
2 minute read
A round the Reef
By Ashley Misiaszek Grotewold Communications Intern
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
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We’ve finally entered that time of year; the time where everyone is constantly excited (and slightly stressed) about the holiday season. The endless options of what to bake, what to buy, and how to decorate your house are enough to brighten even the toughest family Scrooge. However, with the holiday season comes something I know all too well at this point: academic finals.
I, along with many other interns, volunteers, and staff who have worked within Gray’s Reef, are right there with you. Whether you’re the parents of an overly-involved middle schooler, an exhausted college junior, or an over-caffeinated master’s student, we all face those few weeks of constant papers, tests, and projects that serve as a blockade between us and holiday break.
The light at the end of the tunnel? National Marine Sanctuaries like Gray’s Reef are constantly supporting, mentoring, and guiding the passions of these students. Those whose studies focus on oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology which includes engineering and social science, to name a few. There is a overabundance of opportunities for students to get involved in their local and national sanctuaries, while continuing their love and education for the ocean and its marine life.
The NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is just one outlet that provides support to future ocean stewards. This scholarship provides support for masters and doctoral degrees within those fields. Women and minority group members are encouraged to be a part of this amazing opportunity, as they assess your academic excellence, recommendations, research and career goals, and financial needs.
It’s not just scholars who are receiving these opportunities. Students of all ages, grades, and classroom settings are becoming involved. There are several programs and workshops that teachers and students can participate in to continually develop their oceanic education. No matter your schooling, students everywhere are participating in programs that focus on ocean pollution, marine debris, and ocean advocacy.

The NOAA Ocean Guardian School Program helps local schools engage students in school and community-based projects that focus on ocean stewardship, conservation, and research. From beach cleanups, to rallies, to modifying every day choices towards more sustainable and eco-friendly acts, these students are helping improve and sustain environments like Gray’s Reef every day.
Students are even able to learn how lost fishing gear can entangle North Atlantic right whales, which are considered an endangered species within our waters. The North Atlantic right whales utilize Gray’s Reef as a calving ground, making the implementation of these programs vital to our own ecosystem. These next generations of ocean guardians are passionate and well-equipped with the knowledge and drive they need to make a difference in their local and national communities.
For those of us trying to survive these next few weeks, or for those whose kids come home sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and in the same sweatshirt we’ve worn four days in a row, it’s amazing to know that sanctuaries like Gray’s Reef and programs such as NOAA are there to help us achieve all of our deep-sea dreams. The future of our prized marine ecosystems lies in the hands of these future generations who are not afraid of hard work, making a difference and paving the way for change. We can’t think of a better future for our sanctuary, and all other habitats above and below the waves.
If you or someone you know has a passion for marine studies, encourage them to become involved in any of NOAA’s Ocean Guardian School programs, or to apply for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. You can find more information about all of the programs, classroom activities, and workshops we help provide on our Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary website, or through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.