OUR MISSION

We are passionate about connecting kids to Ocean Science! SEA Kids Alliance is an online platform that provides STEM educational resources and materials to parents, teachers and children, while highlighting recent ocean research and conservation projects. Our aim is to inspire the next generation through Science, Education, and Action.

ABOUT US

Sharon Wismer, PhD

I’m Sharon, co-founder of SEA Kids Alliance. I live in Switzerland with my husband and two children. I completed my BSc, MSc and PhD in marine biology in 2007, 2010 and 2011, respectively, during which, I investigated the fine-tuned behavioural strategies of cleaner wrasse – one of the ocean‘s most clever fishes! I was subsequently funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for collaborative postdoctoral research at James Cook University, Australia, investigating the impacts of mass coral bleaching on coral associated reef fishes.

I recently have turned my efforts to children’s outreach STEM education! Launching this platform with long-time friend Kasey has been a dream come true and I’m excited to bridge the gap between scientific research and children’s education.

My first children’s non-fiction book about the Great Barrier Reef called Keepers of the Reef was published in 2022 and I am currently writing a children’s book about the Earth’s most critical functional species.

Kasey Whitelaw

I’m Kasey, co-founder of SEA Kids Alliance. I live in Western Australia with my husband and two young children. I have a BSc in Marine Biology from James Cook University and an Honours in Marine Science from University of Tasmania.

Although I loved research, I had a burning desire to work in ocean education and conservation management. My passion led me to the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay Marine Park, working with the world – famous Monkey Mia dolphins. During my role as a Monkey Mia ranger, I was directly involved in dolphin education, conservation and research. I was also a leader of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle monitoring program and was coordinator of the school holiday activity program-actively presenting to community groups and schools.

I am now writing my first non-fiction children’s book about the incredible dolphins of Monkey Mia and how there is SO much more to them than what you see at the beach. Stay tuned!

OUR BOOKS

Our first children’s nonfiction book is out nowKeepers of the Reef was written by Dr. Sharon Wismer, illustrated by Alice Wong and published by Tilbury House Publishers.
Keepers of the Reef takes children to the underwater world of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef for a prime example of how a complex ecosystem depends on its keystone species. With richly detailed, accurate watercolors, Keepers of the Reef takes a boy and girl snorkeling to see the fishes that maintain the ecological balance between the corals and their main competitor, algae. Without the fish species that brush, crop, scrape, excavate, and browse the algae, coral reefs would die.

Available globally anywhere books are sold, like:

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s most celebrated natural treasures. Here children discover why the reef is threatened and what we can all do to help protect it. Keepers of Reef is the rare children’s book combining cutting – edge science with narrative and pictorial magic. Thorough backmatter sources and resources are included.

Download our free worksheets that accompany Keepers of the Reef

BOOK REVIEWS

Keepers of the Reef invites kids to look beyond the pretty colors, revealing fascinaing fish behaviors that are key to the survival of coral reefs. A delightful perspective on life in this beautiful yet fragile marine habitat.”
Dr. David Bellwood

Reef fish expert and Distinguished Professor, Marine Biology at James Cook University

“When children discover the wonders of the natural world, they become fascinated and curious, and this often sparks a life-long appreciation for the environment. This book offers young readers a glimpse into the delicate balance between corals, algae, and the reef fishes that together make up these important ecosystems. A journey of discovery that will educate and inspire a connection with our oceans and the magic of coral reefs.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE

Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace

“Coral reefs are places of wonder and excitement that stir kids’ imaginations and create curiosity that lasts a lifetime. Keepers of the Reef nurtures that curiosity. It will encourage the children of today to become the stewards of tomorrow.”
Dr. Charlie Veron

Global coral expert, conservationist, and the “Godfather of Coral”

FREE RESOURCES

All of our free printable STEM materials can be downloaded here. Just sign up, download, print and discover. We have diverse colouring fact sheets that are great for the classroom, school holidays or even a road trip. Please also check out our wonderful worksheets that accompany our book Keepers of the Reef – they will test your knowledge on coral reefs and the importance of keystone species.

CONTACTS

seakidsalliance@gmail.com

We are most active on Instagram  – check out our fun, educational posts there.