NAMEPA named recipient of Port of Los Angeles Community Grant Program 2022-2023

September 26, 2022 – The North American Marine Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA) received funding from Port of Los Angeles Community Grant Program 2022-2023 to continue the Planet and Ocean Discovery Series (PODS) with the newest POD, Open Oceans! Through this funding, NAMEPA will create a virtual and interactive program directed to educators and students in grades 3-8 in the Los Angeles port community which will offer immersive learning on the marine environment with a goal to educate on ocean literacy and provide insight on career pathways in the marine industry.

In nature, pods are integrated yet self-contained units that encompass all the necessary parts to mature into a complete functioning plant. These small pods contain all the genetic information and nutrients needed to nurture and grow an entire plant over time. Nature’s successful pods design inspired the format for our own educational PODS.

The PODS program was originally developed during COVID-19 and delivered as a virtual program providing LA’s students with a fundamental understanding of the marine environment that is the basis for continued learning and that incorporates a STEM approach to learning. The first POD, Coastal Habitats, had students investigate Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs by exploring the habitats and adaptations, environmental importance, changing climate, and shipping/navigation concepts. Similarly, PODS: Open Oceans! will have students explore the unique habitats we find the open ocean emphasizing the distinctive adaptations we find such as bioluminescent species and big, tubular eyes and unique features like salinity, temperature, and depth.

“This Port of Los Angeles Community Grant enables us to provide additional educational resources and training to the local community and furthers collaboration with our environmental steward members toward the goal of activating communities to Save Our Seas. “

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information visit www.namepa. net.

The Port of Los Angeles Community Investment Grant Program creates funding opportunities for small to large community events, programs and projects that benefit surrounding harbor communities and promote the goals of the Los Angeles Harbor Department. The Port’s goal is to partner with nonprofit organizations that have similar interests and goals, creating mutually supportive relationships.

Media Contact: Molly Dushay, Education & Outreach Director, NAMEPA