Ocean Fun Days Is Once Again Adapted with a Great Program

With the pandemic still looming in our midst, this year’s family-friendly Ocean Fun Days was once again held virtually. The event was a whale of success celebrating 18 years of ocean discovery, coastal stewardship, and energy conservation with a month-long educational extravaganza.

Starting October 1st through the end of the month, Ocean Fun Days participants gained access to online video presentations from over 30 exhibitors, at-home activities, and educational resources to provide eco-friendly fun… right from home. Some videos focused on New Jersey’s most important local animals and their value to the ecosystem including horseshoe crabs, eels, and sharks, while others concentrated on anthropogenic themes such as micro-plastics, saving energy and water, and the environment. New this year, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium educators led LIVE presentations via zoom on topics like diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and ocean swimming safety.

Rosemary Higgins, College & Special Programs Coordinator expressed “I just love coordinating Ocean Fun Days and working with many sponsors and exhibitors who help make the event a great success! The last two years Ocean Fun Days has been virtual with fun and exciting videos from our exhibitors for visitors online to enjoy. One of the most frequently visited pages the “Teachers Corner” gave teachers many resources with dozens of interactive classroom activities and lesson plans.”

Thomas Hays of New Jersey Natural Gas notes: “As a company committed to achieving a low-carbon, clean energy future that has built the most environmentally sound natural gas system in the state, we’re proud to have collaborated on Ocean Fun Days 18 years ago and thrilled with our partnership with the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and other participants. Next’s year’s event promises to make an even bigger splash!”

At New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, we appreciate all of the partners that made Ocean Fun Days possible. Thank you to our many exhibitors who took the time and energy to showcase their knowledge and expertise, especially Ocean Fun Days sponsor New Jersey Natural Gas. Most importantly thanks to all participants, whose desire to learn about our marine world makes events like Ocean Fun Days worthwhile. Although we loved seeing your smiling faces on our computer screens, we hope to see you in person next year! Stay tuned for more updates on Ocean Fun Days 2022.