Ocean Awareness Challenge shines a spotlight on problems affecting the ocean
July 27, 2016
AVALON — The Women’s Sailing Association-Orange County (WSA-OC) is inviting boaters, sailors, divers and anyone who recreates in local waters to take a sail with the organization to Emerald Bay, Catalina, Sept. 9-11.
WSA-OC launched the Ocean Awareness Challenge early this year in an effort to expand awareness of the dilemma facing marine life and the ocean. Expert marine educators and biologists will present information on the impacts humans have on local waters and marine life and what can be done to help. Speakers include COO of the Catalina Conservancy Tony Budrovich; Wendy Marshall, director of education and public programs for ExplorOcean; Dave Rudie, founder of Catalina Offshore Products and president of the California Fisheries and Seafood Institute, and Geoff Shester, California campaign director of Oceana.
Youth attendees will be provided their own schedule of educational activities sponsored by Mountain & Sea Educational staff.
The three-day trip will include a sail to the area’s Marina Protected Areas, snorkeling, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, hiking, an outdoor viewing of the film “Humpback Whales,” a night of dancing to live music, a barbecue and a bonfire.
Proceeds from the event will benefit a scholarship fund to send underserved kids to Mountain & Sea Educational Camps.
The Ocean Awareness Challenge founders hope the inaugural event inspires participants to commit to a personal challenge to help make a difference.
Learn more about the Ocean Awareness Challenge by visiting wsaoc.org/oac.
