Fish ‘n Fins launches Mermaid Edition with Science & Sailing on board Corwith Cramer
Eighteen teenage girls of the Girls Education Project on Montserrat joined Fish ‘n Fins Inc. for an exciting four-week agenda. The Fish ‘n Fins Mermaid Edition – focused on providing an ocean edVenture program for X number young women on the island. This collaboration is created under the theme ‘’ GIRL POWER- Defending the Future of Our Earth & Oceans,” made possible by the Waitt Institute who is working in collaboration with Government of Montserrat to develop a marine spatial plan to manage Montserrat’s ocean for sustainability, profitability and
enjoyment.
“The novel female-focused edition of Fish ‘n Fins is a unique opportunity aimed at supporting the development of strong, passionate girls becoming powerful and empathetic voices for our ocean”, said Ms. Shirley Osborne, Founder of the Girls Education Project.
The Fish ‘n Fins Mermaid Edition launched officially on Saturday, December 8th with it’s sailing and science edVenture day; an exciting educational science tour on board visiting science ship ‘Corwith Cramer’ of the Sea Education Association at Woodshole Oceanographic Institution.
“The girls experienced science on the water, through three main Watches; on each Watch they were able to experience a different learning station”, commented Dr. Jeff Schell, Associate Professor of the Oceanography Program Director for SEA Semester: Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean.
1. ‘’Boat Check, a safety check of the ship done every hour; also, a great tour of the entire ship.
2. Set and Strike a sail. Everyone was able to get to haul on some lines and set a sail.
3. Lab Tour & Plankton Lesson. The girls were able to meet the science equipment and look through the microscope at cool critters collected in Montserrat’s waters. The afternoon ended with snacks and time for questions and discussions. ‘’
“I’m looking forward to continued collaborations with Dr. Schell and Sea Semester in particularly to the sharing of data from science research in our waters. This will be very relevant and useful to students participating in Fish ‘n Fins programs going forward”, Miss Wade added.
Fish ‘n Fins Mermaid Edition will continue in January 2019, with a follow up to the experience gained on board Corwith Cramer in December. The girls will be given the opportunity to share their feedback and questions, with Ms. Wade and Ms. Robin Ramdeen, Site manager Blue Halo Montserrat, through a girl powered chat on ocean related careers and mentorship. The program continues on 5th January, with a snorkelling and swim edVenture day-building the girls’ water confidence as they explore marine life at Little Bay. On 12th January, there will be a morning of ocean related games and discussion on marine management areas. All culminating in a conservation through art experience scheduled for 19 th January, where the girls will be treated to an awesome creative session on contemporary and collage art techniques. Finally, the Fish ‘n Fins Mermaid Edition will end with a Mermaid’s pledge on one thing each girl can personally do to help protect the Ocean.
To follow more on Fish ‘n Fins Mermaid Edition, visit their website, www.aquafishnfins.com, or follow them on Instagram @fishnfinskids
