Generation X-traordinary

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we're always looking for ways to inspire the next generation of Ocean Stewards. But often, it is they who are inspiring us! Take Ayla Besemer, age 10 of Colorado, one of our 2007 Official Explorers. Ayla has been visiting the aquarium since the age of 6 and had always had a love for the ocean, even though it wasn't in her backyard. Since becoming an ambassador last year for the aquarium and for its conservation mission, Ayla has worked tirelessly to tell everyone, especially her fellow class mates, about the issues she's been learning about and spreading the word about what we can all do to help. Here's an excerpt from her final journal entry for the year (You can read more about her year, and that of her fellow explorers on our website).

WOW! What an AMAZING year! I have had so much fun, and learned a lot too!  From live radio shows, to helping with the Aquarium's albatross; from working behind the scenes prepping the sea otter's training toys, to cooking sustainable seafood with Chef Dory; from Underwater Explorers to Science Under Sail; the list of adventures goes on and on.  I have had a majorly (is that really a word?) FANTASTIC year.

But more important than all the fun things I did, I also learned tons about our oceans. For instance, did you know there is a garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean mostly comprised of plastic! Guess how big it is? Some estimates put it at twice the size of Texas! That is huge! I also learned that kitty poop flushed down toilets, or carried away in storm drains, can hurt the otters off the coast of California . And, if we keep fishing at our current rate, some scientists believe our oceans will be fished out by the year 2048! That's only 40 years from now.

As the year is wrapping up, I have started working on a very special project with one of the new Official Explorers, Simon Willig. This project is called Save Our Seas. It is a PowerPoint presentation about our oceans; the danger they are in; and how kids like you can help! We are still working on it, but soon we hope kids everywhere will be presenting it to their schools and kids they know!

I want to thank everyone at the Aquarium for this INCREDIBLY fantastic year.  Who knew when I set foot into the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the first time at 6 years old, it would become such a big part of my life! I learned this year that each and every person who works at the Aquarium has a deep love of the ocean. They are dedicated to sharing all they know with kids, so we can work side by side to help them protect and save our mysterious, beautiful, and magical oceans.