The Manatee Marine Explorers Day Camp was created by two UF/IFAS Extension agents in Manatee County to introduce youth to diverse and possibly less familiar forms of marine life. The program also aims to foster environmental stewardship by showing how products such as broken fishing lines that end up in the ocean can negatively affect the animals that live there. In June 2016, participants created containers for local fishermen to use in order to collect and properly dispose of broken lines. The camp is designed to encourage curiosity and show the fun aspects of science as well as the environmental and economic implications of stewardship and appreciation. 

UF/IFAS File Photo