- Welcome to SeaSmart's Newest Junior Ambassador

- People Are Talking About SeaSmart!

- Turtle Egg Poachers, Watch Out! 

- SeaSmart is now a 501c3 - so please consider a donation of any size to our Diversity Scholar program

-Holiday Gift Swag Available for Gift Giving (which also contributes to the Diversity Scholarship Fund)

...and SeaSmart wishes all of you a peaceful & healthy holiday season, finding gratitude & joy however we need to reimagine it!

Welcome to Nella, SeaSmart's newest Junior Ambassador

Nella Craft is a sophomore at the Notre Dame School of Manhattan and started the Notre Dame Marine Biology Club at the school this year. Nella heard about SeaSmart when attending a presentation at her girl scout troop.  She has always loved the ocean and after completing the SeaSmart Summer Ocean Conservation Intensive Program this summer, she realized there is tons more to learn about the ocean. Nella says, "Not only is the ocean fun to learn about, it’s important to learn about as well. The ocean is a critical piece of the earth, and learning about it is the best way to preserve it. My goal for my club is to discover what lives in and relies on the ocean, effects humans have on the ocean, and how to help save the ocean." Nella is exactly why SeaSmart does what it does. She passes her inspiration to her club members and peers, and we hope she inspires you. Congratulations, Nella!

People Are Talking...

In The Best Possible Way!

The Coral Restoration Foundation, who taught at our Summer Online Intensive, interviewed one of their interns.  For those of you that attended, you will remember Bailey.  See what she had to say about you and her experience with us!

Ocean Advocacy Takes Many Forms! 

In This Case, It was Accomplished with a 3D Printer and No Need to be Underwater...

Green and Olive Ridley sea turtles, both endangered species, are losing their eggs to beach poachers in Costa Rica. So, biologists started 3D printing of fake turtle eggs using a material that combines the squishy feel of the eggs with the eggs’ dimensions and color. The feel is especially important because poachers typically work at night. After being printed, the fake egg is sliced in half, a small GPS tracker is placed in the middle, and the two halves are glued back together. Once the faux egg is grabbed from a nest, researchers can use cell towers and Google Maps to track how and where the eggs are being sold -- typically through a local grocery store or the poacher going door-to-door.  Pretty cool, huh? There's more info in this Smithsonian Magazine link:

 SeaSmart's Diversity Scholarship Program

Talent and passion are evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. SeaSmart hopes to provide qualified students with an opportunity to explore their interest in marine biology, ocean conservation and SCUBA diving with our 2021 Diversity Scholarship. Historically, women and minorities have been redirected from marine sciences.  This scholarship will fund participation in the SeaSmart Summer 2021 program for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the marine sciences. Information on how to apply will be announced in early 2021.  We cannot make these opportunities available without support, and appreciate any contribution to this program.

Use the button below to donate and bring budding advocates to the ocean! 

SeaSmart Swag Holiday Gifts Benefit the Diversity Scholarship

Sweatshirts, tanks, and long & short sleeved T's are available in a variety of sizes and colors with a portion of the money going toward the Diversity Scholarship described above. Every ocean lover will want one in their stocking this year!

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 your recipient has an interest in learning to SCUBA dive, marine biology and/or 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.  Of course, all trips will be pending future travel environments and nothing is binding at the time.