What are the goals of the Alaska Oceans Festival?
The goals of the Alaska Oceans Festival are three part: To Inspire, Educate, and Celebrate. The Sealife Center, AK Dept. of Fish and Game, and other oceanic groups are on hand to provide festival goers with hands on learning exhibits. Our hope is that attendees get a feel for the incredible fragility and complexity of our oceans. Doing so inspires respect and when people respect the ocean, they become better stewards of the resource.
Why does the Alaska Oceans Festival happen annually?
People often first think "mountain" when they think Alaska - Anchorage in particular has a bit of a disconnect with the oceans that surrounds us. In fact, with more coastline than all other states combined - over 44,000 miles - Alaska has incredibly strong ties to the ocean. The Alaska Oceans Festival allows us to turn our focus to life giving waters all around us that represent sustenance, economy, and recreation.
What is Alaska's Ocean Connectedness?
The most obvious symbol of Alaska's connectedness to the ocean is the salmon. It's hard to think of a stronger cultural icon in any region. Try to imagine Alaska without salmon - you just can't do it. These incredible fish travel thousands of miles to continue the life cycle of their species- like Alaskans, they represent a determination and hardiness found in few other places.
Why Protect the Ocean?
We tend to think of the ocean as this infinite expanse that is beyond the reach of human impact. In fact, the past decades have witnessed the depletion of oceanic species after species as a direct result of human impact. Much of the fish in the lower 48 can't even be eaten due to man made contaminants. As Alaskans, we refuse to let that happen. Part of our message at the Alaska Oceans festival is let's keep our healthy oceans healthy.
Why people should think twice when they say
"what happens to the ocean doesn't really affect me - why should I care?"
As Alaskans we are all dependent on the resources that the ocean provides - our fisheries account - poundage wise - for over half of the fish consumed in the lower 48 - over half! Healthy fisheries guarantee that this powerful economic engine keeps chugging along. A strong economy benefits all the citizens of our great state.
Thank you for being a part of the celebration and reflecting on what your personal connections are to the oceans and what you can do to make sure those connections continue for further generations.
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