Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program partners with The Jellyfish Project

This spring, the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program is partnering with a unique new educational initiative, The Jellyfish Project.

The Jellyfish Project is a program focused on generating awareness among youth about the declining health of our world's oceans and our environment at large. Through the power of music and live performance, students are engaged into the environmental conversation and are given information on how to become active participants in the sustainability movement.

Available free of charge to all Canadian middle and high schools, a typical Jellyfish Project presentation begins with a high energy show by Mindil Beach Markets, a popular rock band from BC. Mindil Beach Markets’ ability to adapt their sound has allowed them to play with acts ranging from Nazareth to Bedouin Soundclash to Del the Funky Homosapien. Though their sound is laced with elements of funk, hip-hop and reggae, at the heart of this heterogeneity is a true passion for rock and roll. The performance grabs the students' attention, earns their respect, and serves as a perfect segue into the band's extremely important environmental messages.

Delivered through a polished and captivating slideshow, including images, animations, and videos, the band members present a stunning portrayal of the environmental crisis facing our planet. Students are educated on topics such as overfishing, plastic pollution and climate change and are empowered with the knowledge of sustainable seafood choices, responsible consumerism, renewable energy, green career options, and the power of the internet and social media for global action and change.

Band members Daniel Kingsbury and Rod Campbell are trained by former Vice President and Nobel Laureate, Al Gore, as certified 'Climate Reality' presenters (http://climaterealityproject.org/) and the initiative has earned support from The Vancouver Aquarium, Youth for Environmental Stewardship Society (YES BC), and dozens of schools in Western Canada.

Mindil Beach Markets is scheduled to present The Jellyfish Project to approximately 6000 students in 18 schools this spring as part of their nationwide tour for their new album 'It Might Take Long.' Available March 5th, 'It Might Take Long' is the band's second full-length release. During the tour, 20% of proceeds from the new album will be donated to the Ocean Wise program! For free music downloads and more information on the band visit www.mindilbeachmarkets.com. To book The Jellyfish Project or learn more about the program visit www.thejellyfishproject.org.