APRIL 2024 news
Welcome to a special ocean literacy issue of the Great Southern Reef Foundation's monthly newsletter.
It's never been more important to support a new generation of informed, dedicated ocean stewards. In today's newsletter, we meet GSR ocean literacy champions, share some exceptional locally relevant picture books, and uncover new resources.
Also in this issue learn about a GSR Delegation visit to Parliament House and a shark encounter that a Reef Life Survey volunteer will never forget!
Feature Researcher: Prue Francis
Dr Prue Francis is at the forefront of cultivating ocean literacy across the Great Southern Reef. Recently, through our social media platforms, we have been taking a look at her transformative work including innovative methods to promote ocean literacy through research, education and engagement.
A member of the GSR Science Committee and GSR Research Partnership, in her current role, Francis is also actively involved in the cultivation and restoration of golden kelp in Port Phillip Bay. Her unique combination of research interests and educational experience has positioned her to contribute significantly to both scientific understanding and public awareness of our Great Southern Reef. Read the full feature article on Prue here.
Teacher’s guide for Ocean Literacy
As part of her PhD research at Deakin University, Cátia Freitas has developed a teacher resource to incorporate ocean literacy into classroom by leveraging the power of children’s literature. This guide targeted to Foundation to Year 6 levels, offers engaging inquiry-based educational activities linked to ocean-themed picture books, background information for educators and useful links to create an interactive and enjoyable unit focussed on the ocean, particularly the Great Southern Reef.
As a marine biologist and storytelling enthusiast, Cátia believes that the simple act of reading a story to a child about the ocean may foster a deeper understanding and encourage meaningful connections with the marine environment, which can create a new wave of blue hope towards transforming our individual and collective relationship with the ocean.
A link to the book can be found on the GSRF educator hub.
Upscaling Educational Impact
Following the successful trial of Catia's educational resource kit in primary schools in Victoria, and thanks to funding from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), the Deakin Sea.Ed Team, led by Dr. Prue Francis, and the Great Southern Reef Foundation are upscaling this Ocean Literacy initiative to 100 schools around Port Phillip Bay to nurture children’s connection with nature and inspire stewardship for the Bay.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project.
Picture Books
Looking for a great educational gift but don't know where to start? We have curated a collection of picture books, endorsed by the GSRF, relevant for teaching and learning about the Great Southern Reef in schools across Australia. Included on this page is are some of the books featured on our socials last week, as well as links to teacher notes.
Image: Cover of Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean by Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood.
GSR Delegation to Canberra
A delegation from the Great Southern Reef has travelled to Canberra to meet with senior ministerial offices, MPs, and senators, calling for national funding to tackle the invasive longspined sea urchin that is devastating critical fisheries, like the abalone industry, and marine habitat, like the endangered giant kelp forest.
Three states have now come together and established a Task Force to review the problem and provide a holistic response to this crisis. The delegation's visit to Canberra was an important step forward in increasing awareness of the issue and to garner support for the findings and recommendations of the Task Force.
Stay tuned for more updates on the visit.
New Podcast Episode
Sit back and immerse yourself into the latest episode of the new podcast series, "Seaweed People," delivering fortnightly episodes that explore the intersection of seaweed research, conservation, technology, art, and culture. This week, Jess chats with GSRF cofounder Scott Bennett. Listen now.
Marine Observational Illustration Workshops
Sydney families these school holidays: Unlock your observational skills with innovative techniques pioneered by self-taught illustrator and observational artist Sue Liu. Liu creates realistic illustrations of Australian native wildlife including the weird and wonderful creatures found along the Great Southern Reef.
In this immersive experience, you'll delve into the fascinating world of Buddy the Blue Groper. Learn about the eastern blue groper, study their peculiarities, and practice drawing natural shapes. There are workshops for both adults and children and no experience is necessary.
To book your spot click here.
Eye to Eye with a Seven Gill Shark
Have you ever wondered what it is like to connect with a sevengill shark? Marianne Pelletier, a Tassie local and Reef Life Survey trainee, told us about her personal encounter with one recently while completing a survey underneath a kelp canopy. During the dive, local RLS trainer, Scott Ling, alerted Marianne and her buddies that something big was nearby. When she surfaced from the kelp canopy, Marianne saw the large shark immediately.
“I knew it was a seven gill straight away, as I have seen them pass by quickly before. This time though, was different. She was so curious about us and circled the transect a few times going right above some divers with their heads in the kelp.”
Marianne went to do her safety stop and the shark came straight towards her, right next to her face. “We made direct eye contact less than a meter away for about 30 seconds.”
Looking back this was a truly memorable experience for Marianne “I was really excited when I first saw her and was mesmerised by her curiosity. I never once felt threatened but once she came straight towards me I did remember how vulnerable I was and how much of an intruder I was in her habitat. After telling a few highly experienced divers, I found it was a pretty rare encounter to share that for so long with a seven gill.”
Kilometres for Kelp
Swimmers and runners, we're thrilled to announce our collaboration with Grassrootz, Australia's top fundraising platform, offering you a unique lane to champion the Great Southern Reef.
If you are interested in an easy and fun way to contribute to our initiatives, power our outreach and make a tangible difference in the future of the Great Southern Reef then check out the list of events below. Or, if there is another event that you would like to participate in, please let us know!
Mornington Run Festival April 2024
Explore more of the Great Southern Reef
People
Impactful people with a close connection to the Great Southern Reef.
Places
Feature locations along the Great Southern Reef.
Marine Life
The weird and wonderful creatures found along the Great Southern Reef.