On Sunday, September 10, six students from California State University Maritime Academy
led a Marine Science Cruise for 24 fifth graders and four administrators from Grace
Patterson and Beverly Hills Elementary Schools. The project was part of the Visions
of the Wild Festival.
The Cal Maritime Cadets led the Vallejo students through marine science activities
that included basic navigation, water quality, and plankton tows. Students learned
to use a hand bearing compass, measure Bay water clarity and salinity, deploy a plankton
net, and use microscopes to examine some of the tiny organisms that live in the Bay.
"The effort is part of an effort to develop ‘ocean literate' maritime professionals
– meaning people who possess an understanding of ocean function and value, can communicate
that knowledge to others, and will advocate for responsible stewardship of ocean resources,"
said Dr. Alex Parker, a professor oceanography at Cal Maritime.
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ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting
maritime academy on the West Coast. Located in Vallejo, California, the campus offers
undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in engineering, transportation,
international relations, business, and global logistics. Cal Maritime also offers
a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number
of extended learning programs and courses.