2014 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit Program

2014
Youth Ocean Conservation

Summit
Event Program
November 8 Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota, FL

Empowering the next generation
of ocean conservationists!

#YOCS14

2014
Youth Ocean Conservation Summit schedule

Saturday, November 8
th
Mote Marine Laboratory

9:00-9:45 Registration/Check-in Keating Marine Education Center,
New Pass Room

10:00-10:10 Welcome to the Summit and Mote Marine Laboratory
Sean Russell, Director, Youth Ocean Conservation Summit
Aly Busse, Assistant Vice President of Education, Mote Marine Laboratory
Kim Bassos-Hull, Senior Biologist, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program

10:10-10:40 Keynote Presentation Engaging Youth ASAP to Save the Ocean!
Steven Culbertson, President and CEO, Youth Service America

10:40-11:10 Youth Ocean Conservation Team member presentations
National Aquarium Aquarium on Wheels Students
Cybill Winkel (video message)
South Broward High School
Brooke Welch
Brevard Zoo Teen Volunteers
Palm Beach Maritime Academy
Edward Douglas White Catholic High School Ecology Club

11:10-12:10 Morni ng Workshop Sessions:
Action Planning Session (recommended for 1
st
time participants)
Careers in Ocean Conservation (recommended for returning participants)

12:10-1:10 Lunch

Afternoon Workshop Sessions

1:10-1:55 Workshop Session 1
- Identify and Communicate with Political Leadership
- Fishing for Funding
- EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone
- Bringing the Ocean into the Classroom
- Youre Never Too Young to Make a Difference

- Art as Advocacy

- Lights, Camera, Action!
- Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference!
- 7 Social Media Insider Tips You Need for Conservation
- How Can Art and Culture Help You Do Ocean Conservation?
- Grant Writing 101

- Trash to Treasure

4:30-4:40 Call to Action

4:40-5:00 Closing Remarks/Youth Ocean Conservation Team/Evaluations

5:00 Ice Cream/Networking Social (optional)

Register online at www.yocs.org!

Thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory for hosting the 2014 Youth
Ocean Conservation Summit, and our sponsors for their financial
support of this event!

A special thanks to our speakers, workshop presenters, and event
volunteers for their contributions to this years summit!

And thanks to YOU, for joining us as we work together to protect our
planets marine ecosystems!

2014 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

10:10-10:40 Keynote Presentation:
Engaging Youth ASAP to Save the Ocean!
Steven Culbertson, Youth Service America President and CEO

Young people have amazing stores of energy, commitment, idealism, and creativity. In this session
Steve will share stories of young people tackling ocean conservation issues and making a
difference in their communities to protect the ocean. Steve believes youth are valuable assets and
need to be engaged in service to their communities
today, not tomorrow. During this presentation, Steve will
share his four major reasons why youth service is so
critical in the 21st Century arguments that he uses with
educators, parents, corporate leaders, government
officials, nonprofit executives, and youth worldwide.

About the presenter:
Steven Alexander Culbertson is President and CEO of
YSA. For two years in a row, the Nonprofit Times named
him to its list of "The 50 most powerful and influential
leaders" in the sector, saying, "Culbertson has helped to
position volunteering and young people as an issue and a
national priority." Under his leadership, YSA has
expanded its work into 135 countries on six continents.
Steve is a Trustee for America's Promise Alliance, a
member of the Advisory Committee for the Ad Council,
and serves on the board of directors of Camp Fire and
YSA. He was born in Bitburg, Germany and grew up in
Amherst, Massachusetts. He has a degree in both
English and French from Hamilton College and lives in
Washington, DC. Steves favorite place to SCUBA dive is
with the whale sharks off Tofo Beach in Inhambane,
Mozambique. Follow him on Twitter: @Culbs


10:40-11:10 Youth Ocean Conservation Team Presentations
Through this special opening presentation, hear from some of our 2013 Youth Ocean Conservation
Summit participants as they share the exciting ocean conservation work theyve been involved in
over the past year, and talk about how they started the ocean conservation projects theyre working
on!

About the presenters:

National Aquarium Aquarium on Wheels
Students
The National Aquariums Aquarium on Wheels
is an award-winning after-school and summer
program for Baltimore-area high school
students. The program combines scientific
research, conservation activities, job training,
and the theater arts to promote environmental
stewardship. Students engaged in this program
take part in a variety of conservation and
education programs including habitat
restoration projects, cleanups, and outreach
efforts designed to teach younger students
about the conservation of marine environments.
In J uly 2014, members of this program hosted
the first satellite Youth Ocean Conservation
Summit in Annapolis, Maryland!

Cybill Winkel, St. Johns County 4-H Mari ne Ecology Club (video message)
Cybill Winkel is the president of the St. J ohns County 4-H Marine Ecology Club based in St.
Augustine, FL. Over the past year, she has worked
with club members to launch their Water Quality
Awareness Project, which received support from the
2013 Youth Ocean Conservation Team mini-grant
program. Through this program, 4-H club members
have had the opportunity to take part in field trips and
educational experiences to learn more about water
quality and ocean conservation. Together, they have
worked to share this knowledge with the community
through interactive activities and booths at a variety of
community events. As part of her work on this project,
Cybill has also volunteered for NOAA's Red Tide
Monitoring program, helping collect water samples to
be analyzed for evidence of harmful algae blooms,
and has worked to share this project with youth and
adults in other counties and states.


About the presenters continued:

South Broward High School
South Broward High School is a maritime magnet
school in Hollywood, FL. Students there are
involved in a variety of marine conservation efforts,
including working with the University of Miamis RJ
Dunlap Marine Conservation Program to catch, tag,
and release sharks. After participating in the 2013
Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, these students
launched the Friends of Fins program focused on
shark conservation and education. As part of their
efforts, theyre working to educate middle school
students about the importance of shark
conservation and they received a Youth Ocean
Conservation Team mini-grant to help support their
work.

Brooke Welch, Mote Marine Laboratory High School Intern
Brooke Welch is a 16 year old homeschool student living in
Sarasota, FL. At a very young age, Brooke became fascinated
with marine life, especially rays. Brooke organized her first
environmental cleanup while living along the edge of the jungle
in Ecuador. After moving to Sarasota in 2011, Brooke began
volunteering with Save Our Seabirds, Keep Sarasota County
Beautiful, and Mote Marine Laboratory as a high school intern.
This year, Brooke founded Sarasota Ocean Preservers
through a mini-grant from the Youth Ocean Conservation
Team. Sarasota Ocean Preservers is a program for youth that
combines beach and ocean cleanups with an emphasis on
marine life education. Brooke aspires to receive her PhD in
marine biology and study spotted eagle rays.

Edward Douglas White Catholic High School Ecology Club
Teens from the Edward Douglas White Catholic High School
Ecology Club in Louisiana work throughout the year on a
variety of projects designed to raise awareness about, and
engage community members in the conservation of, the
wetlands and marine environments along the Gulf of Mexico. In
2013, they attended the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit
and created a plan to bring personal-sized fishing line recycling
bins to Louisiana through the Stow It-Dont Throw It Project in
an effort to protect marine wildlife from fishing line
entanglement. They received a Youth Ocean Conservation
Team mini-grant to help them make 200 fishing line recycling
bins.

About the presenters continued:

Brevard Zoo Teen Volunteers: The
Brevard Zoo Teen Volunteers have the
unique opportunity to work alongside
zoo staff to create a positive and
memorable experience for Zoo visitors.
They perform a variety of tasks at the
Zoo, including Animal Husbandry,
Kayaking, Animal Handling, and Public
Education. Zoo Teens also volunteer
their time for Zoo Camp, fundraisers,
special events and conservation
projects. Teens also have the
opportunity to work directly with animals
and the public, gaining valuable skills for
a variety of careers. Most importantly, Zoo Teens gain an appreciation for the value of volunteer work and
community involvement. After attending the 2011 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, this group of
dedicated high school students launched a series of beach cleanups to help protect their local beaches from
marine debris. For the third year in a row theyve organized their own environmental summit designed to
educate other students about environmental issues and engage them in conservation work! They received
Youth Ocean Conservation Team grant funding to help them with this effort!

Palm Beach Maritime Academy
Students
The Palm Beach Maritime Academy is a
public charter school in Lantana, FL with
an over-arching theme of marine
conservation. The school works to
integrate this focus into every class and
subject as deeply as possible. This year
two science teachers, and their art
teacher, started an environmental club to
give students the responsibility of
researching and creating solutions
designed to solve environmental
problems. They utilized World Oceans
Day as one avenue to raise awareness in
their local community about the problems
facing our ocean. The creative, fun, and
educational activities invented by these
students were the highlight of the event.
Today they will share some of these with
you, as well as reflections on the event
and what they have planned for next year
as a result of this experience!


11:10-12:10 Morning Workshops
Action Planning Session (recommended for first time participants)

Is there an ocean conservation issue you
wish to address in your community? J oin
students from across the country, and
work with ocean scientists and
conservationists, to develop a project and
action plan to help address relevant
marine conservation issues. This engaging
session will walk you through the process
of planning your own ocean conservation project and help
you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make your
project successful! Afternoon workshops at the summit will
help you further develop the skills you need to successfully
implement your conservation project in your home town and
help protect our planets marine ecosystems!

Careers in Ocean Conservation (recommended for returning
participants)
Already working on an ocean conservation project and want to learn how to turn your ocean
conservation work into a career? Then this workshop is for you! J oin a panel of researchers,
educators and ocean conservationists to learn about their career paths, educational background,
and current day to day conservation work! Youll also have the chance to have your questions
answered by this team of conservationists, and theyll share with you ways you can take action now
to help with the ocean conservation work they do on a daily basis!

About the panelists:
Jim Abernethy
J im Abernethy, award-winning underwater photographer, filmmaker,
and author, is a pioneer in shark encounters, without a cage.
Starting at a young age, scuba diving served as an inspiration for his
life's mission as a conservationist and has enabled him to interact
with some of the most notorious sharks. For decades, he has been
running photography/video expeditions to engage with the world's
largest predatory sharks-Abernethy pioneered shark encounters
without a cage (day and night) with tiger sharks, great
hammerheads, oceanic white tips, bull, and lemon sharks. It should
be noted that J im is best known as an extremely passionate
crusader for their protection. His award-winning marine life images
are often featured in top photography magazines such as Wetpixel
and Nature's Best Photography. J im lives at sea, in the Bahamas,
running shark expeditions and wild dolphin encounters year round on his boat, "Shear Water." His
dive business, J im Abernethy's Scuba Adventures Inc., is based in West Palm Beach, FL.

Jim Abernethy continued

Abernethy has hosted many of the world's top nature filmmakers and magazines such as Imax,
National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Animal Planet, and the Discovery Channel. He owns the
"Marine Life Art Gallery" in West Palm Beach, FL, where his captivating images and educational
books are available. When he's not below sea level, J im is often seen piloting his flying inflatable
boat (ultra-light), "Oversear," in order to capture nature at sea with his lens from an aerial
perspective.

While Abernethy is well known as a photographer and passionate conservationist, it's his unique
ability to bring divers up close to some of the world's largest predatory sharks, turning them into
strong passionate ambassadors to save them, which sets him apart from all others. His relentless
pursuit of his life's mission is to save the planet's ocean creatures, starting with sharks, through his
photography, books, films, and presentations.

Robin Smith:
Born in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Robin Smiths love for sailing began at the age of 6. That summer, he
and his grandfather cast off their 24-ft sailing
sloop to explore the mangrove islands, coral
reefs and cays along the western peninsula of
Florida, the Keys, Dry Tortugas and the
Bahamas.

Dr. Smith received his B.S. in Biology (marine
emphasis) from Florida Atlantic University in
Boca Raton, Florida, where he worked as a
paid research assistant for the Chair of the
Biology department. As an undergraduate
student, he also served on the Marine
Biochemistry Scientific Dive Team, collecting
marine cone snails for biomedical research. Dr.
Smith earned his Ph.D. in Biological Science
from Florida International University (FIU) in
Miami, Florida. His first summer, he participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys
(EPA) CisNet project focused on evaluating the photobiology of UV damage in Caribbean corals.

In 2005, Dr. Smith founded Science under Sail
TM
(SUS). SUS empowers college students to
become innovators through transformative learning experiences in exploration science. Through this
program, student teams join experts in the field aboard sailing expeditions to conduct innovative
research on coral reefs worldwide.


About the panelists continued:

Miranda Wrobel
Miranda Wrobel is the Public Programs Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. She
coordinates and teaches marine science classes to a
variety of audiences, ages, and backgrounds including her
favorite preschool marine science program for toddlers
called Mommy and Me at Mote. Combining current
marine science research with audiences in the classroom
has been a perfect fit. She graduated with honors from the
University of New Hampshire with her degree in Marine
and Freshwater Biology and is currently working on her
Masters of Science degree in Early Childhood Education
with a focus in Administration, Management, and
Leadership from Walden University. She hopes to use her
new knowledge to expand her preschool science
curriculums within Mote and the community. She shares a
passion for marine science, education, and art and is
thrilled to combine her skills to promote and inspire ocean
conservation.

Brian Siegel
Brian Siegel is a Senior Aquarium Biologist at Mote
Aquarium in Sarasota, FL where he specializes in
cephalopod care. Originally from Staten Island, NY,
he spent most of his life in Silver Spring, MD after
moving there with his family in 1989. Brian has been
designing, fabricating, and maintaining exotic fish,
reptiles, and invertebrates professionally since 1994.
He has a B.S. degree in Biology from Salisbury State
University and a B.S. in Environmental
Science/Marine Biology from the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore and has been working at
Mote Aquarium since April of 2007. Brian has always
kept exotic reptiles as pets; his current collection
includes an Arizona Mountain Kingsnake, a Hypo-
brooksi Kingsnake, a Gray Banded Kingsnake, a
Florida soft shell turtle, a River Cooter turtle, a
Striped face mud Turtle and a Leopard Tortoise
(named Irving).


12:10-1:10 Lunch

While enjoying your lunch, continue to finalize the details of your ocean
conservation project action plans, and take time to network with other youth
attending the summit as well as the representatives from local environmental
organizations!

Afternoon Workshops:
Use the below schedule to help select your afternoon workshop sessions. These workshops are
designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to help launch your newly
planned ocean conservation projects and/or continue to expand your existing conservation efforts!
Complete workshop descriptions and presenter bios can be found on the following pages.

- Youre Never Too Young to Make a Difference

- Art as Advocacy

- Grant Writing 101

- Trash to Treasure


Afternoon Workshops:

Identify and Communicate with Political Leadership
(Offered sessions 1 and 2)

Projects and programs related to ocean conservation need to be presented to political
representatives to secure support and resources needed for the cause. Several political leaders
may not know what the problems are or what solutions are being proposed or currently being
worked on. Educating our political leaders is a vital part of ocean conservation. This workshop
should help the participant find out who the key political leaders are and how to best communicate
with them and their senior legislative staff. State and Federal Senators, Representatives and
Congressional leadership will be reviewed including key committees and the legislative processes.

About the Presenter:
Mark Perry is the Executive Director of Florida
Oceanographic Society, serving in this position since
1978. Florida Oceanographic Society is a non-profit
organization established since 1964 and dedicated to
inspiring environmental stewardship of Floridas
coastal ecosystems through education and research.
Mr. Perry is responsible for the developing and
directing the Societys education, research and
advocacy programs. He directs the building and
expansion of the Florida Oceanographic Coastal
Center on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida which
includes regional aquariums, exhibits and nature trails
on the 57-acre site opened to the public. Mr. Perry
currently serves on the Board of Directors of the
Everglades Coalition and Rivers Coalition and he is
an active member of the Water Resource Advisory
Commission, advisory to the South Florida Water
Management District Governing Board and the South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force under
U.S. Department of Interior. Mr. Perry has testified
before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition and Forestry about the Everglades, he
served as a panel member for the U.S. Congressional Briefing on Floridas Estuary impacts and
also as a panel member of the Florida Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake
Okeechobee Basin. Mr. Perry is an author and co-author of several publications and is active
speaker to many scientific and community organizations, continuing to advocate for protecting
Floridas ocean and coastal ecosystems.


Fishing for Funding: How to Secure Investment in Your Ideas

Looking for funding for your project but dont know where to start?
Learn tips for successfully identifying and attracting funding for your
conservation project. This workshop will introduce you to a step-by-
step process for securing the financing you need to put your ideas into
action.

Erin Knievel joined Mote Marine Laboratory as Annual and Major
Gifts Officer in J anuary 2014. Prior to this, Erin worked as a Resource
Development Officer for the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington,
DC where she raised significant funding for the organization s
vaccine research and development efforts. Erin has held positions with
FasterCures and the J oint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS). Erin has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the
University of Florida and a Master s degree of Public Health from the
George Washington University.

EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone

EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone allows young people to join Philippe Cousteau and the
EarthEcho International team on a virtual journey investigating the connections between our daily
actions and the global threat of aquatic dead zones and ocean acidifcation. Utilizing the lessons
learned from EarthEchos Expeditions to the Chesapeake Bay and South Florida, this workshop will
highlight the pressing need for young people to take action to help improve water quality through
ocean conservation projects as well as the personal actions they take on a daily basis so as to
positively impact their local watersheds and ultimately the ocean.

Growing up splitting time between the Chesapeake Bay
and the Atlantic Ocean, Allie Toomey has had a life-
long passion for the environment and education. She
began her career in field education working with children
and adults of all ages. Working across the country from
the mountains of California to the coast of the Long
Island Sound, Allie has developed and taught science
curriculum for pre-school through high school and
beyond. In her past position she oversaw the
development of a multi-school, service-learning based
organization aimed at getting high school students
involved in protecting and preserving the environment,
beginning in their local communities. While completing

Allie Toomey continued
her B.A. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the Ohio State University, she was an
active member of the Advocates for Children and Education Scholars Program and earned a minor
in Education. During her junior year, she had the opportunity to assist with the
Delaware Shorebird Project, working to count and monitor species of migratory shorebirds
throughout the entire Delaware Bay area. Currently, she has leveraged the power of social media
and technology to bring environmental education to classrooms across the globe.

Bringing the Ocean into the Classroom

In this session, students will learn how create educational resources focusing on ocean
conservation issues. This workshop aims to raise public awareness about ocean conservation and
how to inspire people to help protect this vital ecosystem. Participants will learn how to foster a
connection between people and the issues marine animals face because of human impact, leading
to understanding and action on their behalf. We will examine how to provide innovative and
meaningful outreach; topics will include printable materials, virtual education resources, online
social media, etc. This toolkit will aid in planning and delivering students own presentations.

There is nowhere Melissa C. Marquez would rather be than making observations outside in nature.
For her, the ocean holds her curiosity and
passion. She was born with an extreme
fascination for misunderstood predators,
and sharks are the most misunderstood
predator of them all.

Currently a BA candidate at New College
of Florida studying Marine Ecology and
Conservation, her thesis has a focus on
marine predator (shark) ecology,
conservation and satellite tag movements,
using photography to enhance her
research. Her research endeavors have
led her to travel all over the world, from the
British Virgin Islands, Galapagos, South
Africa, Mexico, Belize, Canada, Puerto
Rico and more. Melissa is actively
engaged in research, exploration, communication, and application of scientific knowledge related to
the conservation of marine ecosystems. She saw a need for teachers to integrate shark education
and conservation into their teachings and founded Sarasota Fins (sarasotafins.weebly.com) to help
reach out to local/national educational institutions. Through easy-to-access materials that educators
can use in classroom and camp settings, adults have plenty to choose from when tackling the
challenge of correctly portraying these apex predators. Melissa is also author of two books, Sharks,
Skates and Rays of Sarasota Bay and Finleys Great White Adventure, with all proceeds going to
shark conservation efforts. In her free time, Melissa enjoys running, scuba diving and cozying up
with a good book.

Youre Never Too Young to Make a Difference!
(Offered Session 1)

Gain inspiration for your ocean conservation projects by learning from the stories of these
outstanding young people who are making a difference for our planets ocean and its inhabitants.

Halle Belden Session Facilitator
Halle is a 15 year-old environmentalist from San Francisco,
California. She enjoys exploring nature by kayaking,
geocaching, and taking part in any other adventure she can
find. Halle is a second year High School Intern at Mote
Marine Laboratory. She exercises her passion for the
environment as the founder and president of her school's
environmental club and Youth Ocean Conservation Team
coordinator. In her role as the Youth Ocean Conservation
Team coordinator she helps support the annual Youth
Ocean Conservation Summit and associated activities, as
well as the youth participants planning conservation
projects through this event. Though she currently lives in
Sarasota, Florida, Halle hopes to travel the world to
research and help solve our world's sustainability issues.

About the Panelists:

Cori McWilliams
Coris stepping stone into environmental work began in 2011 at the
Barrier Island Center and Sea Turtle Conservancy located in
Brevard County, Florida. Coris volunteer activities with these
organizations include an active membership in the Sea Turtle
Conservancys AdvoKids program which involves participation in
sea turtle related activities on an annual basis, volunteering at the
annual Tour de Turtles kick off party and social, as well as hosting
a childrens story time program where she reads conservation
messaged literature to younger children. Cori has created an
educational presentation about sea turtle conservation which shes
shared with multiple groups including schools, local environmental
groups, Girl Scout Troops, etc She is also an authorized member
of Brevard Countys Sea Turtle Emergency Response Team which
allows her to help care for post-hatchling washback sea turtles. In
2014 Cori started Kids for the Sea a conservation group aimed at
getting kids involved in marine conservation at a young age.
Through her newly founded organization she hopes to work with
other like minded organizations to take part in coastal clean ups, beach investigations
educational/discovery activities and in water activities.


About the Panelists continued:

Alexis Mariash
Alexis Mariash is a sixth grader at Buchanan Middle School
where she is participating in the STEM Bio-Engineering program.
Alexis plans to utilize her education in the STEM program and her
work with sea turtle conservation as an avenue to attend the
University of Hawaii and become a marine biologist specializing in
sea turtle conservation. Alexis love of sea turtles and deep desire
to help protect them motivated her to create Turtle Inc. when she
was ten years old. Through Turtle Inc (TurtleInc.org) Lexi uses
her knowledge of sea turtles to educate others about sea turtles
and the dangers they face. Lexi is a charitable supporter of Mote
Marine Laboratorys turtle sanctuary and has worked to raise
funds at the Turtle Run in Sarasota to benefit Motes sea turtle
program. Alexis will be hosting a charity mini-golf tournament this
fall in Sarasota, Florida with all proceeds being donated to Mote
Marine for sea turtle work. Her goal for this event is to raise
enough money to provide food for a Sea Turtle for a full year.
Recently, Lexi helped Mote release turtle hatchlings back into the
sea, and found it an amazing experience she will always
remember.

Ryan M.
Ryan M. believes that the ocean needs our help and that it is
up to all of us to give it the love and care it needs so much.
He believes one person can make a huge difference to a lot
of sea creatures! Ryan began helping the ocean when he
was four by bringing his own bag with him to pick-up trash
when he went to the beach. As Ryans love and knowledge
about the ocean and its inhabitants grew, Ryans efforts to
help protect the ocean grew as well. With his familys help,
Ryan started The Fishes Wishes, an organization dedicated
to helping the ocean. Ryan has also written a book about
how trash affects the ocean and its inhabitants. He sells his
book at local shows and donates all of the profits to ocean
conservation. Ryan became involved with the Stow-It-Dont-
Throw-It organization three years ago when he created a
short film on marine debris for the annual youth ocean conservation film competition. He has also
given marine debris presentations to his classmates on Global Youth Service Day and has led sea
oat planting projects in his local community in an effort to restore a beach that had been heavily
affected by storms. Ryans hard work and dedication to protecting the ocean, at such a young age,
is truly inspirational!


About the Panelists continued:

Lilly Tougas
Eighth-grader, Lilly Tougas, is passionate about earth
conservation. In fact, she is so passionate that she has been
advocating for Mother Nature since the age of four. In 2008, Lilly
was chosen as one of four children to represent the United States
of America at the Green Olympics in Beijing, China as part of the
Hands Across the Ocean event. The event brought together
children from all over the world to paint a two-mile long ocean-life
mural. The children also joined hands, as vowed Youth
Ambassadors for the Planet, to symbolize their unity and
commitment to ocean conservation. As a result of her volunteer
work at environmental events all over the country, Lilly became
inspired to organize her own conservation efforts, some of which
include campaigns such as Cupcakes for the Planet and raising
funds to provide shoppers with reusable grocery bags. In October
2013, Lilly also joined the River Warriors on a trip to Washington
D.C. to aid Congressmen and other conservationists in bringing
awareness to water pollution in her home state of Florida. Whether it is working with kids, speaking,
or teaching, Lilly is passionate about helping to spread the message of conservation. Lillys latest
projects have paired her with the network HBO as part of an environmental documentary, as well as
J im Abernethy, award-winning underwater photographer, filmmaker, and author, for Project
Seahorse. Lilly is always getting local kids involved in conservation efforts and gives them the
guidance they need to start campaigns of their own.

Art as Advocacy
(Offered session 2)

As you carry out ocean conservation projects, there are a variety of strategies you can use to
spread your ocean conservation messages to your community. Through this panel format
workshop, youll hear from people of all ages who use a variety of art forms including painting,
photography, and sculpting, to inspire others to take action to protect our planets marine
ecosystems!

About the Panelists:
Ben Hicks
South-Florida based photographer Ben Hicks has
journeyed across the Americas and ventured to exotic
locales spanning the globe to compose a profoundly
diverse collection of fine-art photography that truly
captures the majestic beauty of the natural world.
This self-proclaimed adventure-boy not only strives
to portray the familiar in extraordinarily original ways,
but also takes big risks to capture the most complex,
often dangerous situations including big waves and


Ben Hicks continued
precarious animal encounters all to share his admiration for Mother Nature's creations.

Whether shooting tropical beachscapes in the South Pacific, vast sandstone buttes in the American
Southwest or the first few open water strides of a leatherback sea turtle hatchling, Bens distinctive
vision and inimitable approach to photography renders intricately detailed images that captivate
viewers and serve as a testament to his enjoyment and reverence of nature. Through his
photography, Ben aspires to raise environmental awareness by depicting the natural world in a
relevant and endearing manner that everyone can connect with. Ben is particularly focused on using
his photography to communicate the importance of conserving the worlds ocean and follows key
species, such as sea turtle, that serve as important indicators of the health of the world's marine
and coastal ecosystems. Ben shares the Sea Turtle Conservancy's belief that "whether sea turtles
ultimately vanish from the planet or whether they remain a wild and thriving part of the natural world,
will speak volumes about both the general health of the planet and the ability of humans to
sustainably coexist with the diversity of life on Earth." Ben strives to serve the global community by
using his art to inspire others to value conservation and preservation so that we can work towards a
more sustainable future.

Ryan Sobel:
Artist Ryan Sobel was born and raised in a
suburb just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. He
has always had an interest in nature and the
arts. His love for art began with simple pencil
sketches. As a child, frequent trips to the zoo
and parks near his home became routine;
with pencil and sketchbook in hand, he would
arrive back home with a plethora of doodles
and drawings depicting the various wildlife he
had encountered each day. As a child, he
actually disliked painting. He saw it as sloppy,
and for a while, stuck to pen and pencils. Until
one day, something compelled him to give
this new art a try. Soon, he had fallen in love
with his paints and brushes, leaving behind his sketchpad for canvas; painting nature and wildlife
native to his home and from around the world. Having always been a wildlife painter, he began by
painting the creatures he saw in books, later painting those which had inspired him during real life
experiences. Ryan wanted to combine his two great passions, the ocean and art, into one, in hopes
of inspiring others to care about the planet we live on. So, he began to paint scenes inspired by the
world which lies beneath the waves. His artwork brings awareness to the beauty, yet fragility, of our
seas to people living near the coasts, as well as those living inland, some hundreds of miles from
the nearest ocean.

Ryan seeks to show others the world as he sees it; for in his words, If I can lead someone to see
beauty in mere dyes and brushstrokes on a canvas, then possibly they will see that this fascination
is real; just waiting to be discovered by each and every one of us everywhere around us.


About the Panelists continued

Jordan Holm:
J ordan is a freshman at Ringling College of Art and Design majoring in Fine Arts/ Sculpture. As a
growing artist, much of her work reflects her
fascination with man's influence on his natural
surroundings. Because of her interests in
becoming an artist, and her love for marine
creatures and conservation, she volunteered
for world-renowned marine wildlife artist,
Wyland. In 2012 she became one of Wylands
Youth Ambassadors for the Planet. On a daily
basis J ordan strives to do her part to help the
ocean by removing marine debris, and by
producing two and three dimensional art work
pieces which showcase the beauty of the
ocean and its inhabitants and how they are
threatened by our carelessness.

Paris Shewfelt
Thirteen year old Santa Cruz, California resident Paris
Shewfelts passion for ocean conservation began when she
became fascinated with the enchanting sea otters of
Monterey Bay at three years of age. Shocked by learning
these otters were on the brink of extinction from preventable
human interactions; Paris decided to do something about it.
At four years of age she founded her non-profit organization
Greatkidscare in an effort to take part in ocean conservation
and inspire other kids along the way. Paris uses her artistic
talent to create artwork and compose music to convey ocean
conservation messages to unlimited audiences ages one to
one hundred and one. Her goal is to open the eyes of
generations across the globe so they too can appreciate and
conserve vibrant ocean life for eons to come. Paris is a firm
believer that together we can make a difference. Paris, a
Wyland Youth Ambassador for the Planet, has had the honor
of creating and displaying Ocean artwork at the Smithsonian
National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, the
2008 Green Olympics Hands Across the Ocean 2 mile long marine mural with Wyland, the 60
th

Annual International Whaling commission meeting in Santiago, Chili, as well as The coastal
Ecosystem Learning Centers Network which is connected to the top twenty-two National Aquariums
which reaches school children across the United States. Additionally her artwork has been sold and
displayed at the Pacific Whale foundation in Hawaii, as well as numerous museums, fundraiser
events and art galleries across the country.


Light, Camera Action!

Inspire others to join you and the work of your project, and/or educate the public about an important
environmental issue that relates to the work of your project. Brief public service announcements are
a great way to do both! This video workshop will give
participants a chance to view PSAs created by other youth,
will take participants through a step by step storyboarding
process to create a PSA, and will end with participants
filming their own PSAs for their newly planned ocean
conservation projects!

Bella Genta is a freshmen at the University of North
Florida, majoring in Coastal Biology. Bella has served as
the social media and outreach coordinator for the "Stow It
Don't Throw It" Project since attending her first Youth
Ocean Conservation Summit in 2012. She also interns in
the Seahorse Conservation Lab at Mote Marine Aquarium
in Sarasota, Florida. Bella hopes of one day becoming a part of the research aspect of marine
biology; until then, she really enjoys writing about herself in the third person.

Speak Up, Speak Out, Make a Difference!
(Offered Sessions 3 and 4)

Learn the skills it takes to propose your project and express your passion for conservation not only
locally but globally. This interactive workshop is dedicated to breaking you out of your shell and
understanding the power of presentation. We will touch on the power of body language and being
able to read your audience in order to achieve your goals"

Born and raised in Florida, Ben Duvals love for the outdoors has
lead him to be a novice marine science geek and Florida history
enthusiast. His education has led him all over the United States and
across the pond. With a degree in Theatrical Directing from Texas
State University, he has studied in Ithaca NY, London, and all over
Central Texas. Ben brings a proficiency in Public Speaking and
performance as well as talent and event management and directing.
In the Theme Park Entertainment industry he has worked with a
wide range of skillsets and backgrounds. Ben has brought out the
best in individuals from Professional Performers to Educators and
even Elementary school students and allowed them to share their
passions and knowledge with their audiences. Ben is enthusiastic
about not only the environment but sustainability and conservation.
An avid fisherman, he is always reminded that a bad day on the
water is always better than a good day in the office.

7 Social Media Insider Tips You Need for Conservation

You have a conservation project, funding, and people involved...now what? How can you use social
media to help achieve your goals? And how do you know if you're successful?

Social media can be a powerful force for conservation...or a time-suck and energy-drainer. J oin me
to learn how to leverage your reach and influence in social media to engage and motivate
audiences for conservation. I'll share seven 'insider tips' that will help you maximize your time for
maximum impact on social media!

Julie Henry (@julie_c_henry) is a
speaker, trainer and coach dedicated
to helping conservation education
and interpretation professionals grow
in strategic business, communication
and leadership skills. As Founder and
President of The Pulse Team, she
works with organizational clients from
the non-profit, government and
corporate sectors including the
National Marine Educators
Association (NMEA), North American
Association of Environmental
Education (NAAEE), National
Association for Interpretation (NAI),
The Florida Aquarium, The Marine
Mammal Center, Sarasota County's
Green Business Partnership, and
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

J ulie spent 15 years in the conservation education field with leadership roles held at Chicagos J ohn
G. Shedd Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. She became an
entrepreneur in 2008 and has been invited to speak at events in England, Australia, New Zealand,
the British Virgin Islands and through the U.S. J ulie has been honored to motivate, connect with,
and train audiences ranging from 10 people outside on a beach to 4,000 people in an auditorium.
J ulie holds a Masters Degree in Communication from the University of South Florida and a
Sustainable Business Leadership Executive Program Certificate from Green Mountain College in
Vermont. She earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education from the University of Otago in
New Zealand as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. She is a proud graduate of Miami University of
Ohio with Bachelor Degrees in Education and Zoology with Honors.

Originally from Chicago, J ulie now lives with her family in Sarasota, Florida and enjoys doing yoga
on the beach and spending as much time as possible outdoors. She is part-Kiwi, half-mermaid, an
avid explorer, marathon runner, and mom to two active children, ages 5 and 7, who think she wins
every race because she comes home with a medal.

How Can Art and Culture Help You Do Ocean Conservation?

What tools do you have to scale up and sustain your project from individual actions to a city-wide,
state-wide, country-wide, and world-wide culture of conservation? What even is culture? How does
art and culture define how we relate to the ocean?

Art more than just fine art is the blood and oxygen of culture. Culture is alive and growing and
shifting and moving and beating because we are always making different kinds of art!

Whether you are already using art or not in your project, art is an incredibly powerful tool in shaping
how people see the issue you are addressing, and how they perceive how well your project might
work. In this workshop, well look at how our perceptions of the ocean are shaped by art, and how
we can use some of the tools that art gives us to slowly create a culture of conservation and ocean
care.

Ellen Bechtel is the newest member at From the Bow Seat
Education Programs and the Ocean Awareness Student
Contest. A big part of her role is connecting with teachers
and students through conferences, school visits, and
workshops, as well as piloting a classroom visit series
teaching marine science communication, and ocean
conservation, advocacy, and activism through art. In May of
2014 Ellen graduated from Wellesley College with a degree
in Environmental Studies and Geoscience. For three
months last fall, she also sailed across the Pacific Ocean
with Sea Education Association and scientists from Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institute as a student and crew
member on the sailing tall ship the SSV Robert C
Seamans. She describes her biggest accomplishment on
the voyage as climbing to the top of the mainmast and
overcoming a long-standing fear of heights. Ellen is in love
with grapes, tidepools, girls in science and leadership,
rocks, and most of all - a hot cup of earl grey. She looks
forward to connecting with the Youth Ocean Conservation
Summit participants!

Never doubt that one person can make a
difference.

- Jim Abernethy
2012 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit keynote


Grant Writing 101
(Offered Session 3)

No matter what type of work you plan to enter into in the future, or what type of ocean conservation
project you wish to start, it's most likely going to need a little or perhaps a lot of money to get started
and that's why an important skill to acquire is one of grant writing. In Grant Writing 101 you'll gain
insight into why grant writing is an important skill to have and use. You'll also get a chance to get
guidance on filling out our 2014 Youth Ocean Conservation Team Mini Grant, as during this
workshop you'll have a chance to start working on the actual application form that will allow you to
gain funding for the ocean conservation project you work on during the summit.

Kim Bassos-Hull, M.S. is a Senior Biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory working in the Dolphin
Research Program, Center for Shark Research and Education Division. Kim grew up in Connecticut
and was always fascinated by sea life so she
headed west to attend the University of
California at Santa Cruz majoring in Biology
and Marine Science for both her B.S. and M.S
degrees. Her masters thesis work brought her
to Florida in 1990 to study dolphins in
Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr.
Randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin
Research Program which has the world's
longest running study of dolphins in the world.
Kim has extensive experience studying marine
animal behavior and ecology along Florida's
Gulf coast, especially in regards to photo-
identification and population estimation. Kim
has been active with Mote's Education Division
mentoring high school students with research
projects and community outreach since 2007
and has been a Co-PI with Mote's Spotted
Eagle Ray Conservation Program since 2009.

We now face a time when we must take care of
the ocean that takes care of us.

- Dr. Syl via Earle
National Geographic Explorer in Residence
2012 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit video message


Trash to Treasure
(Offered Session 4)

Have you ever wondered what to do with all the trash
you find on a cleanup? In this workshop, you will have
the opportunity to let your creativity run wild as you
turn trash into treasure. J oin artists Ryan Sobel and
Jordan Holm as they lend their talents to help inspire
your work to turn what was once an ugly piece of trash
into a piece of ocean artwork you will treasure!

4:30-4:40 Call to Action Message

4:40-5:00 Closing Remarks/Youth Ocean
Conservation Team/Evaluations

5:00 Ice Cream/Networking Social (optional)
J oin your fellow conference participants at an end of the day ice cream social
and make connections with other youth and adults who are passionate about
marine conservation work!

I urge all of you to come to this conference
and let it be a catalyst for further action. You
have the power to change the world.

- Philippe Cousteau
EarthEcho International Co-Founder and President
2013 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit video message

2014 Youth Ocean Conservation Film Competition
Are you an aspiring filmmaker? Is there an ocean conservation
issue that you want to share with others? Were calling all
students in grades preschool-college to take part in our 2014
Youth Ocean Conservation Film Competition!

This competition provides you with the chance to highlight an
ocean conservation issue thats relevant in your home town, make a short video to raise
awareness about a conservation project, or film a public service announcement encouraging
people to protect our planets oceans. The possibilities are endless just use your creativity!

Winning films will be screened at Mote Marine Laboratory as part of our Community Ocean
Conservation Film Festival on Saturday, November 8
th
and winners will also receive great
prizes!

Visit www.yocs.org to download the contest rules and video submission instructions! Good
luck!
Join us for the Community Ocean Conservation Film Festival!
Saturday, November 8th, 2014 Mote Marine Laboratory

On Saturday, November 8
th
, join us after the Youth Ocean Conservation
Summit for the third annual Community Ocean Conservation Film Festival!
This event will feature a screening of the film Mission Blue, a screening of
Mission Blue! This ambitious film tackles the daunting challenge of how to
protect the global ocean that is now under attack as never before. As a
witness to changes that have occurred in the ocean over the past 60 years,
Dr. Sylvia Earle is a steadfast warrior, who is leading the charge to restore
the ocean to health before its too late.

Mission Blue shot during a 3-year period in numerous locations around the world traces Sylvias
remarkable personal journey, from her earliest memories exploring the ocean as a young girl to her
days leading a daring undersea mission in the Virgin Islands and beyond. The film deftly weaves her
unique personal history with the passion that consumes Sylvia today: creating a global parks system
for the ocean that she calls Hope Spots.

Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a silent auction/raffle fundraiser with the
chance to bid on marine themed artwork and other items. Proceeds will support youth-driven ocean
conservation projects. Admission to this event is free but there is limited seating and participants must
RSVP at www.yocs.org to reserve a seat.

The event will take place in Mote Marine Laboratorys Immersion Cinema. Doors open and silent
auction/raffle fundraiser, as well as student conservation project showcase begins at 6:30pm.


\\

Cant wait for the Youth Ocean Conservation
accommodation Summit?
Join the discussion in advance online!

On Facebook:
Like our page at:
facebook.com/stowitdontthrowit
Use social media to share
your comments and
questions in advance and
during the summit with the
hashtag: #YOCS14

Visit our website at:
www.yocs.org

Sarasota Bay Exploration!
Sunday, November 9
th
Ken Thompson Park
9:30am-11:30am
J oin your fellow Youth Ocean Conservation Summit participants to explore Sarasota
Bay by kayak and paddleboard and by taking part in a hands on seining and dip netting
field excursion to learn more about the marine wildlife that inhabit this ecosystem. Dont
miss out on this great opportunity to wrap up your weekend in Sarasota, make new
friends, and experience Sarasota Bay!

Participation in this event is free to Youth Ocean Conservation Summit participants who
select the option to participate when they complete the Sarasota Bay Exploration
registration form at www.yocs.org.

Location and Directions

The 2014 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit will be held at Mote Marine
Laboratorys Keating Marine Education Center. Mote Marine Laboratory is located at
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. Below are directions to Mote
from a variety of Florida cities.

FROM BRADENTON: Take US-301 south to
Fruitville Rd. Turn right on Fruitville Rd. and go
approximately 2 miles until it dead ends at US-
41 (North Tamiami Trail). Turn left onto US-41
and turn right at the next traffic light, Gulfstream
Avenue. See FROM GULFSTREAM AVENUE.

***OR***

Take US-41 south (North Tamiami Trail)
following the signs to Sarasota. While on US-41,
PASS Sarasota-Bradenton airport, Ringling
School of Art and Design, and Fruitville Rd. At
the next light, Gulfstream Avenue, (past
Fruitville Rd.) turn right. See FROM
GULFSTREAM AVENUE.

FROM FORT MYERS/NAPLES: Take I-75 north
to Exit 210 (Fruitville Road). Take Fruitville Rd.
west approximately 6.5 miles until it dead ends
at US-41 (North Tamiami Trail). Turn left onto
US-41 and turn right at the next traffic light,
Gulfstream Avenue. See FROM GULFSTREAM
AVENUE.

FROM ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER:
Take I-275 south over the Sunshine Skyway
Bridge to I-75 south to Exit 210 (Fruitville Road).
Take Fruitville Rd. west approximately 6.5 miles
until it dead ends at US-41 (North Tamiami
Trail). Turn left onto US-41 and turn right at the
next traffic light, Gulfstream Avenue. See FROM
GULFSTREAM AVENUE.

FROM TAMPA: Take I-75 south to Exit 210
(Fruitville Road). Take Fruitville Rd. west
approximately 6.5 miles until it dead ends at US-
41 (North Tamiami Trail). Turn left onto US-41
and turn right at the next traffic light, Gulfstream
Avenue. See FROM GULFSTREAM AVENUE.

FROM VENICE: Take US-41 (South Tamiami
Trail) north (to the Sarasota bayfront) and turn
left onto Gulfstream Ave. See FROM
GULFSTREAM AVENUE.

FROM GULFSTREAM AVENUE
Continue over the Ringling Causeway Bridge to
St. Armand's Circle (approximately 2 miles).
Enter St. Armand's Circle, making your first right
onto Boulevard of the Presidents North following
the signs to Longboat Key and Mote Aquarium.
Approximately one mile from St. Armand's
Circle, just before the drawbridge to Longboat
Key, turn right onto Ken Thompson Parkway.

Overnight Accommodation Options

LaQuinta Inn & Suites Sarasota
1803 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone: 1-941-366-5128
Fax: 1-941-953-4322

Special rate of $71.10 +tax per night for standard rooms with 2
double beds if you make a reservation by October 17
th
, 2014! Up
to four people per room.

Special rate applies for the nights of Friday, November 7
th
and
Saturday November, 8
th
.

Be sure to call-in your reservation and mention youre with
the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit in order to receive
the discount!
____________________________________________________________

Groups of youth and adults traveling from out of town may also consider learning
more about local ecosystems in the area by camping at one of the following state
parks. For campground information/reservations visit: www.floridastateparks.org

Oscar Scherer St. Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, Florida 34229
(941)-483-5956
Myakka River St. Park
13208 State Road 72
Sarasota, Florida
(941)-362-6511

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Youth Ocean Conservation

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