For Immediate Release

Philippe Cousteau, Jr.’s EarthEcho International Profiles Youth Leaders in Action
with EarthEcho Expedition: Shell Shocked

Documentary Videos, Outreach Materials and Project Based Learning Resources Provided Online, Free-of-Charge

Washington, DC (March 17, 2016) -- EarthEcho International, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping youth with resources to act now for a sustainable future, has released a collection of adventure-inspired educational resources and videos profiling a new generation of environmental champions tackling the growing issue of ocean acidification.  Educators and students can access EarthEcho Expedition: Shell Shocked materials and join a webinar hosted by EarthEcho and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on March 22 by registering online at www.EarthEcho.org.    

Last November, EarthEcho International founder Philippe Cousteau traveled along Washington State’s dramatic coastline, connecting with scientists and local youth to highlight the impact of prolonged carbon emissions on critical marine ecosystems and the adjacent coastal communities. The Expedition featured the efforts of Native American youth and community leaders who are tackling the issue of ocean acidification through a variety of programs and local solutions.

“The EarthEcho team drew inspiration and hope from the impressive efforts of Washington State youth working to find solutions on the frontlines of ocean acidification’s impact,” said Cousteau.  “Their stories, featured in EarthEcho Expedition: Shell Shocked, help shed light on the role science and community action play in tackling a complex issue like ocean acidification.”

The EarthEcho Expedition: Shell Shocked classroom resources include the following:

• Youth in Action Videos detail how groups of young people are taking action to mitigate ocean acidification impacts in the Pacific Northwest:
• Native American youth in Suquamish, Washington, preserving their culture by learning about traditional food systems and how those are impacted by ocean acidification.
• Young citizens in the Seattle area taking Washington State’s Department of Ecology to court to implement and enforce stronger carbon emissions standards.
• Student scientists working with Washington Sea Grant and NOAA to monitor the pH of water entering Puget Sound.
• A team of high school students competing in the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE to develop the next generation ocean pH sensor.
• Documentary Style Educational Videos hosted by Philippe Cousteau that explore the impacts of ocean acidification on local shellfish, fish stocks and communities.
• STEM Career Close-up Videos featuring a water quality specialist with Makah Fisheries Division, a shellfish biologist with the Puget Sound Restoration Fund and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary’s research coordinator.
• Action Guides for teachers and students to take action and solve environmental issues in their own communities, including resources on tree planting campaigns just in time for Arbor Day and Earth Day.

EarthEcho Expedition: Shell Shocked classroom resources are made possible through the generous support of the American Honda Foundation, The Campbell Foundation, The North Face and Southwest Airlines, as well as the following partners: Chief Kitsap Academy; Eagle Harbor High School, Bainbridge Island, WA; Makah Environmental Division; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Acidification Program, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, and Northwest Fisheries Science Center; Neah Bay Middle/High School; Ocean Conservancy; Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary; Plant for the Planet; Puget Sound Restoration Fund; Seattle Aquarium; Washington Sea Grant; Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE; and Windsong Charters, Neah Bay, WA.

Photos are available for download at http://bit.ly/ShellShockedPhoto

About EarthEcho Expeditions

For more information about EarthEcho Expeditions and educational materials, visit www.earthecho.org/expeditions.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthecho, Twitter: www.twitter.com/earthechoand Google+: www.google.com/+EarthEcho

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Media Contact:
Bryan Hughes, (202) 870-1818
Bryan@pointtakenus.com

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