#POAUSM2017: Guardians of the Sea

The Ocean has always been capable of harbouring Life, but it cannot be forgotten that She can also be the bringer of Death. 

But now, it is She who is dying. 

Her waters, once crystal clear, are now clouded and hold trash and toxins in suspension. The treasure-trove of colours that she once held in Her embrace were now almost all washed away to nothing, the corals lifeless and crumbling. Of the creatures that claimed citizenship in Her realm, many are dead or dying, taken as food or for sport without care. 

This shall go on no longer. The Ocean has decided: Before She weakens further, She must take more solid action.

This year, using a mythology theme, Project Ocean Awareness USM is organizing a series of events to promote and spread understanding of marine issues under the banner of ‘Guardians of the Sea’.

Being the fifth iteration since its inception, Project Ocean Awareness 2017 is bringing its A-game and aims to be bigger and better. With various events open to USM students and staff as well as the public, we are inviting you to be part of our quest to save the ocean from further deterioration.

Water are you waiting for? Do you have what it takes to become a Guardian of the Sea?

1. Carnival: Make Waves

Date: 22nd April 2017 (Saturday)
Time: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: USM Main Campus
Fee: Free Admission

Participants are up for some fun-filled learning at our carnival! There will be exhibitions, talks and workshops by various NGOs as well as a special screening of Finding Dory, all stressing on the importance of marine conservation.

2. Competitions

Photography:
Date: 15th of March to 15th of April
Time: Online submission
Fee: Free

Colouring:
Date: 22nd of April
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Fee: RM 5

Drawing:
Date: 22nd of April
Time: 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Fee: RM 5

Venue: USM Main Campus

With three categories: drawing, colouring, and photography, we aim to cultivate a love of the sea through this competition of creativity. Winners of the competition will be invited to our turtle release event.

3. Turtle Release

Date: 6th of May
Time: 3.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Venue: Kerachut Beach Turtle Conservation Centre, Penang
Fee: Free for Winners of Competition, Half Price (RM 10) for one guardian/friend brought by winners

Get up close and personal with some adorable turtle babies and see for yourself how important it is to preserve our oceans. To prevent the baby turtles from inappropriate handling, this event is only open to competition winners and committee members.

4. Talk + Workshop Series

Date: 12th, 19th and 24th of April
Time: 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm (19th & 24th)
Venue: USM Main Campus
Fee: RM 3

Talks given by NGO representatives or USM officials will be conducted based on our three target issues, followed by an interactive workshop. This is to expose the public to prominent marine issues and leave them with a deeper impression. 
*Not open to the public. 
*Talk on the 12th is free

5. Beach Clean-Up Series

Date: 16th and 29th of April
Time: 7.00 am – 1.00 pm
Venue: Batu Ferringhi Beach and Tanjung Bungah Beach
Fee: RM 10

Participants will collect and sort trash at the beach. At the same time, participants can see how ocean trash and pollution brings adverse effects. After, we can have fun in the Sun! 
*Lunch will be provided 
*Fee only applicable to public is lunch is required

6. Beach and Underwater Clean-Up Trip

Date: 21st to 23rd of April
Time: Thursday night (20th April) departure and return to Penang early Monday morning (24th April)
Venue: Perhentian Island, Terengganu
Fee: RM 400 (snorkelling package) & RM 600 (diving package)

A diving team will clean up underwater trash while those without diving licenses (snorkelling team) will clean up the beach at Perhentian Island. This trip serves to emphasize the difference tourism can inflict on our environment.

7. Human Formation

Date: 12th of April
Time: 5.30 pm - 7.00pm
Venue: USM Main Campus
Fee: Free

We cordially invite everyone to join us in this endeavour! In an attempt to do something out of the box, we plan to create some cool human formations to promote ocean awareness. 
*Only open to USM students

8. Charity Run

Date: 30th of April
Time: 7.00 am – 12.30 pm
Venue: USM Main Campus
Fee: RM 30

Not just a typical marathon, this run incorporates station games, challenges and fun facts to liven things up and spread knowledge. Proceeds from the event will be donated to a marine-related body to support their ocean-saving efforts.

For more information, feel free to contact us via our Facebook page (@poaUSM) or our Instagram page (@poa_USM).

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Quick shout out for wonderful university students who are striving to make a difference!