September 27, 2016
Many people overlook the importance of the ocean, especially when living in a landlocked state. They do not understand the amount of destruction we are causing because they rarely see it with their own eyes. Despite being in Colorado, we impact the ocean greatly. Many of our rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf of California and if we fail to clean up after ourselves, much of our trash ends up there.
The most important thing we can do to help the ocean remain healthy is to educate the next generation. We introduce our young Colorado students to the charismatic sea turtle to begin cultivating their interest and curiosity in the ocean. The Ocean First Swim School runs a summer marine science program for children ages 4-8. Part of the program is dedicated to sea turtles. Sea Turtle Tuesdays is an entire day dedicated to the seven different species of sea turtles. Despite never seeing a sea turtle for themselves, many kids love this day because sea turtles are very different from the sharks, whales, and fish that we learn about and are most familiar with.
The kids love learning about these ancient creatures and demonstrate real concern when they learn how sea turtle numbers are decreasing, mostly due to human interference. All of the children have a difficult time understanding how we could allow this to happen to such gentle creatures. Their inquisitive personalities about creatures they have (for the most part) never seen and their desire to help is incredible to witness. Although the students are only 4 to 8 years old, their true concern for the ocean and its inhabitants is humbling. Many parents even express how much they love that their children come home and ask more questions and have the desire to learn more. Even though the only turtle most of these kids have ever seen before is the box turtle, their curiosity for the sea and the impact we have on its inhabitants is extraordinary.
While sea turtles are one very small aspect of the ocean, they are a wonderful ambassador and a way to get students here in Colorado dedicated to learning more about the ocean and its inhabitants. Who knows where their compassion and curiosity will lead?