On July 21, 2017 Cameron County conducted their 2nd Annual 4-H Marine Day. The event was coordinated by Guadalupe Castro (extension agent for 4-H Youth and Development Agent with Prairie View A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program), Tony Riesner (coastal marine agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service), and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Lab (UTRGV). There were 41 youth and adult participants in attendance.

Participants began in the UTRGV Ridley Floating Classroom and took a boat ride out to the ocean channel. They learned about native marine life from UTRGV Marine Volunteers. Participants were also able to see and touch various species of fish through the touch tank. The coastal marine agent spoke to them about the various species.

After the floating classroom, they toured the Coastal Studies Laboratory on South Padre Island in Isla Blanca Park where they learned about the effects of ocean debris. The activity they participated in demonstrated that ocean debris can come from any part of the community, even if they are not close to the ocean. The 4-H Marine Day ended with a scavenger hunt of the Coastal Studies Laboratory aquarium and a show-and-feel demonstration. The event was a great way to demonstrate the natural resources available in our community and how to care for them. It also provided various examples of career opportunities in the science field of marine biology.

On the UTRGV Ridley floating classroom participants learn about native marine life both in the ocean and on land. Lesson taught by URTGV marine student volunteer.

On the UTRGV Ridley floating classroom participants learn about native marine life both in the ocean and on land. Lesson taught by URTGV marine student volunteer.

At the UTRGV Coastal Lab, participants learned about how debris ends up in the ocean.

At the UTRGV Coastal Lab, participants learned about how debris ends up in the ocean.

4-H Youth demonstrating species of fish to the group

4-H Youth demonstrating species of fish to the group

Coastal Marine Agent Tony Reisinger identifying various marine life caught in the net.  He discusses the importance of taking care of oceans and the effects on marine life.

Coastal Marine Agent Tony Reisinger identifying various marine life caught in the net. He discusses the importance of taking care of oceans and the effects on marine life.

Participants taking part in a show-and-feel activity.

Participants taking part in a show-and-feel activity.

Guadalupe Castro
Guadalupe Castro
Extension Agent, Cameron County
(936) 361-8236
guadalupe.castro@ag.tamu.edu