as a grassroots movement through the efforts of educators and scientists in the US. The goal has been to help the public gain a better understanding of the ocean and the diverse marine life. Today, the primary objective of ocean literacy is to support sustainability efforts.

Beyond Shaping Future Conservationists

Marine life encounters informed by ocean literacy education can inspire children to develop a love for marine life. This allows them to think more critically about the environment and encourages them to increase their desire to protect it. But shaping future ocean stewards is not the only positive effect of exposing children to marine life early on.

Some studies have found that a connection to nature nurtures the emotional well-being of children. Access to natural spaces has a positive impact on a child’s behavioral development, improving their mood and even concentration.

Pre-schoolers who appreciate nature show fewer signs of attention issues or hyperactivity. They also show fewer peer and emotional problems. For older kids, their exposure to natural places has been linked to creative thinking, social confidence, and better overall health and mental well-being.

Children who have direct experiences with nature also develop conservation habits later on in life.

Other Than Marine Life Encounters

Clearly, exposure to marine life and nature create positive outcomes as a child grows up. You can encourage your children to learn about the ocean and its value to human and marine life through other means, besides visiting marine life theme parks that practice conservation efforts.

You can foster ocean appreciation and help them develop conservation habits through the following.

Choose books and stories that spark their interest in the ocean. Some suggested titles are:

“Across the Wide Ocean: The Why, How, and Where of Navigation for Humans and Animals at Sea” (Karen Romano Young)
“The Sea: Exploring Life on an Ocean Planet” (Robert Burleigh)
“Sea Shapes” (Suse Mac Donald)
“Destination Deep Sea” (Jonathan Grupper)
“Oceans and Seas” (Nicola Davies)

Watch the BBC documentary series, “Blue Planet.” It offers a remarkable journey into the marine world. David Attenborough’s riveting narration informs as well as inspires. It’s a good documentary for the entire family to enjoy.
Finally, talk to your kids about reducing consumption, which includes reducing plastic. Help them understand the perils of single-use plastics on marine life. It’s a small step, but a significant one because it’s easy to do and sustain.