Get on board the Derek M Baylis Research Vessel and learn about ecosystems in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the impacts of marine debris locally and in our ocean.

Save Our Shores in partnership with Sea Life Conservation provides a valuable learning experience on board the 65-foot Baylis, a vessel specifically built for research and educational purposes.  Educational workshops will be provided including: An introduction to the Monterey Bay watershed, our unique kelp forest ecoystem, and Marine Protected Areas.  Additional educational  stations focused on healthy consumer choices and the detrimental impacts of marine debris on our ocean resources will be provided.

Examples of our on-board activities include:

1: What is an ecoystem? Boat staff will collect a kelp specimen from the water, as Save Our Shores Steward volunteers discuss the kelp forest ecosystem, including keystone species such as the otter and sea urchins, and its unique importance to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

2: Fishing Methods: Stewards highlight the history of commercial and recreational fishing in the Monterey Bay, before passing out fishing method cards to educate students on the importance of asking two critical questions when purchasing seafood: Where was it caught? How was it caught? In addition, a supplementary talk on Marine Protected Areas will be provided to older students in order to stress an effective solution to not just protecting one fish species, but the entire ecoystem of which they form part.

3: What is a Watershed? As the Baylis sails along the coast, Save Our Shores Steward volunteers will point out important topographic areas and their signficance to the Monterey Bay, including rivers, roads, and buildings.  A follow-up discussion on marine debris will be provided, as identifying types of trash and the activities that they originate from is an important part of highlighting how individuals can help prevent marine debris.

If you are interested in signing up for an educational sail boat ride on the Bay, please contact Kate Purcell at kpurcell@saveourshores.org!

For further information on the Derek Baylis please visit the Sea Life Conservation website at http://www.sealifeconservation.org/baylis.html