News Release: HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) is excited to announce that the topic for this month’s ‘Kids Hour Saturdays’, taking place on June 18th, is coral reefs!
‘Kids Hours Saturdays’ takes place every third Saturday of the month at 11am and 2pm respectively. Each hour features the screening of short films followed by a book reading for children aged 5-12 years. This month’s Kids Hour will feature the short films entitled ‘What’s Killing the Coral Reefs?’ and ‘Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef,’ followed by a reading of the book ‘The Brilliant Deep (Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs)’ by Kate Messner and Matthew Forsythe.
The film ‘What’s Killing the Coral Reefs?’ explains what coral reefs are, how they are formed, and their importance tomarine ecosystems ashabitats to about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds ofother species. This short film also investigates the impact that climate change is having on the health of the ocean as it affects coral reef systems.
The second film‘Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef’ explores what it means to confront the climate crisis head-on, to movebeyond apathy andinaction, and to harness the necessary optimism and imagination required to build the new world we so urgently need. Back-to-back coral bleaching events, cyclones, and record-breaking warm water are just some of the threatscreating a perfect storm for our reef and the marine life that depends on it. United by a love ofthe ocean, scientists aboard the Adori II expedition do not question whether a healthy reef is possible, but what we will do together to make it happen.
The book ‘The Brilliant Deep (Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs)’ is a story where readers are invited to join Ken Nedimyer on a coming-of-age journey where he realises his passion for the health of the coral reefs, and subsequently takes steps to do what he can to save them from mass bleaching.
A BUEI spokesperson said: “Coral is a vital part of the world’s ecosystem, supporting more species per unit area than any other marine environment. It is our hope that these films and reading inspire future generations to safeguard our reef systems and the ocean life they protect.”
Kids Hour Saturdays are free for members (Single Parent through Adventurer Tier) and all care givers, and $2.50 per child for non-members. Please note, caregivers must stay on site for the hour.
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. To register for BUEI’s Kids Hour Saturdays, please call 294-0204.
