As chair of the Program Committee, Dr. Nicole Poulton is pleased to announce BSSC’s summer 2016 schedule of STEM-based experiential sea and science programs for youth ages 5-17. According to Dr. Poulton, “Each session will focus on a variety of topics including weather, basic boating and sailing skills, local marine life and responsible marine stewardship.  The session will also feature points of interest related to the theme.”

Session I:  June 27 – July 8: Maine Coastal Ecology

This 2-week session explores the ecology of the Maine coastal ecosystem. This module focuses on the interaction between marine creatures living at the lands edge and land creatures living along the marine edge (including humans) and the natural resources on which they depend. The behavior, habitat and impact of invasive species will also be explored. A local meteorologist will work with the participants on weather forecasting and a local geologist will help students explore the mysteries and wonders of the Maine coastline.

Session II:  July 11- July 22:  Marine Technology and Marine Debris

This 2-week session highlights the different types of ocean technology, including, submersibles and remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and how they can be used to explore and understand the ocean. BSSC will provide hands-on opportunities to build and study the use of these technologies to bring awareness to problems associated with marine debris from the surface to the sea floor. Rachael Miller and crew of the Rozalia Project (a non-profit organization for a clean ocean: www.rozaliaproject.org) will be working with the participants on marine debris projects.

Session III:  July 25 – August 5:  Exploring Maine Aquaculture

This 2-week session explores the aquaculture industries along the Damariscotta River. This module focuses on learning about the marine microbial food chain and its importance to Maine aquaculture species, analyzing and interpreting water samples, interacting with scientists and stakeholders within the aquaculture industry (farmers and aqua-culturists) and exploring different career paths within aquaculture. This session is supported by the Maine EPSCoR SEANET Mini-Grant program.

Session IV:  August 8 – August 19:  Gulf of Maine Fisheries

This this 2-week session investigates how people use, consume, and manage the harvesting of marine creatures from the Gulf of Maine. Hands-on activities will include lobster trap hauling and fishing (catch and release) and the proper handling and preparing of various types of fish and seafood overseen by a local chef and a local entrepreneur in the food industry. Participants will gain an understanding of how and why humans affect the marine food web.

Online registration is now available for 2016 Sea and Science summer programs at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org. In the Mizzen program (ages 5-9) the themed sessions will be organized week to week. In the Stay’s’l and Top’s’l programs (ages 10-17) participants are required to register for the entire 2-week module. All programs are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ocean Point Marina in East Boothbay. Space is limited. Early registration is strongly recommended. A limited amount of financial assistance is available.

BSSC invites all communities to join them in helping local and summering youth open the doors to “endless possibilities” and “priceless opportunities.” To make a tax deductible gift to the BSSC Financial Assistance Program or to “sponsor a child,” please go to www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.

BSSC continues to actively pursue additional watercraft for its summer 2016 sea and science programs. Presently, there’s a need for turnabouts and rowboats. To learn more about how you can donate a boat and/or volunteer at the Center, please contact Pauline Dion at info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or by calling (207) 350-5357.

More information about BSSC is available at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org. Please like BSSC on Facebook.