The University of the Virgin Islands’ Reef Response Program is inviting community members to step into the shoes of a coral restoration scientist during a hands-on workshop this Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Maclean Marine Science Center on the St. Thomas campus.
The event titled “Marine Biologist for a Day” offers participants a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to work as a coral restoration scientist in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Residents are preferred, but all are welcome to register for one of the 15 available slots.
This second land-based workshop comes in response to popular demand following a successful first event in January. Coordinators Chloé Camacho and Alexandra Stevenson have refined activities based on participant feedback, while maintaining the hands-on experiences that made the initial workshop so impactful. “I’m excited to see new faces at this second land-based restoration event and hopefully get some excitement started for our in-water event planned for May,” Camacho said.
The January workshop has already yielded tangible results for participants interested in pursuing marine science careers. “One of the most rewarding moments for me was all of the young ladies who came up to me at the end who were very interested in being involved with Reef Response going forward. Two of the participants who attended this event are actually working with us for the Spring Semester as Reef Response interns while they are attending UVI,” Camacho said.
Stevenson echoed this sentiment, noting that the diversity of participants created meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange between coral restoration practitioners and community members, including coral hobbyists, fishers, and educators.
A key message both coordinators hope participants take away is that marine science offers opportunities both in and out of the water. “We hope participants leave the experience feeling more connected to coral reefs and to the coral restoration process as a whole. An important part of this workshop is also demonstrating that meaningful involvement in marine conservation does not require SCUBA diving or snorkeling. Even for those who are not comfortable with getting in the water, there are many valuable ways to contribute to the care and maintenance of critical marine resources,” said Stevenson.
The decision to host a second land-based workshop came directly from community feedback about accessibility. “For the first event, we were only able to accept 15 participants, with the intention of offering an in-water event in the future. However, we heard concerns from community members who were disappointed that they may not have the opportunity to participate in an experience like this. In response, we assessed our available resources and decided to host a second, land-based workshop, as well as a smaller in-water event we are planning for May,” Stevenson said.
Registration is required and can be completed here.
