Storytime with Karen – Marine Pollution
Over 70 percent of the world is ocean. And sadly, seven billion tonnes of various types of litter enter the world’s oceans every year. This means our sea creatures are trapped in polluted waters. Marine debris can have a range of environmental impacts on marine wildlife and their environment. It is estimated that 100,000 marine animals, including turtles, seals, whales, dugongs, dolphins and fish, are killed as a result of plastic litter each year. At least 88 percent of the Earth’s ocean surface is polluted with plastic debris. Sea creatures need to have clean seawater in which to live. Thus we need to clean up the oceans. Show your support by leaving a lighter waste footprint and help protect our oceans and seas from pollution.
BOOKS
Louie and Snippy Save the Sea
written by Collette Dinnigan and illustrated by Grant Cowan.
Louie and his dog, Snippy, are inspired to take action upon discovering that human rubbish – bottles, plastic straws and plastic bags – has trapped fish and other sea creatures in their underwater home. The realistic artwork and simple story enhance our appreciation of the sea creatures plight. Collette Dinnigan is a dedicated environmentalist and her message is the need for more to be done about the plastic pollution in our oceans. This topical picture book is beautifully illustrated and a great visual way to start conversations about recycling with young children.
Garbage Guts
written by Emily Smith and illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith.
There is a destructive monster living in the ocean, his name is Garbage Guts. Garbage Guts is made up of rubbish, junk and trash that has been dumped into the ocean. Unlike the other sea creatures, Garbage Guts does not care about the environment and is intent on ridding the ocean of its precious marine life. ‘Soon I’ll be the only thing left living in the sea!’ he declares. Thankfully Garbage Guts is scared into changing his ways and instead becomes intent on teaching the importance of recycling and caring for the ocean. Told in rhyming text this is a colourful, engaging and topical picture book.
Little Pago
written and illustrated by Lauren Briggs.
This inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book is both thought provoking and engaging. It is dedicated to the protection of the sea turtles found in Australian waters. These magnificent sea creatures are listed as either vulnerable or endangered. One of the critical threats sea turtles face is mistaking floating plastic in the ocean for some of their favourite food. Little Pago is an endearing character whose underwater adventure will inspire you to value and protect our sea turtles. This book is highly recommended for introducing children to the importance of protecting our marine life from plastic pollution.
SONGS
No More Single-Use Plastic!
The sea animals are sick because there is too much plastic in the sea. Help the sea animals by not using single-use plastic bags, cups and straws.
Save Baby Shark and the Sea Animals
Marine pollution is making the sea animals sick. Please help them by saying no to plastic!
A Crafty Idea
Make a woven turtle. This craft, courtesy of the Australian National Maritime Museum, could be used as a teaching tool about ocean health and sustainability.
You will need:
- Turtle template – printed or traced onto 200gsm cardboard
- Hole punch
- Wiggly eyes and glue or eye stickers
- Scissors
- Some recycled fabric strips (optional)
- Pipe cleaners
Method:
- Cut out your turtle template.
- Punch some holes around the outer rim of the shell.
- Start weaving some pipe cleaners or raffia through the holes to form a shell.
- Add some eyes to your turtle.
- Now you have your own turtle-y cute creation, ready to dive and glide.
