We are so excited to introduce you to our knowledgeable team of marine science instructors, educators and sailors. We have some new faces on our team, and we can’t wait for you to meet them!
Join us in welcoming Jasmine Mariaca!
Jasmine joined our team this winter as an Instructor and Deck Hand and has already proved to be an excellent addition to our staff, on and off of the water! As an avid scuba driver and environmental advocate, Jasmine brought with her an unwavering love for our shared Ocean and a degree in Environmental Studies & Political Science. She understands the importance of environmental education and has been involved in ocean conservation and restoration work across our country for several years, and we are very lucky to have her on our team. Thank you for making the Sea Odyssey program possible!
Please learn more about Jasmine and check out the full interview below!
“Everyone deserves access to the environment they reside in and to learn about what they can do to protect and conserve them.”
Interview with OSO Instructor – Jasmine Mariaca
How did you become interested in ocean conservation?
My first core memory was when I was around 11 years old and my
Godmother and I traveled to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in
Sarasota, FL and I saw a dolphin for the first time. Since then I knew
I always wanted to be a marine biologist after speaking with one of
the caretakers, and this continued on throughout high school where I
worked on my scuba certifications and conservation work. As I pursued
my undergraduate I became fond of coral reefs and the long-term
effects of ocean acidification. My interest in marine conservation has
been building for quite a while, and I owe it to many people,
instructors, programs, and mentors who supported me to not give up and
continue finding opportunities.
How did you become interested in ocean conservation?
My first core memory was when I was around 11 years old and my
Godmother and I traveled to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in
Sarasota, FL and I saw a dolphin for the first time. Since then I knew
I always wanted to be a marine biologist after speaking with one of
the caretakers, and this continued on throughout high school where I
worked on my scuba certifications and conservation work. As I pursued
my undergraduate I became fond of coral reefs and the long-term
effects of ocean acidification. My interest in marine conservation has
been building for quite a while, and I owe it to many people,
instructors, programs, and mentors who supported me to not give up and
continue finding opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about working at OSO?
My favorite thing about working at OSO has been being able to not only
teach marine science to students, but also provide them with the
experience of sailing on a catamaran. Being able to make the
connection between what they are learning in marine biology, marine
ecology, and navigation, and show them how this work is done in our own
waters, is the most rewarding. Growing up, I didn’t have access to
many outdoor spaces, let alone boats, so I feel very fortunate to be a
part of cultivating a fun educational experience for the growing
generations in our community of Central California.
Whalefest Monterey 2023