SEA LIFE Trust launches Ocean Youth Program

The SEA LIFE Trust has announced the launch of its Ocean Youth Program – an initiative aimed at empowering young passionate ocean lovers to take action and do their bit to protect our ocean for future generations.

Applications are now open for 20 young Sydneysiders aged between 14 and 18 years to become an ‘Ocean Youth Ambassador’ and take part in the inaugural eight month program, which will arm young likeminded environmental enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools to launch ocean conservation projects to make a positive difference in their local community.

SEA LIFE Trust Australia/New Zealand Manager Claudette Rechtorik said the primary mission of the Ocean Youth Program is to build a community of future leaders who understand the importance of ocean conservation to help secure a more sustainable future.

Rechtorik explained “there are a lot of young passionate people who want to make a positive difference to environmental conservation; they’re just not sure what they can do. The SEA LIFE Trust Ocean Youth Program is about engaging the next generation and providing them with the tools to be part of the solution.

“The Ocean Youth Program has been a labour of love for many months, and I am so excited to see it come to life with the call out for our very first Ocean Youth Ambassadors.”

The SEA LIFE Trust will inspire Ocean Youth Ambassadors with the beauty of the amazing underwater world through visiting local SEA LIFE Aquarium’s and outdoor nature based activities, whilst equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become influential voices in marine conservation.

Ocean Youth Ambassadors will discover tools of the trade from leading experts on how to use social media to build your profile, how to campaign to save the places and animals you love, how to fundraise so you can support the causes you are passionate about, how to use various media (video, audio, writing, blogs) to tell your story, plus so much more!

Ocean Elder and former Chair and Chief Executive of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Graeme Kelleher, is a dedicated supporter of the program.

He adds “it’s imperative that we build the next generation of marine guardians to address the serious suite of problems our oceans are facing.

“Positive, solutions-focused programs such as Ocean Youth are an excellent way to engage our young people around these issues.”

Pioneering the strong ethical and environmental values ‘Breed, Rescue and Protect’ in all areas of operation, the SEA LIFE Trust, together with SEA LIFE Aquarium’s across Australia and New Zealand are committed to conserving Australia's unique aquatic animals and their habitats.

The Ocean Youth program is $200 per person and will run over an eight month period. Applications are currently open for Sydney until Friday 6th March 2015.

For more information about the SEA LIFE Trust’s Ocean Youth Program and to apply to become an Ocean Youth Ambassador, visit www.oceanyouth.org

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