January SeaSmart News: Conservation Travel Edition

Exploration Powers Conservation

 

Why Consider Conservation SCUBA travel?

 

Registration for SeaSmart's July 2022 Student week (July 9-16) and Adult week (16-23) is officially open

 

Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for the SeaSmart Diversity Scholarship 

Sylvia Earle, the pioneering oceanographer and primatologist Mireya Mayor share their lessons from lifetimes in the field. 

Exploration leads us to new places, animals and discoveries, helping us to understand the relationship between humans and the natural world. Then conservation comes in to protect these places, animals and people, to make sure those worlds thrive together. Both agree: Reverting our course back toward a thriving planet will require swift, collective action and drastic mindset shifts. Check out Scuba Diving's article on their perspectives:

Pioneering Explorers

Why Conservation Travel Is So Popular

Taking a trip with other ecologically-minded people has many benefits. The obvious benefit is that you already have many things in common with your companions. Some may already be SCUBA divers, and others may be planning to get certified. Because divers enjoy getting new people into diving, new divers have built-in mentors and people who are typically enthusiastic to share their love of diving. Those adventuring for a common good - maybe coral restoration, shark conservation, invasive species studies, whale shark research, or any other environmental goal - are natural born adventurers. Your down time has built-in common activities and natural discussions over meals or drinks. This makes it really easy to travel solo. For students, there is built-in age-appropriate activities and oversight. With social media making connections last, it’s not uncommon to keep in contact and even plan future travel with new friends and for similar purposes. As your fellow explorers connect with their own networks, they can share interesting programs they discover for all ages and areas of interest. Students can also benefit from having meaningful experience to include in their portfolios for high school and college applications, as well as the potential to earn service credits.

 

There are many important considerations in selecting such a program.  Check out more here.

Conservation Travel Considerations

Registration Is Open!

We have already begun to receive registrations for both the student and adult programs in Baja this July.  You can save money by registering early and/or with others. We will work with Baja-based marine biologists to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by rays and sharks, participate in some of the conservation efforts and research taking place, and dive/snorkel with them.  We also will be visiting a local sea lion colony to dive/snorkel with these sea puppies. SeaSmart has continued to update the website with more details and FAQ's, available in the link below,  and will continue to share more information as it becomes available.  

 

Do not hesitate to reach out to our Director at lisa.mcintyre@seasmartocean.org or (201)960-2363 with questions or for additional details.  

 

We hope you can join us:

Week of July 9-16: Student Week

(Parents are welcome based on availability)

Week of July 16-23: Mermaids/Adults Week

Week of July 23-30: Waitlist Student Week

 

Due to the custom nature of our program, we will be limited to 12 participants per week.  For a large group traveling together, alternative arrangements can be made to the program.

Baja Summer 2022 Info

We Are Searching For This Year's Diversity Scholar!

Talent and passion are evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. SeaSmart hopes to provide qualified students with an opportunity to explore their interest in ocean conservation, marine biology and SCUBA diving. This scholarship is offered to address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in marine science studies and will award funding to support their participation in the SeaSmart Summer 2022 program.  We're looking for female minority high school students who are a member of a minority group(s). (Including but not limited to: Black, Latina, Native American, LGBTQ+.)  We are excited to hear your unique story! Here's the link to additional information and the application:

Diversity Scholarship Application

SeaSmart Swag: New Styles Added!  

We have new additions to our collection of SeaSmart branded items.  The new Protect What You Love style is available on our super cool sweatshirts, and long & short sleeved T's. Choose from a variety of sizes and colors with proceeds going toward the 2022 Diversity Scholarship. Every ocean lover will want one in their stocking this year! 

Purchase SeaSmart Swag

Don't Worry If You Have Missed Past Newsletters  

SeaSmart monthly newsletters are now available on our website for a rolling year.  You can catch up on all of the cool info and opportunities here:

SeaSmart Newsletters
Call for more information:
201.960.2363
or visit SeaSmartOcean.org