MarineLab Environmental Education Center recently joined the network of Blue Star operators organized by NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Blue Star operators are committed to responsible tourism and educate their customers about the South Florida ecosystem, the sanctuary and responsible diving and fishing etiquette.
MarineLab was designed with ecology in mind. Its facility, located at 51 Shoreland Dr. in Key Largo, is a place where teachers and students learn about and experience first-hand the marine world through day trips and weekly camps. A core curriculum focuses on seagrass, mangroves and coral reef ecology.
“MarineLab is excited to be recognized as a Blue Star Operator,” said Sarah Egner, senior vice president of programs at MarineLab. “We are unique in that we cater to student groups but with education and conservation being at the forefront of our programs, we are proud to offer snorkel excursions that align with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.”
Overnight field programs are designed for teacher-led student groups in fifth grade through college, while summer day camps are for local kids, fourth to 10th grade.More information about MarineLab is at marinelab.org, and about Blue Star at floridakeys.noaa.gov/onthewater/bluestar.
