Sea Research Foundation Inc

EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS IN OCEAN EXPLORATION

CONTINUED EXPLORATION OF NEW FRONTIERS IN OCEAN DISCOVERY

NEW FRONTIERS OF OCEAN EXPLORATION

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. STEM MENTORING PROGRAM

ARCHAEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION OF THE NORTHERN BLACK SEA AND EASTERN AEGEAN - ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE SURVEYS USING AUV/ROV AND SONAR VEHI

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. STEM MENTORING PROGRAM

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. MULTI-STATE STEM MENTORING PROGRAM

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC. STEM MENTORING PROGRAM

FEDERAL FUNDING WILL BE USED TO INTEGRATE PROGRAMS OF ANIMAL CARE CONSERVATION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS FIELD CONSERVATION AND WORLD CLASS ANIMAL CARE FOR ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES INCLUDING AFRICAN PENGUINS KEMPS RIDLEY SEA TURTLES HORSESHOE CRABS COOK INLET BELUGAS AND DECLINING CORAL REEFS THAT SUPPORT NUMEROUS ENDANGERED CORAL AND FISH SPECIESTO CHANGE THE DIRE TRAJECTORY FOR EACH OF THESE IMPORTANT ANIMALS A MULTIPRONGED APPROACH TO SPECIES RECOVERY MUST BE EMPLOYED MYSTIC AQUARIUM WILL LEVERAGE ITS ESTABLISHED PARTNERSHIPS UNIQUE ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY AS A TRUSTED SCIENCE BASED RESOURCE WITH EXPERTISE IN RESEARCH ANIMAL CARE EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION TO MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL FUNDING WITH THE GOAL OF MAKING IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE RECOVERY OF THESE SPECIES

IMMERSION MENTORING PROGRAM

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. (SRF), A LEADER IN PROVIDING MENTORING AND SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH (STEM) ENRICHMENT AS PART OF DELINQUENCY-PREVENTION INITIATIVES SEEKS FUNDING TO EXPAND AND ENHANCE ITS INNOVATIVE GROUP MENTORING PROGRAM, STEM MENTORING. SRF IS APPLYING UNDER CATEGORY 3, AS IT CURRENTLY HAS SUBAWARDS AT 47 AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS 27 STATES AND TERRITORIES, AND HAS A TOTAL OF 201 AFFILIATE SITES IN 43 STATES AND TERRITORIES. THE GOAL OF STEM MENTORING IS TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, AND REDUCE THE JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, OF AT-RISK YOUTH AGES 6-10. BY PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY, STEM-BASED GROUP MENTORING EXPERIENCES, STEM MENTORING REDUCES MENTEES HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS, IMPROVES PROTECTIVE FACTOR INDICATORS, AND INCREASES THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND INTEREST IN STEM TOPICS AND CAREERS. A SECONDARY GOAL IS TO PROVIDE PEER MENTORS AGES 12-17 WITH SUPPORT AND TRAINING TO HELP THEM BUILD STRONG, POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR MENTEES. STEM MENTORING WILL ACHIEVE THESE GOALS BY CONNECTING YOUTH WITH MENTORS (4:1 MENTEE-TO-MENTOR RATIO) TO ENGAGE IN WEEKLY STEM ACTIVITIES. SRF IS APPLYING FOR A 24-MONTH AWARD WITH THREE MONTHS OF STARTUP, AN 18-MONTH IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD, AND THREE MONTHS OF CLOSEOUT. SRF WILL MAKE SUBAWARDS TO APPROXIMATELY 85 AFFILIATE SITES IN AT LEAST 25 STATES AND TERRITORIES. SITES WILL ENGAGE UP TO 2,040 MENTEES AND 510 MENTORS INCLUDING AT LEAST 125 PEER MENTORS, TARGETING YOUTH WHO: A) LIVE IN COMMUNITIES WITH RISK FACTORS SUCH AS HIGH RATES OF POVERTY, VIOLENT CRIME, AND/OR DRUG ADDICTION; B) ATTEND SCHOOLS WITH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS AND HIGH RATES OF ABSENTEEISM; C) LIVE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES; D) ARE INVOLVED IN REENTRY FROM THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM; E) HAVE ONE OR MORE PARENTS IN THE MILITARY; AND/OR F) ARE AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE. TO ACHIEVE THE PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES, SRF WILL: 1) PROVIDE SITES WITH TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BASED ON THE ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE PRACTICE FOR MENTORING; 2) PROVIDE SITES WITH THE STEM MENTORING CURRICULUM AND ASSOCIATED CONTENT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; AND 3) MEASURE THE PROJECT IMPACT. PRE-AND POST-SURVEYS FOR MENTEES AND MENTORS, AND SURVEYS FOR PROGRAM COORDINATORS, WILL ASSESS PROJECT PROGRESS. ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, SRF WILL USE ITS ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM TO COLLECT DATA ON SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT, INVOLVEMENT IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, AND MENTOR-MENTEE RELATIONSHIPS. SRF WILL USE THIS INFORMATION TO MEET OJJDPS PERFORMANCE MEASURES REQUIREMENTS AND TO GENERATE INTERNAL PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.

EXPLORING INNER SPACE: LINKING AQUARIUMS WITH OCEAN SCIENTISTS

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC. STEM MENTORING PROGRAM

BUILDING TELEPRESENCE IN AMERICA'S NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES FOR PUBLIC, ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH USE.

AUV DEVELOPMENT FOR COOPERATIVE AUV/ROV OPERATION FOR DEEP OCEAN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

IMMERSION MENTORING

UNDERSTANDING THE PATTERNS OF THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN THE NORTHEAST CANYONS AND SEAMOUNTS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT WILL BE KEY TO EFFECTIVE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, INCREASE OUR SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF OFFSHORE ECOSYSTEMS, AND CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND ENGAGEMENT. DESPITE OVER A CENTURY OF RESEARCH ALONG THE CONTINENTAL MARGIN, MUCH MORE WORK IS NEEDED AT THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE SCALE TO IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OF PATTERNS OF DIVERSITY AND THE PROCESSES THAT GOVERN ITS STABILITY AND CHANGE. THROUGH THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WE WILL CONDUCT RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS WITH A FOCUS ON THE EPIPELAGIC WATERS AND UPPER SLOPE-CANYON SEAFLOOR OF THE NORTHEAST CANYONS AND SEAMOUNTS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH AGENCY AND ACADEMIC PARTNERS, AND APPLY RESULTS TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AS WELL AS ENGAGE STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PLAN, WE WILL BRING THE MONUMENT TO THE PEOPLE WITH THE GOAL TO ENGENDER AN APPRECIATION FOR OCEAN CONSERVATION MORE BROADLY. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A POTENTIAL TO ENHANCE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SLOPE-CANYON AREAS VIA COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS AND AGENCIES. SUCH SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING AND COLLABORATION WOULD ADD NEEDED FOCUS ON SEAFLOOR SYSTEMS AND ADDRESS CONNECTIVITY FROM THE OVERLYING WATER COLUMN, ESPECIALLY TO DEEP-SEA CORAL COMMUNITIES.

SINGLE AUDIT REPORT ATTACHED TO SINGLE AUDIT SECTION

REU SITE MYSTIC AQUARIUM: COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: PLANKTON TO WHALES: CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CHANGE WITHIN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: REU SITE MYSTIC AQUARIUM: PLANKTON TO WHALES: CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CHANGE WITHIN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS -THIS REU SITE AWARD TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM, LOCATED IN MYSTIC, CT, WILL SUPPORT THE TRAINING OF 30 STUDENTS FOR 10 WEEKS DURING THE SUMMERS OF 2024-2026. RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT?S (UCONN) AVERY POINT CAMPUS, GROTON, CT WHICH CURRENTLY HOSTS THE MYSTIC AQUARIUM LABORATORIES AND COLLABORTIVE PARTNER UCONN?S DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCES. RESEARCH WILL FOCUS ON HOW MARINE ORGANISMS AND THEIR ECOSYTEMS ARE AFFECTED BY GLOBAL CHANGE, SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES WILL OCCUR AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT STUDENTS, PRIMARILY FROM SCHOOLS WITH LIMITED RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES OR FROM AN UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUP, WILL BE TRAINED IN THE PROGRAM. STUDENTS WILL LEARN HOW RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED, WILL PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS FOR BOTH SCIENTIFIC AND PUBLIC AUDIENCES AND MANY WILL PRESENT THE RESULTS OF THEIR WORK AT SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES. ASSESSMENT OF THIS PROGRAM WILL BE DONE THROUGH AN ONLINE TOOL. STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY TO THE REU SITE USING NSF ETAP (EDUCATION AND TRAINING APPLICATION). THE REU PROGRAM FOCUSES ON HOW GLOBAL CHANGE, SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, AFFECTS MARINE ANIMALS AND THEIR ECOSYSTEMS. STUDENTS WILL BE MENTORED BY AQUARIUM AND UCONN SCIENTISTS THAT SPECIALIZE IN AQUATIC ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY, BEHAVIOR, AND ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES. EACH STUDENT PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON A DIFFERENT TROPHIC LEVEL IN THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM, WITH ALL STUDENTS WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE OVERARCHING QUESTION OF HOW CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT CAN AFFECT THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM. FIELD TRIPS TO THE MYSTIC AQUARIUM WILL BE A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THIS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EDUCATIONAL TOURS, ANIMAL AND ECOSYSTEM EXHIBIT OBSERVATIONS, JOB SHADOWING, ETHICS/RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH, AND A SCIENCE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP. MOTIVATED STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY ON-LINE (HTTPS://ETAP.NSF.GOV) AND WILL BE SELECTED BASED ON A PERSONAL STATEMENT OF THEIR INTEREST IN MARINE SCIENCES, ACADEMIC RECORD, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, AND BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DESIRED RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS. COMMUNICATION WITH PROSPECTIVE PROJECT MENTORS IN ADVANCE IS ENCOURAGED. MORE INFORMATION AND DETAILS ABOUT THE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE PIS (DR. TRACY ROMANO OR DR. MICHAEL FINIGUERRA). THIS PROJECT IS JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE DIRECTORATE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, AND POLAR SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN THE DIRECTORATE OF GEOSCIENCES. THIS AWARD REFLECTS NSF'S STATUTORY MISSION AND HAS BEEN DEEMED WORTHY OF SUPPORT THROUGH EVALUATION USING THE FOUNDATION'S INTELLECTUAL MERIT AND BROADER IMPACTS REVIEW CRITERIA.- SUBAWARDS ARE NOT PLANNED FOR THIS AWARD.

SENSOR AND PLATFORM ACQUISITION FOR AUV AND DEEP SUBMERGENCE VEHICLE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF NOAA???S OCEAN EX

NEXT STEPS FOR UTILIZING CETACEAN BLOW OR EXHALED BREATH CONDENSATE TO MONITOR THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO STRESSORS AND TO AID IN DETERMINING "BIOL

IMMERSION PRESENTS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

IMMERSION LEARNINGAFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

THE IMMERSION PRESENTS AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

REU SITE MYSTIC AQUARIUM: COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: INVESTIGATING THE CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CHANGE ON MARINE ANIMALS AND THEIR ECOSYSTEMS

MYSTIC AQUARIUM WILL DEVELOP, FABRICATE, AND IMPLEMENT "SHARK ENCOUNTER," AN INTERACTIVE, MULTIMEDIA, AND FULLY-ACCESSIBLE EXHIBIT AND PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE FOCUSED ON SHARKS AND SHARK CONSERVATION. AQUARIUM STAFF WILL PARTNER WITH EXPERTS AND STAKEHOLDERS ON THE PROJECT. EXHIBIT ELEMENTS WILL INCLUDE A LIVE SHARK "TOUCH POOL" AND DIGITAL TOUCHSCREEN INTERACTIVES. THROUGH THE EXHIBIT, AUDIENCES WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT SHARKS, THE SCIENTISTS WHO STUDY THEM, CURRENT THREATS FACING SHARKS, AND HOW TO SUPPORT SHARK CONSERVATION. A SWIMMING SHARKS VIDEO PROJECTION WILL PROVIDE A VIRTUAL UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE FOR VISITORS. THE MUSEUM WILL ALSO PRODUCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH KITS WITH HANDS-ON MATERIALS FOR USE BY EXHIBIT INTERPRETERS AS WELL AS ONSITE AND OFFSITE EDUCATORS. PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS DURING SHARK WEEK IN 2020 AND 2021 WILL COMPLEMENT THE EXHIBIT AND ENGAGE AUDIENCES IN THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARK CONSERVATION.

INVESTIGATION OF THE MOLECULAR RESPONSE OF BELUGAS TO STRESSORS

IMMERSION LEARNING AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

INVESTIGATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF BELUGAS TO STRESSORS TO AID IN ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC CHALLENGES ON

FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF BLOW OR EXHALED BREATH CONDENSATE AS A NON-INVASIVE TOOL TO MONITOR THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO STRESSORS IN CETACEANS

MUSEUMS FOR AMERICA

"MYSTIC AQUARIUM WILL DEVELOP, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL AN INTERACTIVE, MULTIMEDIA AND FULLY ADA-COMPLIANT EXHIBITION TO EDUCATE DIVERSE AUDIENCES ABOUT LONG ISLAND SOUND AND ITS WATERSHEDS. THE 'CONNECTIONS TO LONG ISLAND SOUND' XHIBITION WILL INCLUDE AN INTERACTIVE WATER TABLE, NATURALISTIC ""TOUCH POOL,"" DIGITAL CONTENT ON KIOSKS AND TABLETS, WALL GRAPHICS, AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY. AQUARIUM STAFF WILL WORK WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF PARTNERS TO DEVELOP EXHIBITION CONTENT INTENDED TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR AND PROTECT THE OCEAN PLANET THROUGH CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH. SURVEYS WILL BE ADMINISTERED TO PRIMARY AUDIENCES TO EVALUATE THE EXHIBITION'S ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED OUTCOMES."

PROJECT GOALS: 1. ENSURE 7 DAY/WEEK COVERAGE FOR HOTLINE RESPONSE, REHABILITATION CARE, AND IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION FOR MARINE MAMMALS IN CT, RI, AND FISHERS ISLAND, NY. 2. IMPROVE DATA MANAGEMENT PROCESSES TO ENSURE QUALITY, CONSISTENT, AND TIMELY REPORTING INTO THE NATIONAL DATABASE PER NEW MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND RESPONSE ACT REGULATIONS. 3. ENHANCE DATA COLLECTED FOR STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS WITH A FOCUS ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING OF LIVE CETACEANS. 4. BUILD OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES THROUGH PROGRAM COLLABORATIONS. 5. DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS IN THE FISHING COMMUNITY THROUGH OUTREACH AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR STRANDING AND ENTANGLEMENT RESPONSE. PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1. UPHOLD HIGH QUALITY REHABILITATION AND RESPONSE EFFORTS FOR MARINE MAMMALS IN OUR COVERAGE AREA AND ENSURE QUALITY AND CONSISTENT DATA COLLECTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND TRAINING WITH STATE ENTITIES. 2. DEVOTE A PART-TIME STAFF MEMBER TO FOCUS ON QUALITY CONTROL FOR LEVEL A, B, AND C DATA AND TIMELY ENTRY INTO THE NATIONAL DATABASE 2 DAYS PER WEEK, TO COMPLY WITH NMFS REQUIREMENTS. 3. PERFORM HISTOPATHOLOGY ON CODE 2 STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS, MICROBIOLOGY ON REHABILITATING MARINE MAMMALS AS CLINICALLY INDICATED, AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING FOR LIVE STRANDED CETACEANS. 4. CREATE AN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECT IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL NON-PROFIT TO ENGAGE YOUTH IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. 5. COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL FISHERS TO DEVELOP OUTREACH AND SIGNAGE WITH BIPOC YOUTH TO SPREAD AWARENESS AROUND

EVALUATION OF NON-LETHAL EFFECTS OF N2 BUBBLES ON MARINE MAMMAL HEALTH AND THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF IMMUNE ACTIVITY IN FACILITATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF D

MUSEUMS FOR AMERICA

MRI: ACQUISITION OF A BLUEVIEW TECHNOLOGIES MULTIBEAM SONAR SYSTEM FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION VEHICLE-BASED SEA FLOOR MAPPING

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM???S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM INCLUDING DEVELOPING AN INTERNAL PINNIPED ENTANGLEMENT RESPONSE PROCEDURE

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM'S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM INCLUDING BUILDING REGIONAL SUPPLY INVENTORY FOR LIVE LARGE WHALE STRANDING RESPONSE

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM'S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM INCLUDING PRODUCING LOCAL RESPONSE GEAR CACHES AND STANDARDIZED EXAMINATION FORMS FOR VOLUNTEER RESPONDERS

THE PROGRAMS CORE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE RESPONSE, REHABILITATION, AND RELEASE OF MARINE MAMMALS; RESEARCH; DIAGNOSTICS; AND OUTREACH. FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS AND STAFFING REMAINS CRITICAL TO ENSURE THE PROGRAMS ABILITY TO RESPOND TO SIGHTED AND STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS, COMPLETE REQUIRED REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING, AND PROVIDE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR OUR COVERAGE AREA AND WITHIN THE REGION. SINCE 2018, MYSTIC AQUARIUM'S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM HAS SEEN A NOTABLE RISE IN REPORTED PHOCID ENTANGLEMENT CASES THROUGH OUR EMERGENCY HOTLINE. FROM FEBRUARY TO SEPTEMBER 2024, TWENTY-ONE INDIVIDUAL ENTANGLEMENT CASES WERE RECORDED ON BLOCK ISLAND, RI, UNDERSCORING THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING OUR DOCUMENTATION AND DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORTS FOR THESE HUMAN INTERACTION INCIDENTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM RESPONDED TO TWO LIVE LARGE WHALES AND THREE DECEASED WHALES OVER THE PAST YEAR. THIS PROJECT SEEKS TO UNITE KEY STAKEHOLDERS TO SHARE IDEAS, ENHANCE PREPAREDNESS, AND BROADEN RESOURCES WITHIN OUR COVERAGE AREA AND THE LARGE WHALE STRANDING RESPONSE NETWORK. SUPPORT FOR THIS INITIATIVE IS VITAL FOR THE CONSERVATION, PROTECTION, AND MANAGEMENT OF MARINE MAMMALS AND THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT.

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION???S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

DESCRIPTION:THIS PROJECT PROVIDES FUNDING TO SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION D/B/A MYSTIC AQUARIUM TO IMPLEMENT ITS PROJECT, WHICH WILL DESIGN, DEMONSTRATE, AND DISSEMINATE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PRACTICES, METHODS, AND TECHNIQUES, THAT WILL SERVE TO INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND ENCOURAGE BEHAVIOR THAT WILL BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT IN NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT. THE GRANTEE WILL DO THIS BY CREATING A CONSERVATION MENTORSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TARGETING UNDESERVED YOUTH IN NEW LONDON ON WATER QUALITY, STORMWATER RUNOFF, WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATIONS, AQUACULTURE INCLUDING HEALTHY HABITATS FOR MARINE LIFE, HORSESHOE CRAB POPULATION MONITORING AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING AND FORESTRY. ACTIVITIES:THIS PROJECT WILL INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT AND PROVIDE STUDENTS THE SKILLS NECESSARY TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS AND TO TAKE RESPONSIBLE ACTIONS. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED DURING THIS PROJECT PERIOD INCLUDE: KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES TO PRESERVE AND ADVANCE WATERSHED AND HABITAT HEALTH, WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION, AQUACULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING. THE STUDENTS WILL SHADOW STAFF AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM/CAREER MENTORS AND ATTEND PRESENTATIONS BY EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD ON THESE TOPIC AREAS. STUDENTS WILL MAKE PRESENTATIONS AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM ON THEIR EXPERIENCES AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE THREE TOPIC AREAS. SUBRECIPIENT:THE SUBGRANTEES HELP RECRUIT UNDERSERVED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM AND TO BECOME ENVIRONMENTALLY LITERATE AND FAMILIAR WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS. THE SUBGRANTEES WILL REINFORCE THE LEARNING ON AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES, WATER QUALITY, AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING AND FORESTRY. OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE: STUDENTS DEVELOP INCREASED SCIENTIFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND INCREASED AWARENESS OF CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL FIELDS, DEMONSTRATE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HUMAN BASED IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, AND INCREASED KNOWLEDGE TO MAKE SOUND ENVIRONMENTALLY LITERATE DECISIONS ON TOPICS FOCUSED - WATER, AQUACULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES ARE THE STUDENTS THAT ARE PARTICIPATING THIS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.

THIS PROPOSAL SEEKS SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: 1) HIRE A PART TIME ANIMAL RESCUE TECHNICIAN TO ENSURE 7 DAY/WEEK COVERAGE AND SUPPORT GENERAL OPERATIONS OF THE ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF NEEDED SUPPLIES. (CATEGORY B2, REGIONAL PRIORITY B: I.,II). 2) PERFORM HISTOPATHOLOGY ON CODE 2 STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS, MICROBIOLOGY ON REHABILITATION MARINE MAMMALS AS CLINICALLY INDICATED, AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING FOR LIVE STRANDED CETACEANS. (CATEGORY B2, NATIONAL PRIORITY 1: A; REGIONAL PRIORITY B) II, IV). 3) DEVELOP AN OUTREACH VIDEO, WITH PRIORITIZED NMFS AND NOAA OLE CONTENT, TO ADDRESS STRANDING RESPONSE TO ABUNDANT PINNIPED SPECIES AND PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE VIEWING. (CATEGORY B2, REGIONAL PRIORITY B, III).

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM'S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM AND TRAINING STATE AGENCIES AND VOLUNTEERS TO ENHANCE AND SUPPORT RESPONSE AND DATA COLLECTION IN CT, RI, AND FISHER'S ISLAND, NY

EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF STRESSORS ON IMMUNE FUNCTION DURING SIMULATED DIVES IN MARINE MAMMALS

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM

1) SUPPORT THE GENERAL OPERATIONS OF MYSTIC AQUARIUM'S RESPONSE TO AND REHABILITATION OF MARINE MAMMALS IN CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND, AND FISHER'S ISLAND, NY AND FACILITATE IMPROVED COLLECTION OF LEVEL A AND C DATA, AND DIAGNOSTIC SCREENING. 2) INCREASE CAPACITY FOR CONSISTENT, QUALITY, AND TIMELY DATA REPORTING AND SHARING BY INCREASING THE HOURS OF THE PARTTIME STAFF MEMBER HIRED THROUGH PRESCOTT FY22 FROM 2 DAYS/ WEEK TO 3 DAYS/WEEK. 3) COLLABORATE WITH UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS), RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (RI DEM), AND LOCAL FERRY SERVICES TO MITIGATE HUMAN INTERACTIONS BY DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING OUTREACH MATERIAL AND SIGNAGE. 4) ADVANCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND PREPAREDNESS FOR LARGE SCALE STRANDING EVENTS FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS, NETWORK PARTNERS, AND STATE ENTITIES.

A SCIENCE BASED EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE WORKSHOP AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM FOR NATIVE AMERICAN AND ALASKA NATIVE YOUTH

ESTABLISHING THE USE OF BLOW PROTEOMICS TO OBTAIN MEANINGFUL PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA FROM FREE SWIMMING CETACEANS

SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM

TEEN MARINE DEBRIS INITIATIVE

SUPPORT FOR THE 2014 GREATER ATLANTIC REGION STRANDING CONFERENCE CO-HOSTED BY SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., MYSTIC AQUARIUM AND THE NATIONAL MARINE

2ND INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON BELUGA WHALE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

NATIONAL AWARD FOR MUSEUM SERVICE

SUPPORT FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING PROGRAM AT SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S MYSTIC AQUARIUM