Relevance to Canadian Students

1-Oceans are Essential to Life (Science)

Oceans provide food, energy, resources and influence the weather. The oceans produce 50% of the worlds oxygen and absorb 50% of the carbon dioxide by human activity.

El Nino and La Nina have illustrated the impact of Oceans on our weather. Climate change is an important issue for all Canadians as it will affect our agriculture, housing, transportation and the sustainability of our ecosystems.

2-Oceans provide a significant part of the earth's bio diversity. (Science)

The Ocean plants, animals, fish and crustaceans depend upon our ability to sustain various marine habitats and ecosystems, including coastal zones, watersheds, wetlands, coral reefs and other parts of the Ocean. Consequently, several oceans species are also threatened.

The Grand Banks fishery off the coast of Newfoundland is threatened by changes in water temperature. Similarly, the salmon habitats off the Pacific Coast of Canada are threatened by warming due to global warming. There are waterways and wetlands in Canada that are also threatened including the Fraser River, Great Lakes and the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

3-Streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands form watersheds which empty into Oceans forming vital transportation links. (Geography, Social Studies)

These watersheds influence the economic development of those regions. These waterways transport goods and humans. Coastal waterways are equally important. Seaports are key entry points into countries.

The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water system in the world. The Arctic Archipelago is also the world’s largest. Canada has more coast line than any other nation European explorers used those water ways to explore Canada The Northwest Passage continues to be an important military consideration. The Seaway expanded the economic development of central Canada. Coastal trade routes were the source of early prosperity for the Maritimes. Spanish and American explorers almost beat British and French explorers to the West Coast. French explorers used these routes to explore and settle many parts of North America Canada's seaports are a vital part of our past, present and future. The James Bay & Labrador watersheds are key hydro electric power regions Shipbuilding and shipping related trades are and were an important part of Canada's' economy. The Atlantic was the route from Europe that led to the development of Canada The Pacific links Canada to a number of emerging countries. The Arctic Ocean has sustained aboriginal and northern communities.

4-Oceans influence our social, economic, historical, international and political development. (History, Social Studies)

The Ocean has influenced the development of people, communities, and countries thoughout history. The Oceans fed aboriginal communities. Oceans and waterways influence exploration and the settlement of people in all countries. There is an ongoing migration of people to the coasts of most countries.

The " courier de bois" traveled on the waterways influencing the social development of New France. The Hudson's Bay Company used its key ocean access to overcome the Northwest Company. (English vs. French & Scottish) Fisheries are part of the aboriginal land claims and are part of the national reconciliation process now underway in Canada. Oceans and water sports are an important part of Canadians recreation activities. Britain's military dominance over the oceans led to victory in the key battles of Canada with France & the United States.

5-There are a number of careers related to the oceans. (Career Education, Guidance)

There are several careers that relate directly to the Ocean that offer interesting and rewarding opportunities and lifestyles.

Viable and significant industries and career opportunities exist in Canada including: fisheries, shipping, aquaculture, deep sea exploration, Ocean technologies, recreation/ tourism and eco-tourism, marine biology marine geology, wildlife management.

Specific issues that need to be resolved include marine debris, land-based pollution, threatened ocean species and destruction of ocean habitats.

Several Canadian harbours are severely polluted. There are several watersheds and coastal areas in Canada that are threatened by pollution. Several industries, including fisheries, recreational and tourism facilities, are being closed.

7-The Ocean and its resources are finite. (Science, Environmental Education, Economics)

Humans depend upon resources from the Ocean. Non-sustainable practices in exploiting ocean resources must be changed. Sustainable development can be a bigger part of Canada's economy.

The fisheries are in crises on Canada's coasts. Gas and oil discoveries off the East Coast offer great potential. Canadians need to be more aware of these resources and we need to monitor and report on Ocean conditions and resources more effectively. Canada is rich in Ocean resources.

8-The Oceans and related life forms and landforms have unique physical, biological and chemical characteristics. (Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Some of the Ocean topics in physics to be learned are wave motion,, major ocean currents, erosion and sediments. Plants, mammals, fish and invertebrates from the Ocean offer interesting examples of various life forms. The chemical and physical properties of salt water, sand, and other oceans features offer important and basic knowledge for all students.

Canadians can pursue studies in oceanography, marine biology, organic chemistry and ocean physics.

Canadians need to increase their awareness and sense of stewardship for the Oceans. We all need to change our environmental practices and become advocates for the Ocean and for sustainable development. All citizens of the planet need to share beliefs that value oceans and recognize that oceans connect all of us.Terra-centred attitudes need to be changed. Something is not " gone " when it is dumped into an ocean. Our garbage always washes up on our or other shores.

Youth activism, currently being promoted in curriculum in areas such as community service, should address the Ocean. Students can learn to work with adults in the community and to influence their parents’ choices and environmental practices.

(Art, Literature, Music, Ethics/Moral Education, Global Education)

The Ocean has always inspired artists, poets, writers, singers, dancers, and thinkers throughout the ages.

Aboriginal mythologies include many references to oceans. Coastal tribal development was influenced by the oceans. Canada has several mariner stories and mythologies as part of its heritage The music, art, literature, and folk songs of Canada's coast fishers and coastal communities are part of our heritage. The '"Group of Seven'" images of the Great Lakes is part of our Artistic heritage.