Last week, BSSC students enjoyed their second week of "Exploring Maine Aquaculture". Students learned about the field of aquaculture, related jobs and uses of the harvest that comes from the local farms and beyond.

Throughout the week both the Mizzens and Stay’s’ls used “Toolkits” on loan from the University of Maine. These “Toolkits” provided BSSC students with a learning experience that focused on all aquaculture that also included seaweed. Each of the ten kits comes with activities that help students understand the aquaculture industries and the importance of protecting the ocean. The “Toolkits” were a big hit with all of the students.

On Wednesday, Aug. 3, the Stay’s’l students spent the day in the Damariscotta area visiting and exploring the Pemaquid Oyster Company, Darling Marine Center and Maine Fresh Sea Farms. At the Pemaquid Oyster Company, they spend time on and off shore talking with Dr. Carter Newell. Dr. Newell gave us a tour of his Damariscotta River oyster farm, showed us the different stages of oyster farming through upwellers and bags floating on top of the river and demonstrated how oysters are planted on the bottom of the river. Our second stop was at the Darling Marine Center where we explored the wet lab and general facilities, while learning about the science projects that are done there. Our day ended at Maine Fresh Sea Farms where we had the privilege to talk to owner Seth Baker. Seth intrigued us with the process of raising Sugar Kelp from seedlings to harvest. We were all surprised to find out that a lot of the seaweed the farm raises is sold to Maine restaurants. Overall everyone had a fantastic day!

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center ran some great waterfront activities last week. Not only did the students get hands on experience sailing turnabouts and sonars, but they also were introduced to some of the local legends of the Boothbay region. Students learned about the art of sail making from apprentice Mike Bartles at world famous Wilson Sailmaker. Mike came down to the Boothbay Sea and Science Center to talk to the Mizzens about different kinds of sail rigs. Directing the kids in a sail measuring activity, he showed them how much sails can vary in design for the same class of boats. The Stay’s’ls got the opportunity to visit Wilson Sailmaker’s sail loft and had the good fortune of touring the loft and watching apprentices at work making a sail.

All students enjoyed a great presentation on hull shapes and designs from design engineer Kevin Houghton from Hodgdon Yachts. Houghton talked with the students about the different methods used to build wooden boats versus fiberglass boats. The Stay’s’l group had the good fortune to visit Hodgdon Yachts and the opportunity to touch and feel the lightweight kevlar honeycomb that was used in shaping Comanche, and compare the hull shape of a racing boat to a cruising boat. The Mizzens and Houghton enjoyed playing “hull bingo” as they walked around the Ocean Point Marina identifying various hull shapes and designs and relating them to their uses.

Without question, these past weeks have been great. Every morning there was a gentle breeze that allowed the Mizzens to get on the water and spend time rowing and sailing and knot tying … one can never get enough practice tying knots. Each afternoon, the sea breeze filled in, giving the Stay’s’l students the opportunity to sail independently in the Turnabouts. The Boothbay Sea and Science Center is working hard to engage youth ages 5 - 17 in unique hands on experiential learning activities, as well as helping them to embrace the Boothbay Region’s nautical culture. The two week “Exploring Maine Aquaculture” session was a great success and smiles were shared daily.  For more information about the Boothbay Sea and Science Center please go to the website: www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org Questions about the programs can be emailed to info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or call Pauline Dion at 207-350-5357.