- And the Scavenger Hunt Winner is...

- We've been up to some good stuff, above and below the sea.

- We have your student's holiday gift covered!

Our Scavenger Hunt participants turned up some surprising findings! 

When the scavenger hunt started at noon on November 7th, student conservationists "jumped right in" to their ocean research.  Their findings were fun, educational and often surprising.  (It's true! The parrotfish is an herbivore who dines on algae. It also consumes the coral that gets eaten along with the algae and poops, creating the sand we find on the beach and sea beds). 

Congratulations to all of the participants, but especially to our winner, 6th grader Mara P from Texas.  Not only was she our earliest respondent, but she earned the most points with her accurate answers! She has earned a SeaSmart swag bag with SeaSmart and marine-themed goodies, as well as a gift certificate. 

We have been working virtually, to keep conservation education moving forward...

Last month, SeaSmart was thrilled to have 37 participants of a NJ Boy Scouts of America troop participate in an Ocean Conservation program.  They contributed great questions and comments, and some real humor to our evening.  

In addition, we kicked off the guest speaker program for the new marine biology club at NYC's Notre Dame High School on November 2nd.  It was wonderful to talk ocean conservation with these smart young women.

We love to share the latest about ocean conservation and related topics from the sea with students.  Contact us if you would like to have us come virtually or in person to your class, scout or club meeting.  

SeaSmart Director, Lisa McIntyre, recently visited Baja Sur, Mexico to begin the development of the summer 2022 ocean conservation, marine biology and SCUBA trip. During her visit, she met with Peter Rodriguez Arana, a local marine biologist and shark expert.  He took her to see some underwater transmitters, which collect and send important data from tagged sharks.  

Lisa also met with Ellen Myers.  For those of you that participated in the summer online intensive last July, you may remember Ellen's presentation from Baja on "A Journey Through Ocean Conservation."  They got to dive together, but also unfortunately spent some time carefully removing 20 feet of fishing line and a big hook from across corals on a reef. Discarded lines and nets cause a lot of entanglement issues and damage for marine life. They also chased some illegal fishermen away from a protected marine area. Divers' responsibilities go further than just the fun stuff.

Use the button below to learn more about SeaSmart's upcoming trips, including the program being planned for Baja.

SeaSmart was super psyched to be recognized by the Skimm!

Give experiences, not "stuff" this year.

If you are looking for a holiday gift that will "keep on giving," consider a SeaSmart experience for your favorite people. (Next summer we may expand our Utila program with an adult week, based on demand!). Whether they have an interest in learning to SCUBA dive and/or marine biology & ocean conservation, they are guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure next summer. In addition to building confidence, friendships and skills, students will have a great high school or college application resume-builder and can often earn service credits. For more information on discounts available for giving a SeaSmart trip as a holiday gift, email lisa.mcintyre@seasmartocean.org.