Welcome to Newfound Harbor Marine Institute’s 7th Annual International Weekend.

International Weekend brings together high school students from around the world to learn and discuss
marine-related environmental problems that affect all nations and their people.  The year 1997 was
designated as the International Year of the Reef to increase public awareness of the importance of the
world’s coral reefs and some of the many natural and human impacts that affect reefs.  Last year the
United Nations continued the international focus on marine habitats by designating 1998 as the Year of the
Ocean.  In keeping with these two international efforts, International Weekend will focus on five marine-
related issues of global significance: 1) nutrient input and general water quality of coastal areas, 2) marine
pollution including ocean dumping and accidental spills, 3) marine fisheries, 4) the potential effects of
global warming on coastal areas, and 5) coastal development, recreation, and tourism.

Our goal is to educate participants on these topics emphasizing observation and examples in the field.
Upon arrival, participants will be divided into five groups, each focusing on a single topic.  Given our
location in the Florida Keys, we will learn some of the biology and ecology of local systems, including
mangrove, seagrass and coral reef habitats.  Activities will include wading and snorkeling to obtain first-
hand experience in these different habitats; these excursions will be both fun and informative.  During
these field excursions, each group will discuss the biological as well as social background of their topic,
first from a regional perspective.  This will give all participants common background knowledge from
which to develop their own ideas.

The field excursions will prepare everyone for one of the highlights of the International Weekend -- a
roundtable discussion.  At the roundtable, participants will share what they have learned about their
individual topics with the remainder of the group, and to discuss possible conflicts and solutions.  Time
will be set aside beforehand for each group to discuss their issue amongst themselves and prepare for the
roundtable discussion.  During the roundtable, the floor will be opened for questions and discussion from
other participants on each topic.  We encourage all participants to offer their own experiences, knowledge
and perspective of these issues for a more global view.  A primary objective is to focus on different
perspectives or ‘sides’ of each issue and to develop an understanding of different viewpoints.