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April 16, 2020

Five ways to experience the ocean from home

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In most parts of the world, people have been instructed to stay at home. And, with many Canadian parks, school grounds and other public spaces closed off, cabin fever may be setting in.

Fortunately, thanks to technology, there are many ways to find sources of inspiration and awe without leaving home. With that in mind, may we suggest a virtual trip to experience the wonders of the ocean?

Here are five ways that you can learn about, explore and enjoy the ocean from the comfort of home:

1. Watch animal videos

Come over to our YouTube channel and watch the antics of some of Canada’s iconic marine animals, such as polar bears, sea turtles, orcas and puffins. We’ll be releasing even more videos over the next few months, so be sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications by clicking on the bell icon.

2. Explore the Canadian Marine Life Encyclopedia

Ocean trivia night, anyone? Check out our Marine Life Encyclopedia. It’s a great resource to be inspired by and learn about animals and habitats off all three of Canada’s coasts. You can wow your friends and family during video calls with all the fascinating facts you learn. For example, did you know that Canada is home to massive and colourful deep-sea corals, like the bubblegum coral? That narwhals don’t have a horn – their long unicorn-like tusk is actually a tooth? Or that the lion’s mane jellyfish is the longest animal in the world?

3. Dive into an ocean expedition

Much of the ocean remains unexplored, making it all the more exciting when we set sail on expeditions to learn more about and help protect marine life. The team at Oceana Canada, along with many partners, have explored the seafloor in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, fjords and underwater mountains off the coast of British Columbia and habitat off the northern coast of Labrador in Nunatsiavut. You too can explore these breathtaking places through expedition photos, videos and stories at ProtectOceans.ca.

4. Download free ocean content for the whole family

Get hands-on lesson plans, games and crafts for kids to add some marine life fun into your new routine. Here are a few of our favourite resources:

Kids Environmental Lesson Plans, or KELP for short, provides a variety of fun and educational children’s activities on the Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana website. KELP allows you to explore the oceans through videos, virtual activities and daily lesson plans.

Ocean School uses immersive technology to bring ocean ecosystems to your fingertips. You can even bring a whale or shark right into your living room! With a learn from home weekly schedule of free, daily activities, you can ensure the whole family is entertained, while gaining hands-on knowledge.

5. Get involved

You don’t have to leave home to experience the beauty of our oceans or to help make a difference for marine life. Learn more about and support our oceans by joining Oceana Canada as a Wavemaker at Oceana.ca/Join. As a Wavemaker, you will receive our monthly newsletter filled with uplifting ocean stories as well as ways you can take action to help protect our oceans. You can also get involved and raise your voice to help restore Canada’s oceans to health and abundance by signing our petitions calling for an end to seafood fraud, saving north Atlantic right whales and protecting underwater mountains. Together we can save the oceans and feed the world!