Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Kids in the Marine Quest Cape Crusaders camp this week are tracking down the 10 most wanted environmental offenders that damage marine ecosystems, including oil.

Acting as "C-EPA" (Coastal Environmental Protection Agency) members, University of North Carolina Wilmington campers, ages 8 to 10, will dive, fish, analyze and snorkel their way to better understanding the marine science behind damaging practices like the overharvesting of fish, oil drilling and other activities. They will also learn how they can help protect marine environments from these "offenders."

Media are invited (PLEASE CALL for exact locations):

Tuesday, Aug. 3

9:30 to 11 a.m. - Shell Island
Wanted: Marsh Marauder
-Marsh sampling - will be picking up samples and sea creatures, talking about the importance of marshes
-Marshes are a haven for marine life, a nursery of sorts for 90 percent of juvenile species that grow into commercial seafood and other life forms that serve vital functions in the marine ecosystems
-Oil spill damage to marshes can be more serious than that done to the actual beach shore

Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Wrightsville Beach
Wanted: Grass Guzzler
- Snorkeling, sampling and analysis of sea grass and related marine life like seahorses
- Sea grass is an ecosystem that can be easily harmed by human activities, but it is a breeding ground for and home to many species that are important to marine ecosystems and ocean health

Wednesday, Aug. 4

9:30 to 11 a.m. – Fort Fisher
Wanted: Beach Blaster
- Exploration and analysis of coquina sediments and marine geology
- Coastal management issues – like jetties and re-nourishment projects

Friday, Aug. 6

9 a.m. - Wrightsville Beach
Wanted: Foul Fiend
- Focus on tracing and addressing pollutants like gasoline in our marine ecosystems
- Biological sampling and water quality analysis focused on looking for oil & gasoline

Interviews will be available at each above photo/video opportunity.

Media Contact:
Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.632.3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu