July 5, 2023 - First Snorkel at Whalebone Bay

Hey all!

After our flights, our class was ready to do what we came here for: snorkel and swim.

We took a short walk along a beautiful railroad path to Whalebone Bay, where the water was almost bath warm, and a magnificent clear blue. Once we put on all of our gear we were off and into the blue! It was just extraordinary. We saw so many wonderful fish and invertebrates. From a color changing octopus to a ballonfish were spotted this evening!!

We also saw a variety of other species of fish and corals, and using our underwater data taking papers, we practiced our identification skills, and documented those that we recognized. Later, we will turn in this data in to REEF, so that our data can be used by others!

In conclusion, this is only the start of our incredible journey, and we are all so excited for what's to come!

-Annaliese and Sophie

Snorkel Practice at Number 10 Pond

After three days of snorkeling practice we are ready for the ocean and fish research. We also observed smallmouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish and a painted turtle at #10 Pond (Mirror lake). The bass were in their nest and we saw hundreds of newly hatched fish.

1st Farmer's Market

Over the last three Saturdays the Central Vermont Marine biology class, directed by Brian Slopey has been setting up camp in front of the farmers market in downtown Montpelier to help raise money for an organization called REEF. REEF is a non-profit seeking to conserve marine ecosystems around the world for their recreational, commercial, and sustainable values. Our class has been selling T-shirts and accepting donations to help REEF perform this conservation. During the first two weeks I took part in this fundraising as I sat in front of the farmers market for two consecutive markets. During this time we sold almost 40 shirts and made over $100 in donations. Also we were able to educate the public of central vermont on how they could, even from this land locked state, help preserve our marine ecosystems. As an engaging way of interacting with the public and being able to hear people's own experiences with and of the ocean, the farmers market booth was a pursperful way to spend a Saturday morning.

- Ben

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Hey all! Ocean and wildlife youth protectors here! We are a highschool marine biology class taken with Brian Slopey and we're taking the sea to you through our 'protect our oceans' t-shirts. We have been tasked to attend the farmer's market in Montpelier with the goal of educating the public. Now why are we doing this? We think it's important for everyone to know that even if the ocean isn't right at your doorstep, it still affects you, and you can affect it. There's always something you can do to help and by donating or buying one of these t-shirts you can do so. All of the money we raise goes right back to the ocean.

We are working with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). "It is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. REEF was founded in 1990 and its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community."

Now how has this experience been for me so far? I, Sophie Martel, (a student in this class) have personally had a great time. We may live in a landlocked state but Our oceans produce "67% of the air we breathe" as some of our shirts say on the back. Every one of us students has had some pretty good conversations with all types of people. From never seeing the ocean to having their divers certification. It has been really rewarding to see so many people interested in helping out.

Stay tuned as more is to come!

-Sophie