Each summer, one of the regional chapters of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) hosts a conference for its members, including K-12 teachers; marine education professionals from private, nonprofit, state, and federal organizations; marine scientists; and education policymakers from across the United States and from other parts of the world. The annual conference is an opportunity for NMEA members to share creative new ideas and innovative educational tools and programs, and to inspire one another in their efforts to increase ocean literacy among children and adults throughout the United States and around the world.

This year, the Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association (GOMMEA) will host this special event, dubbed “Downeast 2007” during the week of July 23-27, 2007, at the University of Southern Maine, in Portland, ME.

Maine Sea Grant staff is working with other GOMMEA member organizations to showcase unique and successful education programs in this region through daily concurrent sessions, exhibits, poster sessions, field trips, and evening events that allow visitors from other regions to learn about the marine and coastal resources of the Gulf of Maine . Beth Bisson is working with other members of the Downeast 2007 planning committee to line up an exciting roster of presentations and events led by educators, marine managers, scientists, artists, communicators, and marine industry professionals from throughout the region.

To find out more about the conference schedule, events, and session topics, or to volunteer during the conference week, please visit the GOMMEA Conference Web site, or contact Beth Bisson.

Gulf of Maine Marine Educators Association (GOMMEA)

GOMMEA is comprised of dedicated education professionals from a wide range of formal and informal education organizations throughout the Gulf of Maine . Maine Sea Grant is a GOMMEA member organization, and Beth Bisson is a new member of the GOMMEA Board of Directors. She is representing Maine Sea Grant on this year's NMEA Conference planning committee (read more below).

To learn more, please visit GOMMEA on the Web, or contact Beth Bisson.