Once aboard, the learning began. The boat was equipped with map and other learning tools. Our instructors discussed many of species living along the watersheds of the Bay.

We were on the lookout! Our goal was to spot as many different creatures as we could. We saw osprey, turtles, cardinals, eagles, owls, and many different fish were jumping all around.

What's that we see? Are those abandoned barges? Our instructors told us that as late at the 1900's individuals crashed and abandoned their barges on small islands on the James. Then, trees and other vegetation grew around them. Amazing!

 We watched as a large commercial ship docked along the shores. The tugboats helped to guide the large vessel that flew a foreign flag. We discussed the affects of industry on the James River and the Bay.

Whatcha got? High school teacher, Nancy Jones, pulls in a crab pot. Inside is an eel!

Here, Diana Shores the LCEE Program Manager & Instructor, picks up the eel! Yuck!

Participants looked at maps to see what we could learn. Some of looked at maps from the 1600's and others looked at fishing maps. We were divided into groups and had to present facts about our map information. to the other groups.

We went net fishing and pulled in some amazing creatures. Our job was to use tools aboard the ship to try to identify how fast the fish could swim, how close they lived to the surface, and what they ate based on their body structure. We were given charts and other visuals for help.

Here is a picture of us checking the crab pots.

We learned about the life cycle of a Blue Crab and how important they are to the ecosystem of the Bay.

Ruth Cookson, from the ODU Center for Economic Education, is working with teachers to conduct water quality samples.