Lincoln-Way Central Student Helps Ocean by Restoring Reef systems

James Watson, Lincoln-Way Central junior, will join a small group of high school students and adults in Crew 3000 to help restore the reef system in the western Caribbean over the Columbus Day weekend.

This is the second scuba diving environmental trip he will have attended. The first trip was two years ago in the same western Caribbean area. James said he worked with his father and others to restore coral by helping the coral to grow in a damaged area. This time he will be joining other high school students from Connecticut, Virginia, California, Missouri and Florida.

“We built several coral tree nurseries, which is a way to restore the coral. We spend about two hours a session under the water planting and attaching the coral trees. We will do several sessions each day. We actually build the coral trees in the boat and on shore by tying bits of the choral onto a tree like structure, it takes a lot of time. It helps the coral grow,” said James.

This trip the group will be expanding a coral nursery and transplanting coral into the reef system all while scuba diving.

“The Crew 3000 focuses much of their efforts in the restoration of coral reefs. They have started several off-shore coral nurseries and reef restoration programs for critically endangered coral reefs at local, national, and international levels,” said James.

James has been diving for about three years. His father is a master diver, and James has been interested in the oceans for a while, he said.

James says he is very interested “in the whole idea of ocean restoration.” He really enjoys learning about how to help coral grow, to help preserve the coral, to learn about the fish and the plants that live in the oceans, he said.

He explained he found out about Crew 3000 from his father, a master diver, who got to know Dr. William Zarillo, Crew 3000 president.

Crew 3000 is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization consisting of youth and adults who learn about the ocean ecosystems and help in conserving, restoring, and exploring them.

James met with Dr. Steve Provis, Principal, before he left for his trip. Dr. Provis presented James with a Lincoln-Way Central t-shirt to take with him to work in the western Caribbean.

“I am very proud of James. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the importance of our ocean ecosystem and to help out the environment. I am looking forward to hearing about his adventure when he returns,” said Provis.

Photo:

Lincoln-Way Central junior James Watson accepts a Knight t-shirt presented to him by Dr. Steve Provis, principal. James will be joining a small group of high school students and adults in Crew 3000 to help restore the reef system in the western Caribbean ocean. Students and adults use their scuba diving skills to expand a coral nursery and transplant coral into the reef system for restoration purposes.