MI Ocean Net hosting five events on Bonavista Peninsula

MI Ocean Net, of the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland, is hosting five events on the Bonavista Peninsula this week

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Beach, shoreline and underwater cleanups are scheduled, as are family barbeques, musical acts and information sessions regarding the long-term health and sustainability of the province's marine areas.

The week began with the ‘Don’t Waste the Rock’ event on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Lookout Park in Catalina from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bonavista Regional Waster Management group teamed with MI Ocean Net to present a day that focused on environmental sustainability, with a family garden party atmosphere. Guest speakers, booth presentations and local musicians were on hand during the event, with MI Ocean Net hosting an interactive information session in the afternoon.

A Beach and Shoreline Cleanup took place in Charleston on Monday, during which MI Ocean Net’s Friends of Beaches Network encouraged youth and community volunteers to protect their beaches, shorelines and underwater areas. MI Ocean Net hosted a special beach cleanup with youth and community volunteers from the late morning to early afternoon, followed by a family barbeque, refreshments and information sessions about how to keep beaches and shorelines pristine.

Tuesday

The Rural Development Building in Musgravetown will be the host site for a MI Ocean Net and Shoreline Cleanup on Tuesday, Aug. 9. MI Ocean Net will work alongside youth and community volunteers from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with an engaging slideshow and discussion at the Rural Development Building. Art activities, educational sessions for youth and a family barbeque follow the cleanup.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Aug. 10 a Beach and Shoreline Cleanup takes place in Port Blandford. Youth and community volunteers will begin the day at 10 a.m. at the Port Blandford Fire Hall, where they will learn more about oceans health. A cleanup of the wharf and causeway areas will follow, as will a barbeque and group discussion regarding the garbage collected and what can be done in the future to keep the coastal area clean. The event will end at 2 p.m.

Friday

MI Ocean Net will host a Friends of Beaches Chapter Celebration and Cleanup at the Town Hall in Bonavista on Friday, Aug. 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning with an information session and discussion at Town Hall, the day also includes a beach and shoreline cleanup, barbeque and other activities. “Friends of Beaches chapters are spread throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and we are thrilled with the efforts they have made toward healthy and sustainable beaches, shorelines and underwater areas across our province,” said Justin Dearing, conference coordinator, MI Ocean Net. “The week on the Bonavista Peninsula has gotten off to a great start and we look forward to continuing this success when we team with volunteers in Musgravetown, Port Blandford and Bonavista.” Participants at all MI Ocean Net beach and shoreline cleanups are reminded to wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing.