SeaSmart Summer 2023 Announced 

Breakthrough In Race to Save Caribbean Coral

Movie Spotlight - Gringo Trails

Alumni Spotlight

Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

SeaSmart Swag/Past Newsletters/Amazon Smile 

More to come...

Plans are already underway for an exciting adventure for our summer 2023 adventures. We will get info and pix up on the website soon, but since so many have been asking, we are excited to announce we will be headed to Roatan (a bay island off mainland Honduras), where we have access to the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican reef.  More than 500 species of fish and 65 types of coral live within the large reef system. We choose locations where developing today’s students with marine conservation skills will be best nurtured and where students can have a high impact on the endangered marine ecosystem. Roatan offers a front-row seat to the latest in marine science. The program also incorporates becoming PADI Open Water Scuba certified, can include advanced certifications, or just be enjoyed by those already certified to dive.  

Our focus will be on invasive species and coral conservation studies and we will work alongside local scientists and conservationists. Participants will learn to hunt lion fish and conduct a dive to eradicate these troublesome fish. We will also study the importance of coral reefs in the marine ecosystem and work to maintain nurseries and out plant corals to contribute to healthy reef growth.

Due to the success of our inaugural adult-only week, we will again be hosting a second week of exciting diving, learning and science after our student week. We will open registration early for all SeaSmart alumni, since we only have 12 spots each week. We will again offer a scholarship opportunity as well, thanks to our generous donors. Stay tuned!

If you would like to be kept up-to-date on July 2023's programs, be sure to register on our website:

Scientists At The Florida Aquarium Rock!

For the first time, marine biologists have successfully reproduced elkhorn coral, a critical species, using aquarium technology. It's a historic step forward, and one they hope could help revitalize Caribbean ecosystems. "When it finally happened, the first sense is just sheer relief." said Keri O'Neil, the senior scientist that oversees the Tampa aquarium's spawning lab. "This is a critical step to preventing elkhorn coral from going extinct in the state of Florida." O'Neil estimates there are only about 300 elkhorn coral left in the Florida Keys Reef Tract — but the spawning experiment produced thousands of baby coral. She expects up to 100 of them could survive into adulthood.

Named for its resemblance to elk antlers, the coral thrives at the top of reefs, typically growing in water depths of less than 20 feet. This makes their colonies crucial for breaking up large waves. During peak hurricane season, reefs are a silent but powerful ally that protects Florida's coastlines from storm surges, which are growing larger as sea levels rise. The Florida Aquarium's news comes after scientists reported in early August that the Great Barrier Reef was showing the largest extent of coral cover in 36 years. But the outlook for coral around the world is grim — studies have shown that the climate crisis could kill all of Earth's coral reefs by the end of the century.

Elkhorn coral was listed as federally threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in 2006 after scientists found that disease cut the population by 97% since the 1980s. And ocean warming is its largest threat.

Are tourists destroying the planet or saving it ?

Gringo Trails, a feature-length documentary film, follows the positive and negative impacts of travel and tourism on numerous communities across the globe documenting how communities thrive, adapt, or deteriorate in the face of mass tourism. Gringo Trails raises urgent questions about one of the most powerful global industries of our time: tourism. With stunning footage, the film follows the well-worn 'gringo trail' travel route in Latin America and beyond, revealing a complex web of relationships between cultures that collide yet need one another: host countries looking for financial security and the tourists who provide it in their quest for authentic experiences. Travelers, transformed by new landscapes and beliefs, also have unforeseeable--sometimes catastrophic effects on the places they visit. Through the life-changing stories of travelers and locals, Gringo Trails explores the dramatic impact of tourism around the world over the past three decades and gives examples of sustainable alternatives. We would love to hear your thoughts after watching this provocative documentary.

Alumni Spotlight 

Ben K., who adventured with us to Baja, has begun his freshman year this fall at Stony Brook University in New York. He is enjoying marine vertebrate biology studies and has joined the marine biology club at school. We wish Ben a great year! 

Scholarships Available Through WDHOF...

The Women Divers Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and raising awareness of the contributions of outstanding women divers. WDHOF provides educational, mentorship, financial, and career opportunities to the diving community throughout the world. Each year, WDHOF awards scholarships and training grants that provide financial and educational support to individuals of all ages, many for men or women.

Thirty-eight scholarships and training grants are offered this year. For some of the categories, more than one scholarship/grant is being offered. A summary of the scholarship/grant categories and award amounts is listed through the link below.

SeaSmart Swag: New Styles Added!  

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 2023 Diversity Scholarship. Every ocean lover will want one! 

Don't Worry If You Have Missed Past Newsletters  

SeaSmart's monthly newsletters are available on our website.  You can catch up on all of the cool info and opportunities here:

For When You Have To Order on Amazon

No one believes in shopping local and supporting small, eco-conscious businesses more than SeaSmart. However, we recognize there are times when you might just have to order on Amazon.  In a past newsletter, we highlighted how you can request packaging that reduces or eliminates the use of plastic.  

Now we have a wonderful opportunity for you to support SeaSmart when you do shop on Amazon. AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to SeaSmart. It's the same products, at the same prices-with no cost to you!

All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. (You do have to use this link when shopping from a computer, so you may want to bookmark the SeaSmart shopping link.)  Or use the link below to get started! 

If you use the Amazon App on your phone,  simply open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile, and benefit SeaSmart, on your phone.

Every little bit helps, so thanks for supporting SeaSmart with this small step!