The National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) Children’s Ocean Painting has been held by the NAMR for the second time. Through theme guidance, children are encouraged to draw their connection to the sea, experience, or imagination.
    In conjunction with the Executive Yuan’s OCEAN TAIWAN policy this year, the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) encourages children to record their experience and imagination of engaging in marine activities with family or friends, with “Ocean Fun” as the theme. From the works by elementary school students nationwide, we see the splendid marine imagery presented by the children. Many among the works are uniquely delightful. The children have recorded the local marine activity features, their fondness for leisure activities, reflections on marine space use, and marine activity safety awareness, all of which show the children’s profound understanding of the ocean in everyday life and based on personal experience. The lower-class category-gold award recipient Lin Chien-Sheng from Xinpi Elementary School in Chiayi County has created the “Swimming with the Little Fish” work based on the creation concept: “I long to play hide and seek with my older brother and a school of fish. It must be fun”.
    In order to understand the marine literacy of children from outlying islands, specifically blending marine life into creation, President Chiu Yung-Fang of the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) led the staff to conduct the Children’s Ocean Painting Exchange Seminar at the Penghu International Diving Center on November 24th. Through face-to-face contact with the local children participants in Penghu, the creative ideas and ocean awareness are shared.
    The 2nd painting contest awarding ceremony scheduled to be held on National Ocean Day on the June 8th was postponed to November 27th in compliance with the pandemic prevention measure. The awarding event was held at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, where a one-month exhibition took place. President Chiu said that through the four themes of marine sports, view, environmental protection, and marine culture, the exhibition would present children’s knowledge and imagination of the sea. Everyone is welcome to visit. Looking onto next year’s 3rd National Academy of Marine Research National Children’s Ocean Painting Contest, different themes will be adopted to guide elementary school students in understanding marine knowledge. Future activity information will be successively announced on the NAMR website.