Columbus, OH Visitors to the Columbus Sports, Vacation & Boat Show at Ohio’s Expo Center can learn about some of the major issues facing Ohio’s freshwater resources on February 7-10, 2013 at the Ohio Sea Grant booth. Sea Grant experts will be available to discuss harmful algal blooms, invasive species, dead zones, and climate change, along with educational opportunities available at Stone Laboratory, Ohio State University’s Island Campus on Lake Erie.
Visitors can support Stone Lab’s research, education, and outreach efforts by purchasing admission on February 8, Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Lab Day. The event’s managing organization, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), donates a portion of the proceeds from every admission ticket purchased that day to Stone Lab student scholarships. Also, a reduced show admission of $4 will be offered to all Ohio State University students with a valid student ID on February 8.
"The show provides an incredible opportunity for students, teachers, and the general public to have their questions answered and interact with scientists from Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab," says Dr. Jeff Reutter, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab Director.
Throughout the weekend, experts will be available at the Ohio Sea Grant booth (booth #4004) to answer questions about how to become an Ohio Clean Boater, what causes harmful algal blooms, what to do with unwanted medicines, and the "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!" campaign that aims to prevent the introduction of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes and throughout Ohio.
The following Sea Grant experts will also be available throughout the course of the Columbus show at the Ohio Sea Grant booth:
” Ohio Sea Grant Director Dr. Jeff Reutter
” Ohio Sea Grant Assistant Director Dr. Chris Winslow
” Aquatic Ecosystems Extension Program Director Eugene Braig
” Resource Planning Analyst Kim Winslow
” Outreach and Education Associate Susan Bixler
” Ohio Clean Marinas Coordinator Sarah Orlando
Children ages 17 and under can make their own Lake Erie walleye lure at the booth on Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th. College and advanced high school students can learn more about summer classes at Stone Lab, and teachers can plan science field trips for their classes or find out more about educator classes available at the lab.
For more details and tickets, visit columbussportsshow.com*.*
“Ohio Sea Grant’s participation at these shows reminds us that everyone plays a role in our stewardship of Lake Erie”? explains Ken Alvey, LEMTA President. “From the Clean Marina Program to the challenges of Asian carp, protecting Ohio’s most important natural resource is job #1 for the Ohio Sea Grant Program. Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Lab Day at the boat show brings hands-on science to our visitors and helps teach them how to protect and preserve our Great Lake.”?
Lake Erie is Ohio’s most valuable natural resource, producing more than 50% of all fish caught in the Great Lakes. The Ohio Sea Grant College Program is dedicated to protecting this resource, and to teaching the public more about its value. The Program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 32 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. For information on Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu.
Contact
Sarah Orlando, Ohio Sea Grant, 419.609.4120, orlando.42@osu.edu