Environmental Action & Education Programs
Since 1984, Clean Ocean Action uses research, public education and citizen action to improve the quality of the waters off the New Jersey/New York coast. Our belief is that people will take action to protect things that they love and understand. Together, we must act quickly and effectively to keep our ocean clean.
To help achieve this, Clean Ocean Action developed many different education programs and resources to engage citizens in the protection of the ocean. From presentations to interactive activities, our programs help people understand the connections between our habits and actions, and the heath of our environment. To get started, follow the links below, or in the purple tab list in the left column for more information on these unique and interactive programs, activities, and lessons.
Click Here for a printable brochure that outlines COA's education programs.
Student Summits
The Student Summit is designed to provide NJ middle-school students an opportunity to experience hands-on, marine environmental education at the Jersey Shore.
- The Spring Student Summit will return to Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook on May 15 and May 16, 2024.
- The Staten Island Student Summit will return to Great Kills Park on Thursday, April 18 - Application will be posted by January, 2024.
Some activities covered at the Student Summit may include:
- Horseshoe Crab Discovery & Handling
- Invertebrate Identification
- Nonpoint Source Pollution 101
- Marine Debris Workshop
- All About Terrapins
LEARN MORE AND APPLY NOW.
SEAL Program
GOAL: Clean Ocean Action’s Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders (SEAL) program aims to empower students to become mindful and resourceful leaders, with a focus on local, current environmental issues.
The SEAL program, which had its first two years funded generously by Impact 100 Jersey Coast, offers from Monmouth County high school students a free and unique leadership learning experience focused on local environmental issues. While collaborating with peers all over Monmouth County, SEAL students will identify and implement environmental projects in their own schools’ communities.
Click here for more information about the SEAL Program.
Seaside Environmental Academy (SEA)
Looking for an educational hands-on experience with the marine environment that that is captivating and downright fun? The Seaside Environmental Academy (SEA) is COA's latest addition to our Education Programs. This exciting hands-on field trip offers day and week-long programs for availble for K-12 students. Taking place in the environs of NJ's Sandy Hook Park, SEA covers a variety of topics, including: catch & release of bay creatures, seaside shells ID, lighthouse history, and much more!
Click here to learn more about SEA and how to register your K-12 students for a day or week SEA Camp.
Clean Ocean Action Presentations
Cost: COA generally asks for a $150 donation for a 50 minute presentation
Clean Ocean Action offers informative marine environmental presentations to teach students of all ages and backgrounds about the issues surrounding ocean pollution. All presentations are tailored to the age and size of the audience.
Click here for more information on our available presentations and how to submit a request.
Education Ambassadors
Do you love COA? Are you a teacher or are you comfortable doing trained presentations in front of groups? If so, then the Clean Ocean Action Education Ambassador program is for you! Educators can assist Clean Ocean Action's education program by conducting presentations about ocean pollution issues to school and community groups across the state of New Jersey.
Click here to review the job description.
Click here to fill out an application!
Watershed Mindfulness Toolkit
Educational Videos for All Ages
- To learn about the rich history of sharks in New Jersey and their dependence on clean marine waters, students join Clean Ocean Action and the Shark Research Institute to sift for shark teeth at Big Brook Preserve!
- Video Credit: Current Media Company
Horseshoe Crabs - A Living Fossil
- To learn about horseshoe crabs in New Jersey and their importance to the marine-ecosystem, students join Clean Ocean Action and Jenkinson's Aquarium to ask questions about these "living fossils"!
- Video Credit: Current Media Company
- To learn about some of the human-caused impacts to our coastlines and ways to help educate others, a local family joins Clean Ocean Action and Dave Grant to ask questions about the history of these shifting coastlines.
- Video Credit: Current Media Company
Understanding Watersheds Using the Enviroscape
- To learn about nonpoint source or "pointless" pollution, how we contribute to the problem, and how we can be the solution.
- Video Credit: Current Media Company
- To learn what happens to stormwater on your property after it hits the surface and ways you can help “slow the flow” to lessen polluted stormwater runoff.
