Art, education, and ocean stewardship
Ocean Pals
Ocean Pals brings art and marine science together to help children understand, appreciate, and protect the wonders of the sea. The program invites young learners, families, and educators to build curiosity about marine life and a lasting commitment to ocean stewardship.
Register with Ocean Pals
Founded in 1986
Inspiring young minds to protect our seas
Since its creation in 1986 by Beneath The Sea, Ocean Pals has been an educational initiative dedicated to fostering environmental awareness in children through the combination of art and marine science. Recognizing a critical gap in youth education about ocean ecology, Beneath The Sea founders JoAnn and Armand Zigahn, along with the Executive Board, established Ocean Pals to inspire a sense of wonder for the marine world and instill responsibility for its conservation in future generations.
How Ocean Pals began
A creative beginning: the poster contest for children
Ocean Pals began as a poster contest for children, created to encourage young artists to express their concerns and appreciation for the marine environment through creative expression. What started as a regional initiative soon expanded into an international competition, engaging children from diverse backgrounds and cultures. By transforming art into a tool for advocacy, the contest revealed the creativity of young minds while cultivating a sense of stewardship for the ocean.
Creative marine education
Growing into a comprehensive educational program
Building on the success of the poster contest, Ocean Pals has evolved into an educational initiative incorporating a blend of art, reading, and marine science to make ocean conservation engaging and accessible. The program offers:
- Engaging lesson plans that integrate marine ecology with creative learning.
- Interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and foster hands-on exploration.
- Coloring-book-style artwork that introduces children to marine creatures, habitats, and conservation efforts in a fun and artistic way.
Designed for children, parents, and educators alike, Ocean Pals makes marine education enjoyable and meaningful, helping young learners develop a deep-rooted appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Ocean education
Ocean Pals Learning Resources
Learn how Ocean Pals connects children and educators with marine education and encourages the next generation of ocean stewards.
Explore Learning ResourcesJoin the program
Help shape the next generation of ocean stewards
The future of our oceans depends on the actions we take today. Register with Ocean Pals and help create a world where children understand, appreciate, and protect the wonders of the sea for generations to come.