NOAA Sanctuary Day - May 16

[McLOT]

I got this via regular email updates and also saw it on FB.
Considering going (TBC nearer the date).

Questions? Email flowergarden@noaa.gov.

Event Volunteers Needed​

Volunteers are needed to greet visitors at the gates and assist staff members with various activities that showcase the wide variety of work that happens at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Volunteers will assist with the setup/takedown of pop-up tents, tables, and chairs at the beginning/end of their shift. Volunteers should be comfortable with talking to event attendees and have some familiarity with the sanctuary. Some volunteer stations are outside, near or under shade. Volunteer shifts are three hours. Volunteers may work both shifts, if desired.

Volunteer shifts:

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: 12 volunteers needed

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 12 volunteers needed

To sign up, please email Taylor.Galaviz@noaa.gov

 

[VikingDiver]

I might fit that in

 

[Atlantean]

Would be open to it but I'm attending a work conference that day in the med center.

Thanks for posting @McLOT!

 

[VikingDiver]

Anyone else going?

 

[McLOT]

I think I’ll get up and go on Saturday and see what is going on at the NOAA event.

 

[VikingDiver]

See you there

 

[McLOT]

I was not too sure what to expect at the Open Day or whether it would be aimed at children rather than more detailed presentations. The weather looked good so I set out for Galveston to hit it in the morning.
While it was primarily aimed at kids with lots of fun & family-friendly educational activities, there was enough technology and presentation material to keep me interested for a while. I watched a lionfish dissection and chatted with some of the staff regarding open-circuit and rebreather kit, a water-sampling system and some other video presentations.
Upstairs, I met VikingDiver and we had an interesting conversation with the captain of the MV Manta which is used by the agency on the Flower Gardens sanctuary.
Outside there was a small eyeball ROV being piloted round a water tank.

As it got busier, we left for lunch at Gilhooleys at San Leon, which is always excellent.

I posted some photos here.