Discarding a plastic water bottle on a beach may not seem like a big deal, but it contributes to a larger problem of polluting waterways. Each year, 8 million pieces of plastic make their way into our oceans. This pollution harms animals, such as sea turtles, who mistake plastic for food.
How do we save our oceans? By making more people aware of the impact of plastic pollution. This is the mission of Washed Ashore: Create elaborate sculptures of nautical species using debris found on beaches. Paired with educational initiatives, they help teach communities about ocean conservation.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Washed Ashore
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom is collaborating with Washed Ashore to help increase its conservation impact. Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Host Peter Gros joined Washed Ashore in Galveston Island, Texas, to unveil the sculpture, Bill the Coho Salmon, at Galveston Children’s Museum.
But this wasn’t Peter’s first time seeing Bill the Coho Salmon. While filming Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant helped build the sculpture in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Though coho salmon primarily live in freshwater habitat, they rely on both freshwater and ocean ecosystems throughout their lives. The sculpture will travel the country to help reinforce how healthy rivers lead to clean oceans. Learn more about coho salmon in Protecting the Wild Season 1, Episode 7, “Eager Beavers.”
Peter’s visit to Galveston also included a presentation at Texas A&M Galveston to university and high school students about ocean conservation and a visit to see a Washed Ashore marine debris sculpture under construction.
‘Art to Save the Sea’
Wild Kingdom and Washed Ashore are also providing ocean conservation resources for preschool and early elementary students. The “Washed Ashore — Art to Save the Sea Ocean Activity Book” will be distributed to 7,000 children alongside sculpture exhibits.
The book highlights that the ocean is a home for animals and a place where they find their food, shelter, family and stay safe. It also brings the marine debris sculptures to life. Kids learn how Octavia the Octopus keeps her babies safe, how Natasha the Sea Turtle’s babies make it to the ocean safely and that Grace the Humpback Whale is as big as their school bus.
Together, Wild Kingdom and Washed Ashore hope these efforts build children’s empathy for marine life and help them develop a love for the natural world.
