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The Quarterly Newsletter for the Members of the MID-ATLANTIC MARINE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Summer 2014 Edition

From the Captain's QuartersDear MAMEA members,

Welcome to summer! Warm weather, flip flops, and the beach are calling all of our names. For us at the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve it means time for teacher workshops and summer camps to be in full swing. But before all of the craziness of summer, I wanted to sneak in one last science nerd ad-venture – monitoring horseshoe crabs on the shores of Delaware. It was truly an amazing sight to see thousands of horseshoe crabs on the beach. Definitely one of my bucket list items checked off!!

Onto the true MAMEA business - MAMEA board members had our mid-year board meeting back in March. We have decided to prepare an online shop for purchasing MAMEA logowear – hats, polos, tshirts, etc. Please be on the lookout for that announcement soon, as we hope to get the order in with enough time to have these items to wear to NMEA. Secondly, the Board voted to provide free one-year memberships to those from our re-gion that are selected for NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program. With three teachers from our region being selected this year, we want to continually support teachers in the Mid-Atlantic, and

Volume 34 | Issue 2

CHECK OUT THIS ISSUE FOR UPDATES ON ...

2014 NMEA Conference Awards CommitteeGrants Committee

Chapter UpdatesResearch Updates

Social Media SegmentFeatured Resources

& much more!

continued on page 11

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MASTHEAD | Summer 2014 Edition

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident: Sarah NussChesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in VAmcguire@vims.edu

Past President: Kathy FullerNational Aquarium kfuller@aqua.org

President-elect: Dawn SherwoodHighland Springs High School (Highland Springs, VA)dcsherwood@henrico.k12.va.us

Secretary: Carol Hopper-BrillVirginia Institute of Marine Sciencechopper@vims.edu

Treasurer: Jackie TakacsMaryland Sea Grant Extension Programtakacs@mdsg.umd.edu

STATE REPRESENTATIVESDelaware: Chris PetroneUniversity of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant petrone@udel.edu

Washington, DC: Trish MaceSmithsonian’s National Museum of Natural Historymacet@si.edu

Maryland: Maria MaderoNational Aquarium mmadero@aqua.org

North Carolina: Andy GouldNorth Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisherandy.gould@ncaquariums.com

Virginia: Carrie BatemanAtlee High School (Mechanicsville, VA)cbateman@hcps.us

The MAMEA Board consists of five officers, five state representatives, and committee chairs. The MAMEA Board of Directors meets twice a year.

For more information on the Board please visit http://www.mamea.org/board.

MAMEA is one of 17 regional NMEA chapters. To become a member of NMEA, please visit www.marine-ed.org.

The 2014 Nation Marine Educators Conference (NMEA) is almost upon us. MAMEA is proud to be hosting this year’s conference in Annapolis, MD on July 21-25, 2014.

This year’s conference will be several firsts for the NMEA conference. This is the first conference ever to be held in Maryland. For the first time ever, the NMEA conference will be supported by a conference app that will allow conference participants to better plan their NMEA conference experience. This will also be the first time NMEA will be offering an unconfer-ence. An unconference is an opportunity for learning, collaboration and creativity, and it is completely driven by participants themselves.

Current full registration is $445 for NMEA members, $495 for non NMEA members, and $125 for single day registration. Online registration ends July 14. Onsite regis-tration will be an additional $50 per registrant. To register please visit http://www.nmea2014.com/register.html.

There is still space available for most field trips and pre-conference workshops but space is filing up fast. If you are already registered and would like to add a field trip, workshop, or the unconference please call 207-780-5960.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPSThe National Ocean Policy: How It Can Support Ocean Education, Literacy and Developing An Ocean WorkforcePresenters: Sarah Winter Whelan, Director, Regional Marine Conservation Project, American Littoral So-ciety; Sean Cosgrove, Conservation Law FoundationFree; 9:00 am - noon

National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Inter-pretation (NNOCCI) Introductory WorkshopPresenters: Nicole Killebrew, Marine Science Interpreter, Seattle Aquarium; Heather Segura, Education Outreach Animal Coordinator, The Florida AquariumFree (lunch provided); 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Reflecting on Practice Introduction WorkshopPresenters: Karen Burns, Education Specialist,

2014 NMEA Conference Updates

Be sure to stay up to date with the National Conference:Facebook page (/nmea2014) and follow on Twitter (@nmea2014)

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPCOMING 2014 NMEA CONFERENCE • Keynote address by Dr. Edith Widder, Deep-Sea Explorer & Conservationist, CEO, Sr. Scientist and Co-Founder, Ocean Research & Conservation Association, Ft. Pierce, Florida• Plenary Session by Dr. Michael Wysession, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Washington University and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Earth and Space Sciences Writing Team Leader• Plenary Session by Rita Colwell, Professor Emerita and Distinguished University Professor at University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Former Director of the National Science Foundation• Stegner Lecture with Billy B., the Natural Science Song and Dance Man • Over 100 concurrent sessions including a poster session and sand swap• Special events at the United States Naval Academy, the National Aquarium, and a Crab Feast at Port Annapolis Marina• Field trips and pre-conference workshops

For a full schedule visit http://www.nmea2014.com/schedule.html.

Dr. Edith Widder, founder of Ocean Research & Conservation Association (a scientific based conservation nonprofit) and internationally recognized deep-sea explorer, will be the keynote speaker at the 2014 NMEA Conference in Annapolis, MD. Image (c) oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center; Lynn Tran, Research Specialist, Lawrence Hall of Science$65; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

FIELD TRIPS: FRIDAY, JULY 25TH Skipjack Sail: $65; 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Federal Government Experience with US Capitol Tour: $50; 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Fossil Field Experience: $70; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

The View Below: Using Stream Snorkeling to Connect People to Streams and Oceans: $75; 8:15 am-4:30 pm

Kayaking and Chesapeake Bay Research: $110; 9:15 am-4:30 pm

Life of a Chesapeake Bay Waterman Crab Pickin’ Tour: $150; 6:00 am-5:30 pm

MARINE EDUCATION UNCONFERENCE: FRIDAY JULY 25THFor the first time, NMEA is offering a special un-conference. An unconference is an opportunity for learning, collaboration and creativity, and it is com-pletely driven by participants themselves (that's you!). The agenda will be created throughout the week of the conference and on Friday morning. Instead of one person standing in front of the room and talking for an hour, people are encouraged to have discussions and hands-on sessions. There is no need to prepare anything ahead of time, but if you would love to learn more about something, or if you have information you would love to share and have a discussion about, this "unconference" is for you! This will be one of the best professional development experiences you have ever had! Please purchase a ticket to this event for only $30 when you register for the conference.

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MASTHEAD | Summer 2014 Edition

Teams representing the three Mid-Atlantic competi-tions of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®) participated in the 2014 NOSB National Finals, held at the University of Washington campus in Seattle, WA, May 1-4. The Chesapeake Bay Bowl was rep-resented by the team from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia (Coach Lisa Wu). Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in Virginia Beach (Coach Bill Dunn) represented Virginia’s Blue Crab Bowl. And, rep-resenting North Carolina’s Blue Heron Bowl was Raleigh Charter High School (Coach Whit Hames) from Raleigh, NC.

Over 130 competitors and coaches from 22 regions, plus scores of volunteer officials from WA and Regions across the country, gathered on May 1 for opening ceremonies. The following day, the partici-pants scattered to experience diverse field and research activities in the Seattle area, then reconvened for an evening at the Seattle Aquarium. Then, the serious business of national-level competition took place over two days. Starting from a total of 22 teams on May 3, the field had narrowed to the top competi-tors by mid-morning the following day. All teams received recognition awards for their participation at the NOSB Awards and Closing Ceremony on May 4. And, when the three Mid-Atlantic teams returned from the NOSB finals, the team from the Blue Crab Bowl brought back an honor no Virginia school has ever won. The successful team from Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School finished 4th in the NOSB’s 17th annual finals, and garnered other honors, as well! Coached by science teachers Bill Dunn and Carol Stapanowich, the members of the successful Bishop

Three Mid-Atlantic Teams Compete and Take Honors at NOSB National Finals!

Sullivan team include: Team Captain Cameron Springer (senior); Mary Chang (senior); Will Harris (senior); John Craig (sophomore) and Patrick West (sophomore).

In addition to National 4th Place honors, the Bishop Sullivan team was also recognized for the top national score in two other competition components that require intense team collaboration in analysis and synthesis. The team had the Top Score for Team Challenge Questions, the analytical written questions teams an-swer in addition to the fast-paced buzz-in questions. And, they placed First in the NOSB Science Expert Briefing, a difficult ocean policy piece structured like legislative testimony and delivered to a panel of sci-ence and policy professionals. The National Ocean Sciences Bowl is a program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership in Washington, D.C. For more information about the National Ocean Sciences Bowl Finals – including this year’s surprise winning team – visit the NOSB website at: http://nosb.org/competitions-2/finals-competition/2014-nosb-finals/. For information about the three Mid-Atlantic Regional Competitions, see http://nosb.org/competi-tions-2/regional-competition-map/.Clockwise: (1) Members of North Carolina’s Blue Heron Bowl winning team, Raleigh Charter High School in Raleigh, NC, take a bow at the opening ceremony of the 2014 NOSB Finals, held in Seattle, WA. The Raleigh Charter team was coached by teacher Whit Hames. Photo courtesy of NOSB. (2) The Bishop Sul-livan Catholic High team celebrates its 4th Place win and other honors with an “af-ter party” at the Seattle Space Needle. From left to right: Assistant Coach Carol Stapanowich, Team Captain Cameron Springer; Anna Chang; Will Harris; John Craig; Patrick West; and Coach Bill Dunn. Photo courtesy of Bill Dunn. (3) Representing the Chesapeake Bay Bowl, members of the team from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology from Alexandria, VA, introduce themselves at the opening ceremony of the 2014 NOSB Finals, held in Seattle, WA. The “TJ” team was coached by teacher Lisa Wu. Photo courtesy of NOSB. (4) Team Captain Ben Hames of Raleigh Charter High accepts the 2014 NOSB Finals Participation Award during the closing ceremony. Photo courtesy of NOSB. (5) The Bishop Sullivan team accepts their award for top honors in the NOSB Finals Science Expert Briefing. In this challenging assignment, students address an assigned topic that combines marine science and policy and deliver legislative testimony representing several stake holders on the issue. From left to right: Team Captain Cameron Springer; team members Will Harris, Anna Chang, Patrick West and John Craig. Photo courtesy of NOSB. (6) Team Captain Christopher Chen from Thomas Jefferson High for Science & Technology received the 2014 team participation award during the 2014 NOSB Finals closing ceremony. Photo courtesy of NOSB.

The NOSB mission is to enrich

science teaching and learning

across the United States through

a high-profile national competition

that increases high school students’

knowledge of the oceans and

enhances public understanding and

stewardship of the oceans.

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NEED FUNDING FOR YOUR NEXT EDUCATIONAL PROJECT? PLAN AHEAD FOR THE 2014/15 SCHOOL YEAR!The MAMEA supports its members’ innovative marine and aquatic education projects each year through its Educational Project Grant Program. Two grants (up to $1,000 each) are available annually, one for formal educa-tors and one for informal educators (museum, aquarium, zoo, science center, government agency staff).

In the past, successful MAMEA grantees have developed recycling programs for their schools, purchased equip-ment for studying aquatic and marine science in classrooms or conducting environmental monitoring projects. Funds have supported the development of new curricula, field research programs for students, and maintenance of public outreach efforts. To read about these examples of successful projects, please visit www.mamea.org/pastgrants.html.

To be eligible for a MAMEA Educational Project grant, applicants must be current MAMEA members with at least one year’s membership. Grant applications are due by September 15 2014 and awardees are announced at the annual conference in November. The funding period is November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015. Reports are expected at the mid-year and completion milestones.

For further information about the Grant application process, please visit www.mamea.org/minigrant.html. If you have any questions about the grant or application process, please contact Grants Chair Carol Hopper-Brill at chopper@vims.edu or 804-684-7735. Grant awards will be announced at the MAMEA Business Meeting in the fall of 2014.

Five Featured ResourcesCoralisThis website is intended to provide general information about coral and coral reefs. In-cluded is background information, stressors, immunity, and more. http://coralises.org/

Marine CSI Marine CSI: Coastal Science Investiga-tions is offering free sample lessons from their two books. Each book contains over 50 les-sons divided into eight units correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards. http://www.amazon.com/Marine-CSI-Coastal-Science-Investigations/dp/1492840718

Mission OceanThe Mission Ocean website is an interactive view of the Global Ocean Commission’s final report, an 18-month study into the state of the high seas. http://missionocean.me/

Ocean Acidification This new website on ocean acidification is aimed at researchers, policymakers, and the public and offers infographics, news, publications, and more. http://ocean-acidification.net

Tropics of SandThis sand gallery offers images of sand from differ-ent areas of the globe.http://www.tropicsofsand.com/

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2013/14 Informal Education Grant awardee Maria Madero of the National Aquarium, Balti-more has been getting all preparations lined up for her MAMEA Grant project’s big event date in August.

As an Education Specialist for the Aquari-um’s Youth Programs, Marine coordinates the Aquarium on Wheels (AOW) Program which engages high school students from Baltimore City/County in afterschool and summer work-study. Her MAMEA grant extends this suc-cessful program and helps support the Aquar-ium on Wheels Alumni Paddlers. Through this extension, AOW program alumni - now at colleges in the Maryland area and elsewhere - are able to continue their association with the Aquarium and will serve as mentors for younger students.

This spring, Maria secured many of the important elements for a successful summer camping ex-perience: a camping site for the group at Pequea Campground in PA; canoe guide and canoe rent-als; camping gear; and van rentals. To cover some project costs not included in the grant, she organized an Aquarium-wide bake sale. She’s on to recruiting AOW program Alumni to partici-pate in this extension and mentoring project, as well developing a survey to capture in-formation about the impacts of the Alumni project.

The Classroom Teacher awardees for 2013/14 have been busy, too! Middle school science educa-

tors, Heather Mericle-Sherburne and Melinda Mericle are daughter and mother. Ms. Meri-cle-Sherburne teaches at St. John the Apostle Catholic School and Ms. Mericle at Star of the Sea, both in Virginia Beach.

With their MAMEA grant, the duo supported their Catholic STEM Marine ROV Challenge, an underwater robotics program for sixth to eighth grade students in both of their schools. Funds were used to purchase materials and supplies for student-built, remotely-operated vehicles or ROVs, plus training resources. Dur-ing afterschool sessions, they introduced stu-dents step by step to real-world uses of ROVs, ROV design, motors and electronics, buoyancy issues, and the tasks their ROV would have to perform during competition. After testing and selecting the best of their designs, they entered the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Region M.A.T.E. ROV Competition, sponsored by Nauticus and held at Old Dominion University on April 26. Together, students from both St. John the Apostle and Star of the Sea Middle Schools, earned the “Most Spirited Team” award and had high scores in all three components of the competition. Quite an achievement for this first-time-ever team! Heather has a great power point to share that details their winning preparations for com-petition.

Grantee Update

Heather Mericle-Sherburne and Melinda Mericle and their sixth to eigth grade students participants in the Catholic STEM Marine ROV Challange.

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State Chapter UpdatesDelawareBay to Bay: A Multidisciplinary Watershed Investigation Across the Delmarva PeninsulaSix days of intensive field work, activities, and water-shed, ecosystem, and social science content. Includes all meals and overnight lodging in Easton, MD and Lewes, DE. This course can be used for seat time credits and involves classroom resources.WHO: 7th and 8th grade science teachers (may be expanded to other grades, stay tuned)WHEN: Monday, July 7 – Saturday, July 12, 2014WHERE: A transect across Delmarva from Poplar Island, MD to Cape Henlopen, DECOST: TBD, $50 or less (A small stipend may be available)REGISTRATION: Limited to 16 participantsFor more information please contact Chris Petrone at petrone@udel.edu.

MADE CLEAR Climate Science AcademyFour days of climate science, resources, activities, and peda-gogy. Includes all meals and overnight lodging. This course can be used for seat time credits

and involves classroom resources. WHO: Middle school science teachersWHEN: Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18, 2014WHERE: UD Virden Center, Lewes, DECOST: Free (Stipend available)For more information please visit http://www.madeclear.org.

A Day in Lewes: Exploring Collaborative Field Trip OpportunitiesA full-day experiencing the wide variety of field trip opportunities in science, history, natural resources, the arts, and mathematics in and around Lewes, DE. With transportation and lunch provided, you will participate in hands-on activities at the seven Lewes Education Coalition partner sites, including Lewes Historical Society, Lightship Overfalls, Zwaanendael Museum, University of Delaware, Delaware Bay and River Cooperative’s ship "DELRIVER", Fort Miles, and the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State

Park. Delaware teachers will receive seat time credits. WHEN: Wednesday, August 6, 2014WHERE: Lewes, DE and the surrounding areaCOST: $15For more information please visit http://bit.ly/lew-eseducationcoalition.

Sand, Surge and Sea Level: a Teachers on the Estu-ary Workshop

Join the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve for an exciting 4-day workshop focused on mid-Atlantic estuaries. You’ll increase your knowledge of the issues facing our coasts and how a changing climate will impact the mid-Atlantic region. Field studies, class-room activities and scientific presentations will make this

a workshop you won't want to miss! Participants will:• Explore lessons that cover topics such as using real and near time data, wetlands, local plants and animals and their habitats, impacts of climate change to both animal and human communities;• Increase their knowledge of the ecological issues facing our coastal areas in the mid-Atlantic;• Increase their awareness of the use of on-line data tools in the classroom including the Delaware Bay Sea Level Rise FieldScope tool and various NOAA data tools;• Increase their confidence in teaching about estuaries using local real world science;• Discover a variety of resources for use in their classrooms; and• Receive stipends, lunch, continuing education credits, high quality materials WHEN: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14, 2014TIME: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm each dayWHERE: Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Re-search Reserve, Tuckerton, NJFor more information please contact Melanie at 609-812-0649, ext. 206, or email to reding@marine.rutgers.edu.

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State Chapter Updates38th Annual Coast Day

Coast Day highlights how University of Delaware sci-entists, staff, and students are improving understanding of ocean environments and serving coastal communi-ties. Coast Day attendees

can interact with researchers, tour ships, try hands-on activities, and attend presentations on a range of topics.

Family-friendly activities include an event-wide treasure hunt for answers to questions about the environment and Coast Day exhibits. Children can meet sea-dwelling animals such as horseshoe crabs and dogfish sharks at the critter touch tanks. Everyone can enjoy live music, vendor displays, and seafood favorites showcased by local chefs at the Crab Cake Cook-Off and the Seafood Chowder Challenge.WHEN: Sunday, October 6, 2014WHERE: University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, DECOST: FreeFor more information please visit http://www.de-coastday.org.

Blackbird Creek Fall FestivalBlackbird Creek Fall Festival fosters the stewardship of the Delaware Bayshore by celebrating the richness of estuaries and Delaware's cultural traditions at our beautiful scenic site at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. This annual event features tradi-tional crafts and demonstrations, hands-on learning, lively music, kids’ activities, Race for our Rivers 5K, and lots of fun along the beautiful Blackbird Creek! So, bring a chair or blanket and spend the day with us - rain or shine!WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 2014WHERE: Blackbird Creek Reserve, Townsend, DECOST: FreeFor more information please visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/DNERR/Pages/DNER-RBlackbirdCreekFallFestival.aspx.

MarylandYouth Ocean Conservation Summit

The National Aquarium’s "Aquarium on Wheels" Program is hosting a Youth Ocean Conservation Summit for High School Students in Annapolis, MD, in partnership with NMEA

2014 Conference. This Youth Summit is “for youth by youth”! The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (YOCS) was created to provide youth participants the opportunity to learn from marine scientists and con-servationists about the current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally. This event also teaches participants about the ways other youth are currently working to protect marine ecosystems, and then allows them to work with their peers to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Workshops offered at the summit allow participants to gain the skills necessary to successfully implement conservation projects, teach participants about career opportunities in marine conservation, and expose them to opportunities they can take part in to help protect our planet's oceans and their inhabitants. There are still a few spots left so hurry up and apply for this amazing opportunity! WHO: For current 9th - 12th grade studentsWHEN: Tuesday, July 22, 2014TIME: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmWHERE: Loews Annapolis Hotel For more information on the Youth Summit and for an application please visit http://aqua.org/learn/student-programs/youth-ocean-coservation-summit or http://www.nmea2014.com/. (APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! Please contact YOCShelp@gmail.com or mmadero@aqua.org for more information!)

District of ColumbiaConsortium of Ocean Leadership/JOIDES Resolution: School of Rock

The 2014-2015 school year will be the launch of the Next Generation Science Stan-dards for many districts and what better way to get ready

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MASTHEAD | Summer 2014 Edition

State Chapter Updatesthen to immerse yourself in cutting edge science with science professionals, and work with your colleagues and education experts to develop plans for the school year.

We will work in high tech labs with microbiologists who are investigating the ecosystems and microbial diversity below the seafloor and geologists who search for clues to Earth’s evolutionary history through the study of microfossils. The process and nature of science will provide a framework for discussions and activities that will connect the experience to classroom instruction. We will also integrate youth development.WHEN: Sunday, August 10 - Friday, August 16, 2014WHERE: School of Rock: Dive Deep, University of Delaware, Lewes, DEFor more information please visit http://joidesresolu-tion.org/node/3298. (WHILE THE WORKSHOP IS FULL, THEY ARE TAKING NAMES FOR A WAIT LIST IN CASE THERE ARE CANCELLATIONS. If you are inter-ested, please email Jennifer Collins at jcollins@paleobio.org.)

VirginiaVirginia Mini Conference: A SCUTES Workshop

It's a fantastic opportunity to o out to enjoy a pontoon boat ride along the river to watch sturgeon breaching, as well par-ticipate in tagging of sturgeons at the Virginia Commonwealth

University's Rice Center as a part of a Students Col-laborating to Undertake Tracking Efforts for Sturgeon (SCUTES) workshop. Space will be limited. Look for more details and to sign up at the MAMEA website!WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2014WHERE: Virginia Commonwealth University, Rice Center

Discovery Labs – Turtles and ScallopsThe Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve of-fers a monthly Discovery Lab series for fun, family-friendly marine science experiences and lifelong learning. Each lab fo-

cuses on a specific topic through a series of stations that provide hands-on activities for kids and adults. Participants look through microscopes, observe live animals, partake in crafts and games, and view research posters. Both VIMS faculty and students participate as speakers, sharing their research with the general public in an intimate setting. The following are upcoming dates and topics: Tuesday, July 15 – Turtles, Tuesday, August 19 – Scallops, Tuesday, October 21 – The Mad Lab. For more information or to register please visit http://www.vims.edu/cbnerr/education/public_programs.

Estuaries DayThis program is coupled with a 5K race sponsored by the Colonial Road Runners and the Spirit Works Foundation. The event promotes the knowledge and enjoyment of our brackish water ecosystems through a variety of exhibitions. The event will include rep-resentatives from the Virginia Master Naturalist, the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, VIMS, and other organizations. Our ranger staff and volunteers will lead hikes, paddle tours, seine netting, and other activities. Please come out and join in Estuaries Day, experience York River State Park, and learn about the importance of estuaries.WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2014WHERE: York River State Park, Williamsburg, VAFor more information please visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river.shtml.

North CarolinaDataStreme Ocean CoursesSpaces are available for the Fall 2014 semester of DataStreme Ocean! DataStreme Ocean is a 13-week course that uses electronically transmitted data and learning materials combined with Study Guide read-ings and investigations and offers three free graduate credit hours in science through the State University of New York at Brockport. This course is delivered online in weekly installments; all materials and texts are provided at no cost to participants; and there are two required face-to-face meetings in North Carolina each semester.

DataStreme Ocean explores the ocean in the Earth system with special emphasis on 1) the internal prop-erties and workings of the ocean; 2) the interactions between the ocean and other components of the

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State Chapter UpdatesEarth system; and 3) the human and societal impacts on the ocean and the response to those interactions. Participants are expected to attend both face-to-face meetings. The first meeting will be in Raleigh, NC on a Saturday (or Sunday) in August. The final course meeting will be in Duck, NC on a Saturday (or Sunday) in December.

For more information please visit http://www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/DS-Ocean/index.html. For an applica-tion, click on “Apply for DS Ocean" and additional information. Download, print, and complete the ap-plication and send it as soon as possible to Terri Kirby Hathaway, Marine Education Specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant, PO Box 699, Manteo, NC 27954. Please call or email Terri at 252-475-5486 or terrikh@csi.northcarolina.edu with any additional questions or concerns.

Project Learning Tree Facilitator TrainingW H E R E : Haw River State Park, Brown Summit, NCWHEN: Wednesday, August 20 - Sunday, 24, 2014For more information please contact Renee L Strnad, North Carolina Project Learning Tree Coordinator, at renee_strnad@ncsu.edu or 919-515-5518.

NC Aquariums receive Ocean Project Innovative Solutions Grant

This summer the North Caro-lina Aquariums and Jeanette’s Pier were awarded an Ocean Project Innovative Solutions Grant to sell renewable energy certificates (REC) at each facil-ity. The three aquariums and pier will develop, deliver, and

evaluate new and effective conservation messages that will encourage their visitors to take immediate conservation action by purchasing RECs for their homes. The goal is to sell enough RECs for the aquari-ums to “green up” 100% of the electricity usage at each facility. All four facilities must sell a cumulative

would like to attract new members. Lastly, we do have MAMEA elections coming up electronically. Voting opens June 20 and you will receive an electronic ballot via email. Ballots will allow for write-in candidates and voting will close on July 19th. I encourage you all to vote.

The most exciting news is that summer means we get to see you all at the NMEA 2014 conference next month! With the leadership of Tami Lunsford and David Christopher, MAMEA has been hard at work to showcase Maryland for the first time as the host location for NMEA. Be sure to read more about the conference later in the Masthead. There will be engaging sessions, interactive field trips, and fun evening activities in An-napolis. In addition, Richmond, Virginia will be the site for the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA) regional conference in the Fall of 2014. Since there will be no Fall MAMEA conference, MAMEA is making plans to host some activities and possibly a dinner after the NSTA sessions end for our membership. We hope that you will consider joining us in October!

As always, I’m looking forward to reading this edition of our Masthead (many thanks to Ann for putting it together each quarter). Enjoy the issue!

Best,Sarah NussMAMEA President

From the Captain's Quarters... continued from page 1

11,530,476 kWh to be totally wind supported. The program was kick started with a donation of over 2200 solar REC’s from Strata Solar in Raleigh, NC to help ‘seed’ this program and help the Aquariums in their move towards a more sustainable energy future.

To support the North Carolina Aquariums efforts or learn more information please visit the following websites:NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: http://ncaff.support-greenpower.com/NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: http://wattsup.supportgreenpower.com/NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island: http://ncaquariumri.supportgreenpower.com/Jeanette’s Pier: http://bit.ly/JPGoGreen

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MASTHEAD | Summer 2014 Edition

AcknowledgementsThis issue of the Masthead would not have been possible without contributions submitted by Sarah Nuss, Carrie Bateman, Allison Besch, David Christopher, Kathy Fuller, Andy Gould, Carol Hopper Brill, Trish Mace, Maria Madero, Carol McCollough, Chris Petrone, and Allie Toomey.

FeedbackPlease feel free to email comments, questions, or concerns about this issue of the Masthead to info@beachchairscientist.com. After all, this newsletter is for YOU, the members of MAMEA!

The most recent edition can be found online at http://www.mameamasthead.wordpress.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA SEGMENTFeatured Facebook Page: NMEA 2014 - Annapolis, MD

Stay up to date on all the action for the Annual Conference of the National Marine Educators Association from July 21 - 25 in Annapolis, MD!

https://www.facebook.com/nmea2014

Featured Pinterest Board: {If I were a camp counselor again}Beach Chair Scientist has created a board with over 75 pins for fun ocean-themed crafts to do with kids at summer camp this summer (many of them often recycle materials). Check it out today! http://www.pinterest.com/beachcscientist/if-i-was-a-camp-counselor-again/

Featured Twitter Handles: Sea Grant Edition@DESeaGrant@FloridaSeaGrant@Maine_Sea_Grant@NYSeaGrant@NHSeaGrant@NJSeaGrantMITSeaGrant@SeaGrant@SeaGrantNC@WoodsHoleSeaGrant

Please submit ideas for featured Facebook pages, Twitter handles, or Pinterest boards to Ann McElhatton, Masthead Editor, at info@beachchairscientist.com.

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Volume 34 | Issue 2

Mid-Atlantic Research UpdatesThis edition of the Mid-Atlantic Research Update features stories from each of the region’s Sea Grant offices. Sea Grant—a partnership between the federal government (NOAA), state governments, and universities— is a critical link between university scientists and the public, conveying important scientific research to coastal stakeholders so that they can make better-informed decisions. Sea Grant’s audience includes coastal communities, commercial and recreational fishermen, emergency managers, policy mak-ers, seafood handlers, business owners, K-12 students and teachers, and tourists, among others. Our mid-Atlantic Sea Grant education specialists have played an important role in MAMEA over the years serving as Presidents, Treasurers, Secretaries, Masthead editors, committee chairs, conference presenters, conference auctioneers, and so on. Interested in learning more about Sea Grant, please visit http://seagrant.noaa.gov/ or contact any of the Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant educators!

Return of the Natives: Delaware’s native mud crabs were on the verge of being completely edged out by invasive Asian shore crabs 10 years ago. Today, new research shows that the tables have unexpectedly turned.

“I was shocked,” said Charles Epifanio, a scientist in the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment whose lab started researching Asian shore crabs with support from Delaware Sea Grant a few years after they first appeared in Delaware Bay in 1988. “When this crab arrived here and took over the rocky intertidal habitat, it was remarkable. It wasn’t gradual. It exploded.”

Warming Waters May Change the Timing of Striped Bass Migrations: Climate change could give striped bass a head start in one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most exciting and consequential races.

That race is the spring trophy season. For several weeks beginning in April, recreational anglers from around the region try their hand at catching female striped bass (Mo-rone saxatilis) as they migrate up the estuary to spawn. But warming waters may give the stripers an edge in this sprint, a new study funded by Maryland Sea Grant suggests. The warmer the Bay’s waters get in the spring, researchers say,

the sooner females begin their migrations. That may allow more fish to make it to their spawning grounds where they can reproduce before the fishing season begins.

Study Highlights Role of Gene Groups in Embryo Development: A team of scientists from North and South Carolina has discovered that interactions among a small group of genes influence egg quality, a key part of reproductive fitness in all vertebrates, including humans. Results of this research, funded in part by North Carolina Sea Grant and South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, are published in the open access journal, PLOS ONE.

The researchers worked with striped bass (Morone saxatilis), a finfish used in aquaculture that has problems with arrested development in eggs. Poor egg quality, or the inability of eggs to produce viable embryos, is considered a major limiting factor for development of global finfish aquaculture. This problem has long been studied in agriculture and human reproductive medicine.

Big Challenges, Joint Solutions: Building Capacity for Collaborative Fisheries Research: On April 15th, shrimp boat captains from Texas to Georgia shocked a room packed with conservationists and scientists. Not only did the shrimp-ers say they routinely used gear that reduces accidental catch of sea turtles, one captain added, “if the regulations weren’t there, I’d still use it.”

The surprise in the room was understandable. There has been a long-standing perception that fishermen and shrimp-ers didn’t like using turtle excluder devices, or TEDs and resented the regulations.

“All of a sudden there were serious captains saying they like and use TEDs, and it made [the researchers and con-servationists] think twice,” recalls Tony Nalovic. Nalovic, Virginia Sea Grant Collaborative Fisheries Research Fellow, was one of the co-organizers of the daylong workshop for fishermen and scientists. The goal of the workshop was to share examples and ideas on working together to conduct collaborative fisheries research. The event was organized by Virginia Sea Grant, World Wildlife Foundation, and International Sea Turtle Society.

For more information on any of these research sto-ries please contact Chris Petrone at petrone@udel.edu.