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Category: Careers Outdoors

My Journey with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

por Brijonnay Madrigal

Repost from NOAA. See the full blog here

Over 30 years ago, my father immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico seeking a better life. He began as a migrant worker and was later granted amnesty in 1986. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. He never went to college, but understands the importance of education. I was the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and subsequently will be the first in my family to earn a doctoral degree. As I have continued in higher education, I found that among my peers and colleagues there are less and less people of color and people that look like me. Hispanics are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and the percentage of Hispanic women in higher education is extremely low.

I seek to overcome the statistics and strive to achieve my goal of earning a PhD as a Mexican American woman in marine science. I have been very fortunate to work with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries since high school, and this government organization has provided me with incredible opportunities to thrive, not only as a scientist but as an educator and steward of the ocean.

When I was a junior in high school, I was selected to participate in the Ocean for Life program, an ocean science and cultural exchange program. I joined students from the Middle East and across the U.S. in Santa Barbara, California. It was an incredible experience because as an aspiring marine biologist, I was excited to learn about the work of the National Marine Sanctuary System. We explored Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary through hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking and gained an appreciation for these underwater parks.

This was a special experience for me because it was my first time being in a national marine sanctuary. I connected with students from diverse backgrounds, learned about different cultures and gained an appreciation for the local Chumash community of the Channel Islands area. We learned how to be ocean advocates and the importance of ocean conservation while also cultivating an understanding of other cultures. This field program really ignited my passion for marine science and solidified my desire to commit my life to the ocean. After high school, I moved to Hawaiʽi for college, excited to study marine biology as an undergraduate at the University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa.

As an undergraduate, I became involved with NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. I was excited to work with the humpback whale sanctuary because it was the sanctuary right in my backyard! I was an intern for the Sanctuary Ocean Count, a citizen science project where volunteers conduct humpback whale surveys from land and collect data on sightings (number of individuals) and surface-active behaviors. This project engages the community in monitoring this vital migratory species and promotes awareness of humpback whales in Hawaiʽi. My role was to organize volunteers, schedule volunteers for sites across the islands, and conduct site visits on Ocean Count days.

A teenage Brijonnay preparing to snorkel in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park as part of her Ocean for Life experience. Photo: Claire Fackler/NOAA

I also was involved in education and outreach and went to various events on the island of Oʽahu to educate the public on humpback whales and the important role the sanctuary plays in the conservation of this species. I enjoyed not only engaging with the volunteers but also doing a little whale watching, too, as I am always amazed by their incredible breaching behavior.

After graduating from the University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa with a bachelor of science in marine biology, I knew I wanted to continue pursuing higher education. In the heart of Monterey Bay, California is a tiny town called Moss Landing—if you blinked you would miss it. I attended Moss Landing Marine Laboratories where I was a master’s student in the Vertebrate Ecology Laboratory. I am passionate about marine science, so when the opportunity came up to work for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, in the education and outreach realm, I jumped at the chance! I enjoy the research side of science, but education and outreach has always been my other passion.

The exploration center is a visitor center off the Santa Cruz wharf almost entirely run by volunteers, docents, and a small staff, which educates the public about Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I started working as a program assistant and eventually became the volunteer coordinator. I managed over 60 volunteers at the exploration center and was not only in charge of training docents on how to educate the public about the sanctuary, but also how to engage visitors in using our interactive exhibits. I led education programs, including field trips that took us to the beach, hands-on activities in the classroom, and led interactions with the exhibits at the center.

I loved that my job was hands-on, and I got to work with a broad variety of people from kindergarteners to retired docents. I loved seeing the enthusiasm of the docents when they came in ready for their shift and their excitement when they shared their knowledge of the sanctuary with visitors. Volunteers are truly vital to the success of national marine sanctuary education and outreach and they play an important role in increasing public knowledge and awareness of America’s underwater treasures. I really enjoyed working with sanctuary volunteers, so after nearly three years, I was sad to leave the exploration center, but a new opportunity arose that I couldn’t pass up.

After earning my master’s degree, I applied to the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program offered by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. This program funds graduate students conducting marine research within the sanctuary system. I was ecstatic when I received the call—I had gotten the scholarship! This scholarship allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream of attaining a PhD. I am currently a second year PhD student at the University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa in the Marine Mammal Research Program. My lab is located on Coconut Island (a.k.a. Gilligan’s Island) at the Hawaiʽi Institute of Marine Biology. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because it is not every day you get to take a boat to work!

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar, Brijonnay Madrigal, on a research boat conducting marine mammal surveys with MMRP collaborator, Cascadia Research Collective. Photo: Robin Baird/Cascadia Research Collective

I am collaborating with the sanctuary system’s SanctSound acoustic monitoring project, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. For my research, I am using passive acoustic monitoring to understand the occurrence and distribution of two Hawaiian resident toothed whale species; false killer whales and short-finned pilot whales, inside and outside the sanctuary and in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. I am also interested in measuring the overall soundscape and quantifying anthropogenic (human made) noise, including shipping and naval sonar. Ultimately, I am interested in understanding how anthropogenic noise may affect false killer whale and pilot whale acoustic behavior. Although I have just completed my first year of my PhD, I am excited to see how the results from my work may influence management and impact conservation efforts in Hawaiʽi.

During my time at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, on my way to the lab every morning, I would pass by migrant workers picking in the fields, fields where my father and grandfather once worked, and I was always reminded that behind every humble beginning is a big dream. I am proud of my heritage, and I strive to make my father proud as I work towards achieving my goals. Over the last 10 years, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has provided me with invaluable opportunities and has enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming a marine biologist. Without the support of this government organization, I would not be in the position I am today. Through my story, I hope to inspire Hispanic youth to pursue science and encourage more Latino involvement in STEM. I strive to increase diversity and inclusivity in my field, and I hope that one day we will see more Hispanic representation in marine science.

From Seafood Markets To Science

por Melissa Belen-González

My path to where I am now, seemed unreachable from the start. Although I always had an interest in marine biology growing up, my parents continued to discourage this interest as marine biology-based careers don’t make very much money. I attended community college and transferred to my local university due to financial reasons, but continued to pursue marine biology. There was nobody in our entire family who ever pursued a career in any science or research, and my parents lacked the knowledge of higher education to support my interests. I think the first time they realized there was some hope began when I was able to participate in paid internships through the National Science Foundation. I left home for the first time to gain hands-on experience in marine biology on the East Coast. Through this experience, I learned I didn’t want to be in a lab every day, but that I wanted to be outside doing science.

I soon became molded by marine ecology where I was able to connect with the outdoors. Through my undergraduate lab and a change in research interests, I was crawling through the mud of salt marshes. Salt marshes were a type of ecosystem I grew up seeing from the freeway that framed the sun as it set over the ocean, I never knew there was science to be done in them. The remainder of my undergraduate research focused on how predators and prey species interact within the salt marsh. Just like the crabs I used to play with at the seafood markets or help my family boil, the predator I studied was also an aggressive crab. This specific crab, Callinectes bellicosus, although not valued by locals, is an important commercial fishery species in Mexico. It was refreshing to study an animal connected to my culture and one that fellow Mexicans would laugh about when sharing how they had been pinched by the same crab. The site I used to collect or sample crabs had a popular bike trail, which made collecting problematic at times. White American bicyclists would stop and stare, some gave me dirty looks, and other times I’d get anxious that they would call the police on me after prolonged quiet stares. Despite potential setbacks, being in the field makes me happy.

As part of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanx/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), I was able to bring what I had learned back into my community. With fellow Latine young scientists, we organized outreach events at our local low-income K-12 schools. We also hosted workshops for our university’s Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán and Association of Chicana Activists annual conferences.

“Field work has helped me cope with these difficult times. Being out alone in the middle of an empty forest or salt marsh is where I have been able to reflect.”

Melissa Belen-GonzÁlez

After I graduated from San Diego State University, I moved out to Savannah, Georgia for a year-long fellowship. With the majority of salt marshes removed in California, it can make work difficult to find. Despite the small size of Georgia’s coast, about one-third of all salt marshes on the East Coast are IN Georgia! I teach coastal ecology related classes or labs virtually, indoors, and outdoors. I also had a project that involved making my own traps from re-used materials and walking out in the middle of an empty forest to put the traps in a wetland. However, leaving home was also a difficult decision because in the field of marine ecology I’m often one of the few, if not the only, BIPOC. The lack of overall representation means that even when given the opportunity, BIPOC still struggle. Being on the opposite side of the coast, I also worry about my Abuelita’s Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Field work has helped me cope with these difficult times. Being out alone in the middle of an empty forest or salt marsh is where I have been able to reflect. The beauty of the outdoors is relaxing and something I hope more of our community can have the opportunity to enjoy. Through Latino Outdoors, SACNAS, Latinx in Marine Science, Minorities in Shark Science, and other organizations I hope the future generation is starting to see themselves represented.

I’m the product of Filipino-Mexican first-generation parents. I was born and raised on Kumeyaay Land, specifically San Ysidro and Valencia Park. I faced a childhood of colorism and wasn’t allowed to play outside or enjoy the outdoors. My first introduction to the ocean came from my Abuelita and Lola (Filipino grandma), both who brought me shopping in seafood markets. Ultimately it was the comida of our cultura that gave me the passion to pursue marine ecology and connect with the outdoors.

From Caracas to Corvallis

por Eduardo González-Dorta

I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. I grew up exploring the Venezuelan plains, beaches, and tropical forests. Eleven years ago I moved to Colorado by the Rocky Mountains National Park, Sand Dunes NP, and much more, all of which reinforced my love of the outdoors and wildlife. I graduated from the University of Colorado – Denver with double majors, Sociology and Criminal Justice. During college, I worked in the offices of Boulder County and Denver County District Attorneys, as the only bilingual assistant. During the last three years, I worked as a Bilingual Educator Performer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, engaging diverse audiences, and communicating communities’ needs and values while developing and implementing culturally appropriate programming. I am currently working at The Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, in Corvallis, Oregon. Here as the US Fish and Wildlife Latino Engagement Program Coordinator l am engaging the community and familia to what this wonderful place has to offer.

Starting a community outreach program in the middle of a pandemic, with rain, and cold weather, one could say, is less than ideal. However, how we say back home pa’ lante es pa’lla. Since the end of October 2020, I have made my home in William L Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon. There are plenty of wetlands and a myriad of birds and mammals to spend the whole day watching and learning from. The contrast with Colorado is remarkable, no brown only a wonderful palette of greens, yellows, and grays. My job with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is Latino Engagement, Program Coordinator. So, my first goal was to make sure all the literature was bilingual and accessible to all communities, secondly, was to provide bilingual programs and activities to all surrounding communities, welcoming them into the refuges and encouraging their interest in the wildlife.

In order to communicate in times of COVID, I contacted every single agency providing fun and rich programming and resources that would serve the Latino children and their families. We worked on making all materials bilingual and culturally relevant. I had to create, adapt, and implement activities for all ages so families will feel welcome.

In the refuge, there is not such a thing as a “rain check”. We work and offer our programs rain or shine because that is the beauty of this place, fauna and flora are always available to give a show to the keen or the beginners eye. Many days at our pop-up activities tent, it is me and my friends the egret, a gang of elk, or a shy bobcat. However, my bookings have been getting filled up with families coming to the refuge to participate in guided activities and science. Familias are also coming. They like sharing that time outdoors with kids and the great wildlife at the refuge. They only need a good chamarra and patience to enjoy.