FGBNMS Education Digest 7/25/2025
"Education Digest" and FGBNMS logo overlaid on photo of person dissecting a fish in a classroom

Shooting for the Stars: Sunflower Star Laboratory’s community-based approach to Pycnopodia conservation and kelp forest recovery

August 21, 2025 at 5 p.m. Central 

Sunflower Star Laboratory (SSL) is a conservation aquaculture nonprofit dedicated to restoring the critically-endangered Sunflower Star and saving California's kelp forests. In part because of the loss of this keystone urchin predator, over 96% of Northern California's kelp forests have disappeared in the last decade. In this talk, learn about how SSL is currently raising part of the first cohort of human-reared juvenile Sunflower Stars in California, conducting scientific research, and coordinating Sunflower Star recovery with partner institutions across North America.

Source: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries 

New Website for Texas Sea Grant

Out with the old and in with the new! We have been working on a brand-new website over the past few months and it's now live! You can now view our programs and their related focus areas more easily than ever! Texas Sea Grant focuses on four key areas: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA), Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE), Healthy Coastal Ecosystems (HCE), and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development (ELWD). Browse past research projects, read Texas Sea Grant news and stories, view our programs and publications, and see if there is an event or activity happening in your area!

Source: Texas Sea Grant 

Pacific Islands Regional Marine Debris Communication and Outreach Coordinator—HI

As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Pacific Islands Regional Marine Debris Communication and Outreach Coordinator to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program (MDP) within the Office of Response and Restoration. The Communications and Outreach Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing public awareness and understanding of marine debris issues through communication and outreach strategies specific to the Pacific Islands and West Coast of the United States. This position involves creating, managing, and enhancing educational materials, coordinating outreach activities, and supporting strategic communication initiatives within the program. The Pacific Islands Regional Marine Debris Communication and Outreach Coordinator collaborates closely with the MDP Communications Team, regional coordinators, and external partners to strengthen educational strategies and promote environmental stewardship in the Pacific Island Region.

Source: Lynker

Seeking Abstracts for 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting

Abstract submission deadline: August 20, 2025

We are pleased to announce that we are co-convening a session at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland (February 22–27) focused on collaborations between ocean science and education to support broader impacts. We invite submissions from those engaged in this important work to help strengthen the education and outreach track at the meeting, foster new partnerships, and promote broader discussion. 

From Research to Reach: Ocean Science Collaborations for Broader Societal Impact

Societal impact efforts provide ocean scientists with meaningful opportunities to enhance STEM education and public engagement. While some researchers are experienced in connecting their work with broader audiences, many face challenges due to limited training or confidence in science communication and education. Partnering with professional educators can bridge this gap. Education specialists bring expertise in pedagogy, curriculum design, and audience engagement and can translate scientific research into impactful programming for students, teachers, decision-makers, and the public. This session will highlight effective collaborations between ocean scientists and educators that have successfully communicated complex research, supported scientific literacy, and expanded the reach of ocean science. Presentations will include case studies, strategies, and lessons learned from a range of engagement efforts—from K–12 and teacher professional development to informal education and coastal stakeholder outreach. We welcome submissions that explore innovative partnerships, co-designed outreach programs, and the challenges and successes of implementing societal impact activities within research projects.

Source: Scuttlebutt

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series 

The National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series provides formal and informal educators, students, and the interested public with educational and scientific expertise, resources, and training to support ocean literacy in the classroom. You can also visit the archives of the webinar series to catch up on presentations you may have missed here.

Source: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries


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