June was a month of Sargassum sampling and filming aboard R/V ANGARI. Three major media companies - Al Jazeera, NHK World-Japan and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - joined us for an expedition off Marathon, Florida. Sargassum expert Dr. Brian Lapointe from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and oceanographer Dr. Peter Morton from Texas A&M University shared their knowledge and current research on the macroalgae, including its prevalence and possible origins. ANGARI Captains Angela Rosenberg and Kevin Davidson continued to support the ongoing research by collecting samples along their return to West Palm Beach from the Florida Keys.
Sargassum mats in the ocean provide vital resources and safety to small animals, invertebrates and larvae; however, once it washes ashore, it can cover the beaches and eventually decay, creating a rotten egg smell and unhappy beachgoers. By analyzing samples for nitrogen and stable isotopes, researchers will be able to determine what is feeding these blooms, which often end up washed up on our beaches, and where the Sargassum may be coming from. Learn more about Sargassum in the recently released news coverage!
MIAPBC PROMOTES MARINE SCIENCE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION WITH FUNDING FOR NEW BOAT
Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) has awarded ANGARI Foundation an $8,500 grant for a new Yamaha outboard engine on their Whaly small boat.
This grant helps complete the new boat, which has been designed to be used for research and conservation work on its own and as R/V ANGARI's tender. The boat has already successfully supported SCUBA diving and snorkeling, coral reef research, mangrove planting, seaweed and water sampling and shark work.
Thank you MIAPBC for continuing to support our marine science research and education efforts locally and beyond.
SIX YEARS SUPPORTING OCEANOGRAPHY CAMP
ANGARI Foundation hosted students as they participated in hands-on marine science instruction during the University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science’s Oceanography Camp for Girls (OCG). This it the 6th year the ANGARI team and research vessel have been part of this program.
OCG is a 3-week ocean science exploration program for 9th grade girls living in Pinellas County. The program is aimed at motivating young women entering high school to explore careers in science. Under the guidance of University of South Florida research scientists and science mentors, campers practiced oceanographic field methods and gathered environmental data from the atmosphere and water using a variety of scientific tools. Get full details online and also check out the media coverage from Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
SHARK CONSERVATION FUND TAKES A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO SHARK RESEARCH
In May researchers from FIU's Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab joined staff and board members from the Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) on a shark tagging expedition aboard R/V ANGARI in Biscayne Bay, Miami.
During the expedition, one large, male nurse shark was caught that had previously been tagged – a first for ANGARI! In addition to collecting measurements and tissue samples, FIU researchers recorded the tag ID number, allowing for data comparison over time.
This expedition offered SCF participants a firsthand research experience, which fostered a deeper appreciation for shark tagging and its role in collecting valuable data to help inform conservation policies.
LOOKOUT FOR R/V ANGARI IN THIS YEAR'S SHARKFEST
Earlier this year R/V ANGARI participated in two National Geographic Shark Fest productions with FIU research scientists.
This year's Shark Fest begins July 2nd and airs on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN2. Check your local listings and look for R/V ANGARI in:
The WHEN SHARKS ATTACK...AND WHY series in Episode 103 "Treasure Coast Terror" and the WHEN SHARKS ATTACK 360series in the episode "Perfect Storm."
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FELLOWS COME ABOARD
On June 20th, R/V ANGARI welcomed aboard 11 teachers from Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County public schools and mentors to experience our Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks program in partnership with Florida International University.
The Miami expedition was part of the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute's Immersive Environmental Education Fellowship, aiming to equip teachers with the knowledge, confidence and access to experts to develop lessons on topics like biodiversity, invasive species, climate change, etc. Read more.
2023 EARTH DAY COLORING BOOK AVAILABLE ONLINE
We were excited to be featured in Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens' Earth Day Coloring Book in partnership with Florida Crystals, Florida Power & Light and Lewis Longman & Walker PA for the third year.
The "Invest In Our Planet" themed coloring book highlights the work and imagery of many local environmentally-minded organizations, and includes captions in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. While copies were distributed throughout Palm Beach County elementary schools in April, you can download a PDF for printing at any time!
EXPERIENCED PROGRAM MANAGER JOINS ANGARI
Alex Risius is the newest member of the ANGARI team and will oversee our education and outreach programs, with a focus on in-person education experiences.
Alex graduated with a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM) from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, where she also received her Community-Based Environmental Management Certificate.
Prior to returning to school, Alex was the Assistant Director at the nonprofit Reef Relief. Alex has taught thousands of K-12 students about marine ecosystems, developed marine science curriculum and more. Alex's full bio is on our team page.
FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1ST
Our paid internships are for college students and recent graduates who are passionate about marine science and the ocean and want to share their passion with others. Interns receive hands-on experience in youth STEM education, educator professional development, citizen science, community outreach, research vessel operations, digital media & marketing, science communications, photography, filmmaking and/or nonprofit and business administration.
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ANGARI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private operating foundation. EIN# 81-1526218 515 N Flagler Drive, Suite P-300 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 +1 561-370-7370
