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Laura Francis

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Laura Francis combines education with research. Her job at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary involves teaching others about our oceans. She has worked there for 15 years and has started a number of exciting programs to help protect the beauty of the Santa Barbara channel.

What is special about the Santa Barbara channel and the Channel Islands?
Within their protected waters, giant humpback whales breed and calve their young, temperate reefs flourish, and shipwrecks tell stories of our maritime history. Sanctuary habitats include beautiful rocky reefs, lush kelp forests, whale migrations corridors, spectacular deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. Our nation�s sanctuaries can provide a safe habitat for species close to extinction or protect historically significant shipwrecks. An unusual mix of warm and cool currents around the Channel Islands combine to create a rich environment for underwater nearshore forests of giant kelp, flourishing populations of fishes and invertebrates, and abundant and diverse populations of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and marine birds. It serves as a natural classroom, cherished recreational spot, and valuable commercial industry.

It sounds like a beautiful and important place to protect! What is the purpose of a marine sanctuary?

Our nation�s sanctuaries can provide a safe habitat for species close to extinction or protect historically significant shipwrecks. Ranging in size from less than one square mile to 137,792 square miles, each sanctuary site is a unique place needing special protections. A network of marine reserves, or �no-take� zones, within the sanctuary provides additional protection for vulnerable species and habitats. Through research, education, conservation and stewardship, the sanctuary enhances public awareness about the value of taking care of our oceans today and for future generations.

And that�s what you do� educate! What is your work like?

I am very lucky to have worked at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary for the past 15 years. During that time I have been involved in many exciting projects including developing interpretive signs and exhibits, educational programs for both teachers and students and have helped put together web sites and field excursions. My job is never boring and I am able to learn new things each day.

Because the world is a mystery and we can never know it all. What is your favorite part about teaching, and why is it important to raise environmental awareness?

I like seeing students get excited about the marine environment and using all of their senses to explore and discover our special ocean planet. It is important to raise environmental awareness because everyone has a role to play in protecting our oceans, whether it is picking up trash on the beach, recycling, reusing and reducing, biking or walking to school, minimizing use of plastics, or planting a tree or growing a vegetable garden. There is always something that you can do and no matter how small it is, each of those things adds up to a great benefit for our planet.

So why is the ocean important to you? What is your favorite ocean animal?

I love the majesty of the ocean and the fact that it provides us with oxygen. It�s also really fun to surf and paddleboard! My favorite ocean animal is an ocean sunfish (known as mola mola).

How can students learn more about the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary?

A great way to learn about the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is to go out and visit! You can book passage on either Island Packers (www.islandpackers.com) or Truth Aquatics (www.truthaquatics.com).

If you are not able to get out there, you can find out more about the sanctuary and the important creatures and habitats by visiting our web site at http://channelislands.noaa.gov.

A great place to find out about marine life and download photos is on www.marinelife.noaa.gov. You can also visit the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center in the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center in Ventura, California to learn more about the National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.

Biography:

Laura Francis is the education coordinator for the Santa Barbara office of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Laura has also worked with the headquarters office of National Marine Sanctuaries to create educational programs like Sustainable Seas Expeditions (SSE), which was a project that combined exploration and public education in America's National Marine Sanctuaries. In her work, Laura has developed and coordinated workshops, educational materials and field experiences for teachers and students, a multimedia DVD about the sanctuary, outreach events, and traveling exhibits. Not only is Laura a wonderful teacher, but she also participates in marine research and policy. In all of her work, Laura instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship for our oceans, and she finds her work most rewarding when she discovers new ways to combine research and education.