A collaboration of ocean science, ocean industry, and place-based learning took place at the Cordova Jr/Sr High School during the Ocean Sciences Festival on Friday, October 18. This event was held for students to increase their understanding and awareness of ocean-related research, industry, and careers in the region. 

Science Center staff worked with visiting researchers of the Gulf Watch Alaska Long Term Research and Monitoring Program to create engaging, hands-on activities highlighting research happening in Prince William Sound. One hundred and sixty-seven students in grades 3-12 learned about aerial monitoring, plankton, salmon tagging, herring disease, fish stomach dissections, humpback whale tracking, seabird surveys, the kelp lifecycle, and sea otter behavioral studies.

Presenters from the Native Village of Eyak, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Cordova District Fishermen United, Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation, Alaska Sea Grant, Copper River Watershed Project, U.S. Forest Service, Prince William Sound Economic Development District, Prince William Sound College, and the U.S. Coast Guard also led activities about their work.

The Ocean Sciences Festival is part of the work of the CORaL Network, funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.