CARING + SHARING | Area Resident Creates Blue Ring Campaign

WOODRIDGE NATIVE LAUNCHES POSITIVE & AFFORDABLE OCEAN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

Woodridge native Alex Rose is far beyond her 30 years when it comes to ocean exploration. As an underwater photographer, science editor, managing editor, PADI Divemaster, Explorers Club Fellow and professional violinist, she’s traveled to the Galapagos, Cuba, Norway and the Arctic in support of her mission to enhance public understanding of the marine world and to find ways to protect the ocean realm through research, writing, conservation and education.

When you talk to her mentors or some of the prestigious scientists that Alex works and travels with, they would not only rave about her exceptional dedication to conservation, but also her violin playing. She has impressed her peers (including her mentor Dr. Sylvia Earle, the world-renowned oceanographer) with keynote presentations and talks on sustainability while also attending and speaking at Singapore’s Ocean Week ADEX in April.

On June 8th - World Ocean Day, Alex will launch the Blue Ring campaign.

The idea began when she tried to create a personal Facebook page for “The Ocean.” Alex felt a “in a relationship” status would reflect her dedication and passion to protecting the world’s precious marine habitats. However, due to Facebook rules and restriction, Alex settled for a public figure page of the same name (www.facebook.com/thoughtsfromtheocean).

But it wasn’t until she gave a keynote presentation at the 2016 Blue Ocean Film Festival that she discovered her mission. A woman in the audience approached her after her talk and it was clear she was emotionally moved by the imagery Alex displayed from her Arctic expedition. The woman explained, “If I ever get married, that's where I would want to do it. But I don't want to marry a person, I want to marry the ocean!" Alex knew what she had to do…use that sentiment to catalyze some serious change in the world.

The Blue Ring campaign is a positive and affordable ocean conservation initiative where anyone over 18 years of age can Mery™(marry) the Ocean. (derived from the root word “mer” meaning sea). For a membership fee of $25 annually, people can show their ongoing and committed relationship with the Ocean and contribute to the conversation and become part of a global network. Participants will receive a digital Meriage Certificate along with a ring made from recycled ocean plastic. Anyone under age 18, for a membership fee of $10 can be adopted by the ocean and become a “child of the sea.” Instead of a ring to showcase their commitment, they will receive a pin made from recycled ocean plastic. The first year’s goal is to raise $5 million dollars for two-1000 meter, dual-classed submersibles to be used by world renowned oceanographer/explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle to continuous ocean exploration. www.bluering.blue

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