handson, learning, STEM, science, outdoors, experiential, investigation

Using Tools

Linda Petuch, Teacher Ocean First Education Advocate

Using science tools and creating models is not only a valuable, it is also a lot of fun.

conservation, education, colorado, local, marine science

Scientists Investing in Education and a Better Future

Lauren Riegler, Ocean First Education Advocate

Over the past three years, Ocean First Institute (OFI) has helped over 3,000 local youth discover the wonders of our ocean.

freediving, apnea, diving, curious, marine, science

Freediving

Kellon Spencer, Ocean First Education Advocate

There is a very corny saying that I use to describe the difference between freediving and scuba diving,

costa rica, sylvia earle, mission blue, fins attached, conservation, marine science, education

Return to Cocos Island

Graham Casden, Ocean First Education

“Our first dive was right here in Chatham Bay,” Sylvia tells me, recounting her first expedition to Cocos Island in the seventies.

mission blue, sylvia earle, conservation, blue spots, fins attached, marine science, education

Inspiration from Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia Earle

Klara Fejer, Ocean First Education

I now know why they call Sylvia Earle, “Her Deepness,” and it’s not because she has logged over 10,000 hours underwater.

marine science, research, education, field work, conservation

A Day in the Field

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

Field work is romanticized in our minds as kids, teens and in our early college years, but what is it really like out there? I’ve spent weeks and months in the field in various places around the world in good and bad weather conditions, and the one common theme that shines through - teamwork.

marine science, careers, conservation, research, ocean

Being a Marine Scientist

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

Marine Biology is a multifaceted career choice. While it may seem like a fun and exciting future... it is! But it's not without its sacrifices, struggles and the same confusion, choices and decisions that any career has.

manta ray, conservation, Peru, biology, marine science, education

Protecting Giant Manta Rays in Peru

Dr. Kerstin Forsberg, Ocean Frist Education Grant Awardee

The South East Pacific is home to the largest documented population of Giant Manta Rays in the world. Protected in Ecuador, these rays are believed to migrate seasonally into Peru, where their presence was poorly studied, and they received no protection at all.

stereo-video, research, marine science, education

Journey to Hawaii for the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

It’s a crucial time for the world’s coral reefs and there’s no better time for scientists to share what they know.

I’ll be there in Hawaii at the International Coral Reef Symposium (June 19 - 24) as scientists discuss a wide range of topics.

technology, STEM, drones, conservation, marine science

Robots to Save the Ocean

Dr. Andrew Thaler, Ocean Frist Education Grant Awardee

Several weeks ago, I was invited to talk at the annual WeRobot conference about underwater robots. From cable laying ROVs to oil rig-inspecting camera systems, the ocean is lousy with robots. The interest isn’t in big robots for industrial work, but rather the small, flexible, agile platforms that we can use to conduct marine science and conservation research.

stereo-video, sharks, technology, marine science, reaserch

How Big Are Sharks Really?

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

Whenever the news media or a member of the public report a shark sighting they are invariably asked to describe the length and overall size of the fish. How big was it? It’s the first, most obvious question. The implication being, of course, how scared should we be? Are we going to need a bigger boat?

coral, bleaching, marine science

Mother Nature is Trying to Wake Us Up

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

It was a typical Monday, the start of a new week. It happened to be Monday, March 28. I had a typical day ahead—breakfast, coffee, and then feed my seven-month-old daughter, share a few giggles.

And think about her future.

Saving a Manatee

Saving a Manatee

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

I’m working now on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, just south of the world famous Harbour Island, where I hear billionaires are buying out millionaires.

A few days ago, while making breakfast and letting the dog out, I saw an odd shape appear at the water’s edge in front of my house.

Coral and World Leaders

Coral and World Leaders

Dr. Caine Delacy, Ocean First Education

With talks underway in Paris to tackle the big problem of global warming, and no direct mention of ocean health on the agenda, world leaders need to know the coral is depending on progress.

Corals, in fact, are at risk by two human-caused stressors.

Shark Research off the Coast of Japan

Shark Research off the Coast of Japan

Dr. Austin J. Gallagher, Beneath the Waves, Inc.

Dear Caine [Director of Science and Research at Ocean First Education],

I would like to take a moment to update you on the progress of our research expedition to study sharks off the coast of Japan.