1. NAMEPA Chapter program+
NAMEPA Chapter program
What is it?
What are the benefits?
How do I join?

2. NAMEPA’s Mission Preserve and protect the marine environment
Demonstrate maritime commitment to environmental protection and pollution prevention
Support the marine industry
Engage maritime businesses, government and public to “Save our Seas” by promoting sound environmental practices
Educate on importance of protecting marine resources
Highlight that NAMEPA is a non-profit and that folks can join as members/donate, and that we are unique in that we work with conservation and commerce

3. What is a NAMEPA chapter?
“Advocate, Educate, and Activate”
Allows students to spearhead their own initiatives to Save Our Seas
NAMEPA provides guidance, support, and free hard copies of our educational materials
ANYTHING man made is marine debris! Trash does not always come from ships!! Explain the ways that trash is easily transported. Highlight the hermit crab with a toothpaste cap as a shell because its very eye opening

4. Advocate!
Utilize NAMEPA’s education programs to learn that students’ actions DO matter
NAMEPA Chapters can have an immense impact on local marine environment and the ocean as a whole
Preserve and protect the marine environment and become champions of the marine industry
It is everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. From the deepest trenches to the most unexplored ocean surfaces.

5. Educate!
Lead environmental service projects, educational presentations, and hands-on activities for peers and communities
Education topics include marine debris, the maritime industry, ocean acidification, and more! 
Spread the word by writing for NAMEPA’s blog!
Do not read all of these stats, instead use this slide to show that research IS taking place and this is a very prevalent issue as marine debris is the one of the worst forms of pollution in marine environments. There is no debate on that. Choose one stat to highlight.

6. Activate! Become ambassadors of marine environmental protection
Gain leadership in new fields
Inspire community members to become ocean stewards by organizing beach clean- ups
Feel empowered to affect real change at home and beyond 
This slide says it all – but be sure to highlight the importance of plastic in plankton as plankton are the bottom of the food chain for all marine animals. No plankton, no small fish, no big fish, no sharks, no animals period. This is called a trophic cascade. Also, while animals do tend to choke on marine debris, the worst problem with ingestion is malnutrition and starvation. As animals eat marine debris, it sits in their stomach and will not break down. As many animals will only hunt/eat when they feel hungry, this makes their stomach feel full when it is not filled with the proper nutrients. This causes animal behavior to change and they will not eat when they should be.

7. Current chapters “A community of marine environment ambassadors”
Colleges and universities
High schools/middle schools
Boston School International (BSI)
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center (BRASTEC) 
California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime)
Columbia University
Escuela Nautica de Veracruz
Fairfield Ludlowe High School (FLHS)
Gaithersburg High School (GHS)
George Washington University
Maritime Academy Charter School (MACHS)
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Mass Maritime)
New York Harbor School
Stephen F. Austin Senior High School, Magnet School for Maritime Studies and Teaching Professions
Stephen F. Austin State Univeristy
SUNY Maritime College
Syracuse University
Webb Institute
UNC Wilmington
Berwick Academy

8. How do chapters stay connected?
Newsletters each month to update on ways to get involved, chapter activity, link to monthly reporting, and contact information
Free resources and guidance to run cleanups and education programs
Access to Facebook group
Highlight that are educational materials are very easily accessible and that we have topics other than marine debris. Can be used for students of all ages, and not just in the classroom. Can also be used at marina, office, environmental education centers, etc.

9. How to start a chapter
Find faculty advisor and group of interested students
Fill out and submit chapter registration form
Start planning meetings and initiatives!

10. Chapter requirements
One initiative per year – cleanup, education program, awareness day, blog writeup, and more!
Monthly reporting of meeting and chapter activity
Be sure to note that we work to make it easy for ANYONE to host a clean-up, and we will do our best to promote clean-ups. But as a non-profit we are not solely focused on clean ups.

11. Why become a chapter?
Build leadership skills, knowledge of marine environments and engagement
Improves resume for those wishing to pursue careers in marine sciences or industry
Build community on campus
It’s free!
Highlight that are educational materials are very easily accessible and that we have topics other than marine debris. Can be used for students of all ages, and not just in the classroom. Can also be used at marina, office, environmental education centers, etc.

12. Thank you! Nina Quaratella Education and Outreach Director
North American Marine Environment Protection Association