Capitol Hill Ocean Week

The SCUBAnauts took over Washington D.C. while visiting for Capitol Hill Ocean Week! The first night of the trip was spent conversing with Craig McLean of NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, as well as with Dr. Jane Lubcheno, the 1st Woman and 1st Diver Administrator of NOAA. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) Leadership Awards Dinner followed these meetings, allowing for an increased understanding of the ocean issues at hand. The ‘nauts woke up bright and early Wednesday morning to visit the Indonesian Embassy, establishing friendships with other students via video conferencing. Following this meeting, the ‘nauts were filled physically and mentally while discussing ocean topics over lunch with award-winning author Alanna Mitchell. They later met with the Legislative Assistants of Representative John W. Olver, Senator John Kerry, and Representative C.W. Bill Young.  The ‘nauts also had the opportunity to convene with Florida Senator Marco Rubio! Thursday morning was spent at a panel discussion of the current and future states of marine fisheries, which was followed by a meet and greet with Dr. Daniel Pauly, Professor of Fisheries and Zoology at the UBC Fisheries Centre. The ‘nauts later spent time video-conferencing with an Australian snorkel club, sharing passions and learning more about our vast ocean via skype. During free time, the desire for knowledge combined with intrigue of the city took over, and the ‘nauts toured D.C., which included a visit to the United States Capitol Building.

The 'Nauts at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum



I am at CHOW right now! I can not explain how much fun that I am having and all the experiences that I get to be a part of like speaking with the Indonesian students, as well as the students from Australia. I also enjoyed the dinner on Tuesday night and meeting the senators and all the staffers. The metro was cool and easy to use after a couple of go-rounds. Colin and I also did the flight simulator at the Smithsonian: air and space museum. He ATTEMPTED to fly but all we really did is hang upside down. I still don’t understand how we managed to shoot down four planes. I also enjoyed listening to Dr. Pauly and getting to talk to him after the marine fisheries panel. It was a blast and I hope to do it again next year.
~Tyler Harder, Tarpon Springs Chapter

Florida Senator Marco Rubio with the 'nauts

CHOW in one word to explain it, AWESOME!!!! The first day (Tuesday June 7, 2011) in Washington D.C. was amazing. We went to the dinner and it was great. The speakers were very interesting. The second day (Wednesday 8, 2011) all of the SCUBAnauts went to the Indonesian Embassy. We talked to the Indonesian students in Indonesia. We told them about SCUBAnauts and what we do. They explained their school to us, and projects that have been working on. They were very nice, and speak very good English. We then met Senators and their staffers. We all talked to them about what we are interested in, such as global warming and fisheries. The third day (Wednesday June 9, 2011), we went to a panel meeting. This was mostly about fisheries and the effects on the fisheries. After that panel meeting we talked to Dr. Pauly about the international fisheries. He was a very interesting guy. After this I was able to go to the Zoo and see a ton of animals. We also talked to students in Australia. Over all, this trip was a great experience.
~Sofia Alaniz, Tarpon Springs Chapter

Waiting for the Metro

This is the first trip that I have taken with the SCUBAnauts, and it has been amazing. Although there were many things that we have done, and many people that we have met, I want to talk about Washington D.C.  It is the first time I have ever visited, so I did not know what to expect. To describe D.C., I would have to say it is a mixture of old buildings meets new buildings. The people in Washington D.C. are very interesting. People in cars are not very friendly, horns and sirens are constantly heard in the distance. In my opinion, people in D.C. are nicely dressed. Also, the metro was dark yet really cool. It was easy transportation and very fast. We walked everywhere, like to the Capitol building, which was awesome. The big dome in the middle was beautiful, I was amazed! Some other places that amazed me were the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Memorial. Although it was EXTREMELY hot outside, I still enjoyed walking and seeing all the amazing sites. Over all, Washington D.C. is an awesome place, and being with the SCUBAnauts made it even more enjoyable.

~Shannon Silk, St. Petersburg Chapter




The 'nauts conversing with Chris McLean of NOAA



This is my first CHOW and one of the first big experiences that I have had as a member of SCUBAnauts, since I am one of the newest members within my chapter. I am so glad that I was invited to come to this event, I have been learning and have had many opportunities that I would not have had if I were not a member of this organization. We skyped with students from across the world, in both Indonesia and Australia, discussing things such as methods of conservation and programs for ecological activism. We also met the members of Congress from both the Senate and the House and presented concerns we had for environmental issues within our respective states. In addition, we had an opportunity to sit in on a presentation discussing the current state of fisheries, which was delivered by a board of experts. We also had an opportunity to meet and talk with the higher-ups of the NOAA. It truly was a great opportunity that I thoroughly enjoyed, and that I would not have had if I had not had been a member of this organization.

~Jeremy Koch, Tarpon Springs Chapter

Compiled by Julienne Brown.

“Feeding the Nation: National Security and American Seafood”

As a part of Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the SCUBAnauts attended “Feeding the Nation: National Security and American Seafood,” a panel discussing overfishing, where they became enlightened with the discussion, debate, and panel perspectives on the potential and current state of aquaculture fisheries. The panelists included Bill Dewey, Director of Public Policy and Communications for Taylor Shellfish Company; Dr. Daniel Pauly, Professor of Fisheries and Zoology at UBC Fisheries Center; Tom Raftican, President of The Sportfishing Conservancy, and Mark Holliday, Director at the Office of Policy at NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. The ‘nauts furthered their understanding of this topic in meeting with Dr. Daniel Pauly after the panel session.

Probably the biggest moment for me was the conference on the world’s fisheries. My school has a ninth-grade environmental science class, which taught me some of the basics of overfishing, but it was amazing to hear real experts debate the problems that the world faces today and propose intelligent and innovative solutions. I learned tons about the issues, and am very excited to take my new knowledge home. I also can’t wait to follow up on the things they were discussing such as a bill NOAA is trying to get passed (I’m not entirely sure what it was about, I think I got there a little too late in the conference to catch that).
~Sara Vannah, Lake Hitchcock Chapter

 
Organized by Julienne Brown.

The SCUBAnauts Meet Author Alanna Mitchell

Alanna Mitchell, the “best environmental journalist in the world” (IUCN; Reuters foundation), and strong advocate for global science issues, shared conversation and knowledge with the SCUBAnauts during Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW). Mitchell lead an intriguing discussion on current ocean issues, and engaged the ‘nauts in thought-provoking question and answer sessions that provided a new perspective on these topics.


Whether you are aspiring to be a marine biologist, doctor, artist, or writer, I’ve learned that you can incorporate the ocean in everything. This is my second trip to CHOW and although we met some very memorable people, Alanna Mitchell really impressed me by being an author and having such a firm grasp on science. You could tell that she was both passionate in journaling and the ocean and just by that could create novels such as her famous book, Sea Sick. I’m really grateful to have been able to listen and learn from her because I have a great interest in writing and the ocean as well. I hope that one day I can keep the ocean as a prominent influence in my life as much as she has and I wish I could have talked to her more.
~Jessica Silk , St. Petersburg Chapter

 
Organized by Julienne Brown

Conversing Abroad with Indonesian and Australian Students

Cultural and physical barriers were overcome when the SCUBAnauts participated in video-conferences with Indonesian and Australian students. The ‘nauts visited the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. and connected with young men and women who also desired to bring conservation issues to light. In skyping with the Australian snorkeling club, the depths of the ocean were further explored and compared; this providing further affirmation of the incredible world-wide joys the oceans bring.

SCUBA-diving is a distinguishable connection between friends, nations, and even family. Throughout CHOW there were many moments of inspiration and fascination, but none could compare to the SCUBAnauts’ virtual conference with Indonesian students at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. I had never felt so honored to speak on behalf of the Lake Hitchcock Chapter to students, and explain the dynamics of our ocean environment to them. I felt as though I was attaining so much information every second that I was in the conference room. I learned that Indonesia has over 300 official languages, and about 26 variations of those languages. The ‘nauts’ had the opportunity to exchange school concepts and see presentations by seven schools for “a better environment” from the Indonesian students. Being able to see such a wonderful culture, and draw my own inspiration from it was an experience I will never forget. Before we departed from the Embassy, we learned of several ways to get yourself a free trip to Indonesia including an art competition to create Batik (traditional clothing of Indonesia) and the Peace Corp. Because of SCUBAnauts, I was able to discover such a wonderful opportunity.

~Danny Hentz, Lake Hitchcock Chapter

Today we met with the Indonesian embassy for a video conference, which was a great experience. Each of their schools had a series of things they were doing to make each school more environmentally friendly. Many of the schools have gardens and forests, including one that grows hibiscus plants that they use to make a medicinal tea to treat asthma. They also had floating cafeterias, where the students could feed the fish with the scraps of their leftover food, create wastewater treatment arrangements, and other efforts. It gave me ideas for things to try at my school. They also performed an amazing traditional dance for us.
~Sara Vannah, Lake Hitchcock Chapter

 Thus far the D.C. trip has been pretty awesome. The whole trip has been very interesting, but I have to say that tonight has been the highlight of it all! We skyped with students in Australia doing the snorkeling equivalent of what we do with our diving. They were very entertaining, and it was interesting comparing the differences between our programs. They are very much an early version of what our organization was once. I was really interested in what they had to say and the science that they do. It was definitely a highlight for the trip and I look forward to keeping in touch with them and seeing how their program evolves and expands.
~Connor Waugh, Tarpon Springs Chapter






 
Compiled by Julienne Brown.

CHOW Leadership Awards Dinner

The SCUBAnauts were invited to attend the Leadership Awards Dinner; put on by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington D.C. The ‘nauts enjoyed a sustainable seafood meal while learning about important ocean issues, conservation strategy, and the leaders- scientists, volunteers, and congressional members, who devote their time and effort to these causes. A special honor was given to the ‘nauts in their recognition, alongside other esteemed organizations and individuals, at this awards dinner!

One of the most memorable moments of the 2011 CHOW trip was the Awards Dinner. Interesting to me was the fact that they were celebrating the 9th anniversary, when in fact last year at CHOW we celebrated the 10th anniversary. The reason for this was because the first year was not celebrated with a dinner. We met many very esteemed scientists and photographers, including Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Dan Basta, and Craig McLean. We also mingled with countless significant figures from the NOAA, along with other scientists. This is my second CHOW trip and favorite so far; I always enjoy coming here and meeting our role models.
~Colin Cassick, Tarpon Springs Chapter


The Awards Dinner over all was very pleasant. There were many influential people there that deserved awards. Out of the few who did receive awards, the person who received the Volunteer of the Year award, Randy Rudd, really stood out to me. He seemed like just your regular guy who had a deep and passionate love for the ocean, so much that he would do 126 dives within 6 months! That dedication and selflessness is very admirable. He wasn’t doing it for an award or credit, or for a certain club; he is in it for the general good of the environment. He has really inspired me to do more community service.
~Mary Silk, St. Petersburg Chapter


Capitol Hill Oceans Week (I can finally spell “capitol” now) is an experience where the messages have influenced and inspired me, and will continue to throughout my life. Despite getting up at 3:30 am to beat NYC traffic and nursing tender pink blisters, CHOW was the adventure of a lifetime. The dinner the first night was a major highlight, with its classy, high-authority guests and fantastic food. It was great to learn about the scientists being honored and, of course, to meet Senator John Kerry. The desserts were also fantastic.
~Sara Vannah, Lake Hitchcock Chapter


CHOW is an amazing experience where we learn more about the ocean and also have more doors opened up. The CHOW dinner was definitely the most inspiring event. It may have not been the most exciting, but it was the event where I learned the most. To see so many people who have accomplished great things in their lives, such as the conservationists, was incredibly inspiring.
~Cole Kolasa, Tarpon Springs Chapter



Compiled by Julienne Brown.