It’s safe
to say that between diving the open ocean for fun and diving at
Mystic Aquarium for work, I really love being underwater!
Hi, I’m
Sharon, Mystic Aquarium’s Dive Safety Officer. In addition to
diving the open ocean, I also ‘splash’ in habitats throughout the
Aquarium; ensuring each is a safe and clean environment – something
that, unfortunately, is in decline throughout our world’s oceans.
Recent
studies have discovered plastic pollutants at the top of Mount
Everest to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. And let’s not
forget the infamous Great Pacific “Garbage Patch,” the largest of
five plastic accumulation zones in the world’s oceans. It’s twice
the size of Texas!
As an
organization that is working to protect and conserve our ocean
planet, we recognize our responsibility in affecting change. That
is why we’re celebrating World Ocean’s Day with a BioBlitz event.
At Mystic Aquarium, we believe that the more we connect with
something, the more you care about it, and that is the key to
inspiring action.
Even more
poignant, our Animal Rescue Program responds to a number of
entanglement cases each year; some animals don’t survive while
others require extensive care from our team. Rehabilitating marine
animals is no small feat and comes at a cost, one funded in part by
events like Seals on the Rocks where
you can meet our animal care teams, take a peek into our clinic and
hear some of our many success stories, all while sampling local
craft beers and wines!
Beyond
participating in events that help to support the overall health of
our ocean planet, there are numerous other ways you can take
action. Sign your children up for one of our Summer Camps where
they’ll learn how to become future conservationists. Join in an
area cleanup or simply pick up trash throughout the day. Be mindful
of what you purchase and discard – how many single-use plastic
items could you skip on the regular?
I have
been diving all over the world for quite some time now – the North
Sea in Scotland to the Pacific Ocean, the North Andaman Sea in
Thailand to the Caribbean Sea – and let me tell you, the beauty of
our ocean planet never gets old. I hope you, too, are inspired by
its beauty and majesty so much that you’ll join me and my
colleagues as we strive to care for and protect the ocean.
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