Online animations inspire kids' respect for the Reef
by Jeni Bone on 9 Nov 2009
Hermie the Crab and other animated marine life show kids the impending dangers and how they can help. MIAA
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is targeting children in its latest effort to protect the reef.
A series of cartoons will go online and be sent to schools around the country to let children know they can play a role in preventing climate change's impact on the reef.
The authority's chief scientist, Dr David Wachenfeld says it has enlisted the help of some colourful creatures to get children's attention.
'We've got Hermie the hermit crab who goes through a few trials and tribulations in relation to ocean acidification and we've also got some very charismatic coral polyps who do some fairly amusing things in explaining the impacts of climate change and global warming,' he said.
Kids can follow Hermie the hermit crab as he discovers how ocean acidification will affect marine animals, discover how coral bleaching affects corals through the first-hand account of a colourful coral polyp and his friends or travel in an underwater submersible to learn how coral reefs are formed and find out what causes coral bleaching.
Dr Wachenfeld says while the health of the reef is a serious issue, engaging children is essential for its survival.
'We thought that it was really important that kids understand both what are the risks from climate change to the reef but actually more importantly, what can they and their families do in their homes, their schools and their businesses to help the reef and minimise the impacts of climate change, so that's really the thrust behind these animations,' he said.
Ocean acidification - Hermie the hermit crab from GBRMPA on Vimeo.
More at http://www.reefed.edu.au/home/reefbeat/climate_change_and_our_great_barrier_reef
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/63073
