Background notes
The Marine Environment
For most people a trip to the beach is a fun and interesting excursion, there is so much to do and see. As you learn more about our coasts and oceans you will soon discover that they are not only interesting environments full of an amazing diversity of life but also that these environments play an integral role in our lives.

	Oceans cover about 71% of the planet.
	More than two thirds of the world’s population live within 60 kilometers of the coast.
	Oceans control the weather and climate. They produce most of the world’s oxygen and absorb our carbon dioxide.
	They contain most of the life on earth.
	They provide us with food, medicines, oil, gas and minerals. We use them for transport, recreation and tourism.

Therefore the sea is more than just a nice place to visit, it is a major part of our life support systems. What we do each day and how we use the care for the land will affect the health of the oceans. Through education we can build student interest and awareness of the marine environment and help them to develop positive attitudes and actions for marine safety and conservation.
Courtesy: Kids and Water Level 1 Teacher Resource Book

Discussion
Why do people call earth the blue planet?
Where is your nearest coast?
What activities do people do there?
What plants and animals live there?
When people learn more about the marine environment they want to work to help care for it. What actions can you do to help care for our coasts and oceans?

Personal Actions
Do you?

	Not disturb marine cultural heritage like shell middens, rock art, ship relics etc?
	Use the beach not the sand dunes when picnicking or playing?
	Plant, don’t pave, landscaping to allow water to soak into the ground slowing water runoff to the sea?
	Read labels when shopping for cleaning agents and washing powders, phosphate is a contributing factor in blue green algal blooms?
	Assist in local projects to protect, monitor or rehabilitate the coastal and marine environments?

Suggested activity
(join the club to receive the poster and activity instructions)
Poster and tattoo competition