Feb 2, 2016 - for immediate release

Àros Na Mara teams with CBU to host World Oceans Day 2016 at the Barra Strait

On the weekend of June 4 and 5, 2016, the second annual Àros Na Mara World Oceans Day (WOD) festival will celebrate the scientific and natural virtues of the Bras d'Or Lakes in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere.

The Àros Na Mara committee is pleased to be working with Cape Breton University (CBU) to host the 2016 version along the Barra Strait in the heart of Canada’s only inland sea. The host team is supported by a strong group of volunteers and partners to deliver great family fun while experiencing and learning about science, research, and education.

“ CBU will have key planning input for the technical components of the festival. The Marine biology team will be on site with its equipment, collecting and demonstrating live marine specimens during the weekend” states Dr. Bruce Hatcher of the CBU Bras d’Or Institute. “The World Oceans Day Festival will promote the University as an Institution to study and do research that reaches beyond Sydney into the communities of Cape Breton.  The event supports CBU recruitment efforts by providing exposure of potential students (and their parents) to the University’s capabilities and programs.”

June 8 is officially designated World Oceans Day by the UN as a global initiative with hundreds of events held in dozens of countries, spreading the word about ocean issues that are vital to a healthier future. Bringing this global effort to Cape Breton relies on collaboration with Event Partners like the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association, Municipality of Victoria County and Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society to help plan event components and attract delegates, speakers and attendees.

The hugely successful 2015 first year event was tribute to the efforts of local Community Partners on the front line and behind the scenes. The list includes Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Grandona Legion #124, St. Columba Parish, Iona Volunteer Fire Department, Rankin School of the Narrows, Iona Heights Inn and others.

The committee continues to build the relationships with Event and Community Partners.

New for 2016, Bras d’Or TALKS, will provide a forum for exploring the research and development potential of the watershed ecosystem. As an entity within an entity (World Oceans Day), Bras d’Or TALKS will help benchmark the state of our understanding, as well as recommend actions and approaches in the Biosphere. The TALKS are an exercise in partner-building and ongoing collaboration.  

.Àros na Mara Committee Lead Vince MacLean advises “World Oceans Day provides inter-active marine-theme displays and learning occasions for what’s happening around, on, in and under the Lake’s surface, along with enlivening accounts of just how, and in what fashion and style, the Lake so proficiently mimics the world’s oceans.”

ÀrosNa Mara, Gaelic for House of the Sea, is an initiative of Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. It reflects  a long-standing dream to develop a marine science, education and renewable energy facility at  the Barra Strait on the Bras d’Or Lake. The facility would take advantage of the diverse natural attributes of the Lake and its watershed to support marine research, education and tourism initiatives.  Through a MoA, Cape Breton University is a stakeholder in the proposed development.

 “While there are many challenges to advance a major Research Centre development in today’s economic climate, we will use World Oceans Day to demonstrate that science is fun by building on the success of 2015 to deliver an event that will entertain, educate, question and stimulate visitors of all ages over the course of the June 4^th and 5^th weekend.” states Randy Pointkoski, Àros na Mara Event coordinator.

 “A weekend of festivities, fun and family oriented activities will feature a local lobster dinner for Bras d’Or TALKS delegates, Seafood Chowder at the Parish Hall and festival food on the Wharf Sunday afternoon.  These special events are in addition to area mainstays like local Pub food, eat in or takeout venue offerings, or the Friday Night Grandona Legion Supper” said Murdell MacNeil, entertainment chair. “Don’t forget, there will be live entertainment at local venues throughout the weekend and at the wharf on Sunday.”

As a premier event for Central Cape Breton, the lineup for Àros na Mara World Oceans Day has an incredible offering for all who participate and attend the event.

World Oceans Day Bras d’Or TALKS

Saturday June 4^th

Bras d’Or Lakes and Watershed

 Think Tank Forum

World Oceans Day

Sunday June 5^th

Oceans Exhibition Hall at Parish Centre

and Family Wharf Activities at the Iona Port,

Kickoff Event and Dance

Featuring “Silvermoon”

Grandona Legion

Saturday, June 4^th

With the WOD partnership program maturing, the organizing committee is now focusing on the corporate sponsorship program and implementation plans for various elements. Community partners are planning their complimentary events and activities.

Questions? Check our Facebook: Aros Na Mara -World Oceans Day 2016;

WorldOceansDay.org;

CentralCapeBreton.com or contact Randy Pointkoski [email protected]