In 2001, the Scuba Scouts of Tampa Bay consisted only of Boy and Girl Scouts between the ages of 14-18 interested in pursuing careers involving marine sciences. Since then, however, the SCUBA Scouts have conducted over four years of coral reef monitoring on selected reefs in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Florida Keys. Volunteers, including certified dive instructors, Univerity of South Florida scientific divers, and Fish and Wildlife biologists, advise them. The group meets regularly to discuss its work, and each monthly dive is planned by the scouts themselves. Ultimately, these students are not just learning to dive; they're learning how to explore the oceans. Wow, when I was a scout, our big thing ws building miniature race cars out of balsa wood. This is way cooler!
Collectively, the Scouts have logged hundreds of hours underwater taking pictures, running video, collecting scientific data, salvaging and transplanting coral -- even training with the Navy SEALS! Last year, they went on a 7-day liveaboard trip in the Florida Keys to monitor the reefs there. This summer, they're heading to Bimini to undertake similar work.
[Via Diving-News]
