Orientation!

     Hello, my name is Madison Theriault and I go to East Boston High School. I have grown up in East Boston and for as long as I can remember, my life revolves around sports. I’m currently going into my junior year of high school and I play varsity basketball and softball. Playing sports for so many years has taught me a great deal of endurance, determination, and hard work that I hope to bring into this summer job. I’m very excited to work for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay because, I want to learn more about the bay that surrounds me. When you live in a place all your life, you most likely take advantage of it, like I do with boston, so I would like to learn the history of the harbor so I can tell other people about it.

    This week I have learned that Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has been around for multiple years. SHSB works with may other organizations to teach others about how they can save the harbor and participate in cleaning it up. During the summer, we will be working with summer camps because it is a free organization that allows kids to fish and learn more about what is in the harbor. 

    Also, this week I learned that we have many types of fish and crabs in the harbor. For example, we have king crabs and stripped bass fish. Also, we have one of the cleanest bays in the whole country, however, it was not always that way, for instance, around 50 years ago it was filled with trash and waste. 

    Finally, my favorite part of orientation was meeting my staff mates and fishing with them for the first time. I used to fish when I was younger but doing it now with new people was very fun. Also, going to Spectacle Island was very fun because I haven’t been there in a long time and going there brought back great childhood memories. 

Another Year, Another Day at Save the Harbor

The First Day of Orientation where we got to know everyone

Hello, My Name is Kamal and I recently graduated from Prospect Hill Academy and I am now going to Framingham State University. I grew up in the city of Boston and overall I like to hangout with friends and play games. Similar to the overall norms of a teenager.

I am back at Save the Harbor for the third time in my life. The first week also known as orientation (Or Week 0 if you will) started off pretty good. I personally believe I am that starting off this summer with a huge boost of confidence. Mainly because I had came back after the two years I had already been there. I was hoping to meet new people but also rekindle my relationship with the returnees that I had known in the past.

Starting off was Day 1 of Orientation. For the first day of orientation we had met at long wharf and took a boat towards to Spectacle Island. I spent most of my time on the boat relaxing, talking and getting myself familiar to other people that will be working with me over the summer. Once on the Island, we had done multiple activities while we were there. One of the activities we did was this game that was similar to chess where we had to move only in a knight formation or and L pattern while 1 or 2 people would be moving in the same direction as one of us trying to tag us and turn us into the offensive side. It was enjoyable for the most part and afterwards we had lunch. Unfortunately, I didn’t eat much because the food was quite expensive, but other than that, after lunch we went back and had played one more activity called Moosey. The activity was pretty fun even though my team had sort of struggled to actually complete the game. Although we left a bit early we learned about the history of the harbor and other islands around the area. Such as Deer Island, where they took all the waste that went into the harbor and put the waste into these egg shapes.

During Day 2 of orientation, we had gone on another boat, but this time instead of heading to the island we were on a fishing trip. After Bruce had introduced himself and we all got settled we got to fish. Lucky for me, I was the first one to catch a fish, and the said fish was a flounder that was around 14 inches. The fishing trip wasn’t that bad at all and ended up actually gaining more friends at the end of the day when compared to the first day of orientation. After we had fished for a little bit, Bruce ended up showing us how to make sushi and many other delicacies that ties into some of the fish we had caught while fishing. That was overall our day on the second day of orientation. We mainly fished, sung sea shanties, and talk to other people. Bruce had also talked us about how large a fish could be before we keep it as well as how to prepare a fish and make it taste good.

The third day of orientation where we were at the Children Museum

On the third day of orientation, we had went to the children’s museum to discuss future plans and sites we are going to be at. We had first talked to these two people about what the museum is and what we should do when working with the museum. All these things were pretty much familiar to me especially since I have worked here many times. Afterwards, we had went towards the ICA building and got situated with all the rules and responsibilities that an employee needs to work. I also found out where I am working for the first few weeks.Overall, My favorite part of orientation
was being able to meet all the new people and get to know them even better.

I start working Monday at the children’s museum and I am hoping to have a wonderful time during my Job!

New Adventures

Hello,
My name is Jay Gomez, I'm an immigrant from the Dominican Republic raised in Dorchester, MA. I am a Junior at the John D. O'Bryant School of Math and Science and I'm so excited for the next school year. Growing up I have always been an outdoorsy kid, if I wasn’t inside watching Avatar I was most likely playing manhunt outside with my friends. I love the outdoors and it shows through my obsession with soccer, I started playing when I was nine and haven’t stopped. This summer I joined the Save The Harbor team and I can’t wait for the new adventure in front of me. I love to learn about the world/environment and how I can change it for the better, which is why I feel like Save The Harbor is the place for me.

    Boston Harbor was not always what it is today. The harbor was an important part of American History, home of the Boston Tea Party. 300 years later the harbor saw a lot of pollution in the water due to increased population and sewage. Around the 80s, the concern for the harbor rose. A series of events caused the U.S. Government to file a lawsuit which resulted in the clean up of the Boston Harbor. The marine life at the harbor suffered greatly pre-cleanup, for example, the flounder fish who inhabit the waters used to turn up with ulcers and liver tumors. After catching a flounder myself during orientation, crew member Bruce explains how the improvements of the harbor show because the side of the fish looks healthier and white. This was my favorite part of orientation because I’ve never gone fishing until a couple days ago. It was a new experience for me and to learn that once upon a time the harbor was nearly black from pollution and marine life was challenged, now the efforts of many groups are being fulfilled which brings me joy. Orientation let me know that I am in for an educational and fun summer, which personally is the best way to spend a break. I can’t for what the following week brings and the challenges I may face.

Hello from Jasmine!

O'Bryant Senior soccer squad

Hi, my name is Jasmine Bolanos but you can just call me Jasmine or Jaz. I graduated from the John D. O'Bryant School and will be attending the University of Massachusetts Boston this fall. Three words to describe me are athletic, kind, and energetic. One of my favorite things to do besides spending time with family and friends is play soccer--in high school I joined the soccer team. This was a really important moment in my life because although I already knew I loved to play soccer, joining the team wasn't just about playing the sport. In my four years of being a part of this team I had the chance to meet many people, build stronger bonds with those I already knew, and I found my second family. The girl's soccer team at the John D O'Bryant is full of some very strong, intelligent, and beautiful young ladies, whom I got the chance to call my sisters. Memories such as these is why I am excited today to have opportunities such as working with SHSB.

The main reason being that this job will give me the chance to learn more about the Harbor, and allow me to take this knowledge and share it with my community and its young people. It also gives me the opportunity to work outdoors and to work with a group of people to get to know them better, and do amazing things together.

During orientation I learned and experienced a number of things:

1) I learned that the SHSB has worked to make sure that the Boston Harbor cleanup is complete, transforming the once dirty Harbor into a place where surrounding communities can find recreational, educational, and economic opportunities. I found this interesting because I like how SHSB gives back to the community. By making the Harbor cleaner and more presentable it is offering a place where families can go enjoy one of nature's beauties.

2) From the short time I fished, I learned the the flounder has eyes on only one side, which although it's embarrassing to admit, growing up I used to believe that a flounder resembled the little fish in The Little Mermaid. Although learning this somewhat ruined my childhood...  (just kidding!), it was fun to learn about this sea creature and how it has eyes on only one side of its face and that it's flat and lies on the ocean floor. 

3) My favorite part of orientation was on Spectacle Island when we played games and got to know each other better. It was really fun to get know people in such a fun way and it also got me even more excited for what's to come. I can't wait to get to know these wonderful people I will be working with and to gain experiences and help each other out as a team. 

CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS WONDERFUL SUMMER WITH SHSB!

-Jasmine

REELy excited for this summer!

Hello all!

     My name is Tessa, I’m a new Senior Harbor Educator working with the Summer Youth Programs. I’m new to Boston and so excited to spend this summer getting to know the city through my time teaching on the Harbor.

     I was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia and attended college at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. After graduating, I moved up to New England to work in environmental education. As a kid, I visited New England every summer, and always loved my time near the water and seeing all the ocean stewardship that so many wonderful organizations work for in the area. I have spent the last two years working for The Ecology School in Maine, The Seacoast Science Center in New Hampshire, and substitute teaching. I’ve always had a love for nature and a passion for sharing its wonders, but have found a new level of joy through teaching students about local ecology.

Fish head, most likely tuna, that I found in a New England Salt Marsh!

     I’m very excited to continue working with students on the water this summer. Orientation was a blast and confirmed that it is going to be a great summer. I feel lucky to get to work with so many high school and college students who call Boston home and are so ready to share their knowledge with me. Throughout orientation I enjoyed the opportunity to swap expertise and passion with the students; me teaching about some marine animals and them teaching me about the history of Boston Harbor and Save the Harbor, Save the Bay. I was equally impressed by the returning staff sharing their knowledge as well as the new staff with their willingness to jump right in. I am so excited to get to not only teach young students this summer but also to work with our awesome high school staff.

     This past week I learned just a tiny fraction of the history of Boston Harbor, and yet what I learned is already so fascinating. I was particularly interested in learning about the waste treatment plant on Deer Island. Humans produce lots of waste, of many forms, and it is wonderful to hear about large initiatives to properly dispose of this waste. Hearing stories and seeing the evidence of the work that so many people have put into cleaning up Boston Harbor gives me hope for humanities’ ability to reduce our waste in many other places. I look forward to learning more about waste-reduction initiatives currently happening in Boston in order to keep our waters and land clean.

     Our fishing trip on Tuesday was especially exciting because I always love getting hands-on with salt-water creatures. Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about shore-dwelling creatures, so it was wonderful to get a chance to go out into the channel and bring up some animals that live offshore. I particularly loved learning about using different weights and different fishing methods for catching different types of fish. I never knew that you should have your line a few feet above the bottom with a jig in order to catch Black Sea Bass. Bruce Berman, our director of strategy & communications, was especially patient with teaching me some of the finesse it takes to hook a bass. I have only dappled with fishing when I was young and I’m so excited to get better at it this summer. It is so wonderful to bring up healthy fish that are benefiting from human’s efforts to protect and clean the harbor.

Having a blast on our orientation fishing trip with Damani, Michael, Stephanie, and Dee

     I am so excited about all of the adventures and new relationships that this summer will bring. I can’t wait to get out on the shore with our staff and the students we serve next week!

CATCH you later,
Tessa

Any Fin Is Possible with Save the Harbor!

Hey everyone! My name is Kathleen, and I was born and raised in South Boston, MA and will be joining Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay for my first summer as a Senior Harbor Educator (SHE).  I recently graduated from Elon University in North Carolina with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Political Science and Women & Gender Studies. The past three years I have spent my time working as a peer leader and educator, creating lesson plans for students regarding holistic health practices and information. My junior year of college, I spent four months on Semester at Sea, sailing around the world and taking environmental classes for credit. The past year, I have learned about and practiced outdoor, environmental education specifically at farms and gardens. I have an exciting urge to be outside, enjoy the planet we live on, and encourage others to do the same!

Semester at Sea, sunset in the South Atlantic Ocean.

9 year old me enjoying the harbor! Some things never change!!

As someone who grew up on and thoroughly enjoyed the harbor, Save the Harbor Save the Bay has been a household name for my family. Just in my short lifetime, there have been major strides to clean up the bay and educate people about the environment and our effects on it. Dedicating my summer to Save the Harbor will give me the opportunity to learn more about the harbor, teach others about it, and make an impact, no matter how big or small, on  the harbor and the communities surrounding it. I am eager to approach the SHE position with creativity, passion, teamwork, and fun!

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Orientation week was a blast. I learned more about the historical and long standing efforts to clean the harbor. From the necessary trash burning at Spectacle Island to the waste treatment facility on Deer Island, I gained more in depth information on one of the cleanest urban harbors in the country. In terms of marine science in Boston Harbor, our fishing trip with Bruce Berman was something I had never done before. I learned more about how to properly hook a sea-worm for bait and how to make delicious sashimi and ceviche for a quick meal. My favorite part about orientation, aside from the exposure to new information and fishing techniques, was starting relationships with my fellow coworkers. Save the Harbor fosters a sense of community around Boston, but also within its staff. I could not be more excited to get to know my coworkers and get the summer started doing what I love!

Catch ya later!

☮Kathleen

Hooked on a Feeling

Boston, where the first American lighthouse was built in the harbor in 1716. The harbor an essential part to the city of Boston for tourists and residents. While scrolling on Instagram, I came across the Save the Harbor Save the Bay page and I was instantly interested in their programs and philosophy. I saw that the organization was hiring for a summer Senior Harbor Educator position, my expertise with children and high school students encouraged me to apply. 

I was offered the opportunity to work for Save the Harbor Save the Bay, an organization that is the leading voice for clean water in the region. I moved to Boston from Chicago to work as a Senior Harbor Educator. Back home, I devote a large portion of my time to Best Buddies and I work with children who are on the autism spectrum. I have always had an interest in marine and environmental studies but never had the courage to apply to a position that wasn't my speciality. The first week of orientation changed that for me. 

Orientation, the night before jitters began, thousands of question and worries that I had before my first day (i.e. I don't know how to fish, never met any of the staff before...) On Monday, we met as a team I was kindly greeted by Kristen, Bridget and the rest of the staff that I would be spending my summer with. Everyone was friendly and enthusiastic, those jitters and worries immediately went away. 
Once we got onto to the boat, I realized that- what an opportunity this is, an honor for me to be at SHSB. We made it to Spectacle Island which was interesting to learn how it was a landfill. The story behind it really taught me something, that if there's a group of people that want to change something they could with persistence and patience, once a landfill; now a beautiful beach to swim and hike at. I was hooked on a feeling and I knew that this summer position was off to a great start. There is nothing better than a job that allows you to learn and work simultaneously.

At Spectacle Island, we played this magnificent “Shipwreck” game that tested our ability to listen to directions closely and bond with our peers. I would have to say that was my favorite part of orientation. 

The second day of orientation was all about FISHING. A sport I am not familiar with, but was able to "catch" on quickly. I touched a sea worm- which hands down is the ugliest creature I have came across, it bites, squirms and is hairy. I learned how to to tie a knot and put bait on a hook. I didn't catch a fish, but I held one! (FLOUNDER MAN). Now, I will enjoy fishing because the staff and peers made it an amazing time. Seeing the students get thrilled about catching a fish and not having to use their phone to have a good time gave me a great feeling. In a world of technology, seeing teens enjoy their peer's company and not being glued to their phones is an exceptional thing to see! 

I know this summer will teach me more about marine life but I am positive that this experience will impact me and change the way I look at patience, persistence and enjoying the moment I'm in. 

Crab ya later, 
Katerina 

Back for Round Two!

Hello everyone!

bless you!
(Xiao Liu Chiu Island, Taiwan)

Welcome back to summer programming. My name's Kaya, and this is my second summer at Save the Harbor, Save the Bay as a Senior Harbor Educator (SHE!). I am so excited to be back on the Harbor with you all! For those of you who don't know me, I graduated from Scripps College in '18, but am originally from Cambridge, MA. I'm so grateful to be back in New England!

My passion for environmental issues started in the third grade, when a group of friends and I started an environmental group under the global organization Roots & Shoots, founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. Since then, my experiences have taken me all over. I love tide pooling, kayaking, clamming, and being in the Harbor! Anything marine/environmental/animal related, and I'm in!

In college, I studied environmental analysis, biology, and Hispanic studies. My junior year, I studied conservation ecology and Spanish in Ecuador. During my summers, I followed my passion for environmentalism by interning at the Franklin Park Zoo (here in Boston!), studying golden orb spider behaviors in Costa Rica, and conducting research on the social/environmental effects of naval bombing in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Most recently, I spent six months living in Taipei, Taiwan, learning traditional (Mandarin) Chinese.  Since my return to the States, I've been working as a Youth Programs Facilitator at Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center (TIOBEC), another incredible non-profit organization based here in Boston Harbor! My greatest passions in life are education, environmentalism, increasing communication (I heart learning new languages!), and activism (especially relating to issues of social justice!).

Kharliyah is not a sea worm lover
(aboard the Belle, during orientation this week!)

Orientation was a blast, getting to learn more about who I'm working with this summer, and making some fresh hake ceviche while fishing on the Belle. Bruce taught us how to make sashimi and ceviche from scratch--super cool! While exploring Spectacle Island with David Coffin, I learned more about how there used to be a bulldozer that sank under all the debris, and is likely still under the hills somewhere!

shark attack!
(Singapore aquarium's giant shark tank)

I am so happy to be back at SHSB with you all, and to get to help others find the same love and belonging I feel when I am on the Harbor and outside in Boston. It's such a privilege to be able to spend another summer outside catching crabs, fishing, and splashing around. I can't wait to spend it with you, so come find me at Piers Park and Courageous! Let's explore some of the cleanest urban beaches in the United States!

~Kaya

Oh my COD, we’re ready for another great summer!

And just like that, we are back for another summer on Boston Harbor!  We are this summer’s dream team, a duo unmatched by any other, full of energy and enthusiasm, teaching experience and love for marine life.  We are Kristen Barry, Director of Youth Programming and Bridget Ryan, Lead Teacher for the Summer Youth Programs! We thrive in running the day to day operations for the program and are in charge of a staff of 35 which includes post-grads, college students, and high school students. We have been patiently awaiting the start of the summer, as we are excited to get to know the new staff, see the returners, and help to share the harbor with Boston’s youth!

I (Kristen) am back for my FIFTH summer at Save the Harbor! As a former Senior Harbor Educator stationed at Camp Harbor View, I am thrilled to be back for summer 2019 - this time getting to experience all of the sites that Save the Harbor works at. Having worked as a science and math teacher and coach for the previous three years, I am eager for the summer programming to start so that I have the opportunity to work not only with the kids that Save the Harbor programs with, but more so the youth staff that brings the energy to the job each day. I currently live in Cambridge, and love to swim, hike, bike, run, and do really anything that gets me outside (which Save the Harbor summers are perfect for!)

I (Bridget) am back for my SEVENTH summer at Save the Harbor!  During the year you can find me teaching government and politics to 8th and 12th graders at the John D. O’Bryant in Roxbury and coaching the Girls Varsity Soccer and Softball teams.  But when it comes to the summer, I’m ready to catch lobsters, take trips to Spectacle and Georges Islands, and enrich the lives of thousands of kids as they discover the wonder that is Boston Harbor. One of the greatest aspects of this job are the kids who work for us! I have been very lucky to have O'Bryant students become summer staffers for the past six years - and the kids we have this year are incredible! I live in South Boston and love walking around Castle Island and enjoying the cleanest urban beaches in the country!

Going with our summer theme of FUN, we kicked off orientation with a trip out to Spectacle Island accompanied by our Boston Harbor Historian David Coffin. On the cruise out to the island, David pointed out significant landmarks along the way, and shared with us the history of the Boston Harbor cleanup. Not only did we learn that the solid waste coming from the toilets of Boston is repurposed into fertilizer that is sent to Florida in order to help oranges grow, but we also learned about the fiery history of Spectacle Island. What piqued our interest was the tale of the bulldozer that sunk deep into the piles of trash that covered Spectacle Island before it was transformed into the beautiful island that we spent the day on.

Day two brought us out on The Belle with Captain Charlie for a fishing trip. It seemed as though the old wives tale that you catch more fish in the rain may be true, as we did not see a shortage of flounder, blackfish, black sea bass, and skates. We motored out around Long Island, and as soon as we dropped lines, the fish began to bite. Each staff member got the opportunity to fish, whether they were a seasoned fisherman or it was their first time holding a fishing rod. We learned how to line a fishing rod, how to put a sea worm on a hook to use as bait, how to remove hooks from the mouth of fish, and much more! The senior harbor educators took this time to not only get to know their staff a bit better, but also teach them all they knew about the different species that we were catching. As a treat, we prepared ceviche and sashimi with fresh fish for everyone to enjoy.

Our favorite part of orientation was hands down playing games with David on the field on Spectacle! It was amazing to see the energy and teamwork with which each person approached the challenges presented to them. Our staff took this opportunity to get to know each other, and show how supportive and communicative they are on a daily basis. If these games were any indication of what is in store for our team this summer, then it will surely be the best one yet!

What keeps us coming back to Save the Harbor each summer is the connections that we make with our youth staff, the kids on Boston Harbor, and how much fun it is to spend the day outside fishing, crabbing, and learning more about the urban natural resource that is the harbor.

See you on the water!

Kristen & Bridget

New Intern- Eliza McNulty

Hello! 

My name is Eliza McNulty and I am a rising sophomore at Bates College. I am currently undeclared, but I am interested in pursuing environmental studies. I am from Cambridge, Massachusetts and I have grown up visiting Cape Cod and the many public beaches in Massachusetts. 

I took a gap year after high school where I found a new appreciation for nature and our delicate environment. I spent three months hiking in New Mexico, exploring the caves of Arizona and canoeing down the Rio Grande in Texas. This experience showed me how important it is to protect the environment and the Earth’s natural resources, and a big part of protecting our environment is done through educational programs and resources that can be accessed by the public. 

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay mission of restoring and protecting the harbor, but also sharing it with community members caught my interest. Community involvement and educational access are important to Save the Harbor and to me. I am excited to be able to work with an organization that protects the many ecosystems of the Boston Harbor and the region’s public beaches, and continues to share them with the public. I am hoping to learn more about the day to day business of running a non-profit, while also seeing through longer term projects. I am excited to get more hands on experience at an organization that has done so much for marine life, water quality and communities so close to home. 

First week-Orientation

My name is Ambri, I’m from Boston. I’m from Mattapan and Roxbury. I go to Tech Boston Academy, I’m a Junior. I don’t like school so it’s just another part of my day.  I like to listen to music and spend time with people I care about and can laugh with. I’m interested in money, I love to make it. I’m excited to work this summer because I like kids, I vibe easily with kids, and I think it’s fun to get a piece of their mind. Kids have so much personality and Sometimes associating with them can be better with associating with older people. At the age 0-10 you have no worries, you just want to have fun. Therefore I’m going to have fun with these kids and stoop back to the mindset of being as care free as them. Fishing also is more fun then i expected. Also the new things i’m trying excites me at the same time. I never fished and stuff so this will be a different experience. I’m trying to start being more open to getting out of my shell, so this job will be another step. I learned that the Harbor used to be Gross, there was so much junk. They also have a sewage that keeps the harbor clean. I learned that in order to fish it takes patience and timing. I also learned the Harbor has over 34 islands and many more that are hidden, because they are underwater.

My favorite part of orientation was getting on the fishing boat and seeing the whole Boston from being far out on the Harbor. It was my favorite because it was a nice scenery and the (FREE) experience wasn’t mediocre at the least. #timetogetLit #moneymoneymoney #Ilovesummer



Ambri Hurston

Orientation Week!

Hi! My name is Will and I'm a 20 year old student from West Hartford, CT. After going to University of Tampa for 2 years, I came back to New England and am currently taking financing classes at Umass Amherst. From hiking in the Rockies to fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, I have always enjoyed experiencing the great outdoors. As someone who has always had a passion for fishing and fish in general, I am very eager to be working at Save the Harbor Save the Bay, specifically instructing children and teens in the All Access group.

During my first week of orientation, I was surprised to learn about the history of Spectacle Island. A place which started as the lowest island out of all the harbors, it has now turned into the highest, due to the accumulation of trash over the years. Human waste pile-up was only exacerbated by the surrounding waters, and was ultimately mediated by burning the island for around a decade. Nearly 30 years later, Spectacle Island is now a common hang out spot. It's incredible to think that such an inviting tourist destination could once be such a disaster.

Another interesting thing I learned during orientation was the process of catching flounders and checking their underbellies for tumors and other growths. Normal flounder bellies appear flat and white, so deviations should be inspected visually. This check is necessary due to the extreme level of pollution in the water, which causes mutations in fish, some severe enough to cause 3 eyes. In addition to documenting all fish, I think it is great that Save the Harbor Save the Bay raises awareness to the public on the conditions of the local waters.

My favorite part about orientation was the group fishing trip of Day 2. Being at ease on the water with people who share similar passions made it comfortable to open up and meet my coworkers. I was able to catch a flounder, a skate, and a spider crab, which was very exciting as I don't usually get to fish offshore in New England. I can't wait to have more experiences in the waters with SHSB!

William Miller

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Kicks off the Catch of the Day Program

On Wednesday June 12, Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay casted off on its newest program, Catch of the Day, that hosts local youth groups on a guided fishing tour in Boston Harbor. 

The maiden voyage left at 12 noon from the Seaport as Save the Harbor welcomed a group from the Elevate Youth Program for a day filled with fishing, cooking and sightseeing around the Boston Harbor Islands. Along the way, the teens learned about the marine animals that live in the harbor and ways in which these animals all tie together to create the Boston Harbor ecosystem. At the end of the day, the new fishing enthusiasts had the opportunity to prepare and sample the fish they caught. Several hours later the group returned smiling, proud of all the fish they caught that day. 

The weather was perfect for spending the day on the water with Boston Fun Cruises’ Captain Charlie Gibbons as Save the Harbor staff shared facts about the history of the harbor and islands. Save the Harbor staff guided the teens through the process of learning how to fish and, by finding different spots around the harbor, nearly everyone on board got one on the line! Additionally, they got the chance to see these marine animals up close and learn ways in which they survive. Some of the marine life the kids had the opportunity to see included flounder, skates and crabs.  

Once all the fish were reeled in staff prepared the popular dish, Ceviche. Save the Harbor’s Bruce Berman demonstrated how to make the dish by combining chopped up striped bass and acidic fruit. Once the two were combined, the acid started cooking the fish and turned into a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy. Those brave enough sampled the fresh fish while taking in the breathtaking views. The day ended with telling stories and playing games as the boat made its way back to the docks.  

Through programs like this, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay continues serve as the Boston Harbor Connection for the region’s kids and their families. Free programs such as the Catch of the Day, are vital to connecting those who share in the $5 billion cost of the Boston Harbor Clean-Up but often do not share the opportunities to enjoy these spectacular urban natural resources. Through Catch of the Day, the kids on these trips not only gat the chance for an engaging on-the-water experience but also are exposed to sustainable seafood and recipes that take advantage to the living harbor. 

Over the summer, Save the Harbor will host 19 more Catch of the Day, bringing thousands of kids and teens out on the water, many of them for the first time. Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay looks forward to leading more upcoming trips that help share the Boston harbor and connect people all across Boston.  

A special thanks to Boston Fun Cruises, Captain Charlie Gibbons and all of our Youth Environmental Education Program partners for allowing us to continue to provide free cruises and fishing trips that help make these Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands accessible for everyone. 

Join us for our next trip and experience the beautiful Boston area through one of our many programs that encourage education, advocacy and exposure to the environment.