Sailing Into STEM with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

August 7, 2025

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary staff recently set sail from Gloucester, Massachusetts, aboard the 99-year-old nonprofit fishing schooner Adventure—a 122-foot National Historic Landmark—to share the story and history of Stellwagen Bank, and the importance of safeguarding special places in our ocean.

a group of girls learn about Stellwagen Bank from an instructor holding a map onboard a sailing vessel — Photo: Madeline Carlone

a woman sits on the deck of a sailing vessel while putting on a large, thick, red immersion suit — Photo: Madeline Carlone

The Girls on Adventure program introduces girls to the maritime industry and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through history and science lessons, field trips, onboard routines, and mentorship. During the afternoon sail, sanctuary staff brought this underwater treasure to life for the girls:

Resource Management Specialist Sam Tolken shared stories of shipwrecks, explained ocean mapping, and demonstrated how to put on an immersion suit—a thick, waterproof safety suit designed to keep mariners warm and afloat in cold water—which led to some good-natured "gumby suit" races.
Outreach Specialist Laura Howes discussed how scientists tag whales for research and conservation.
Outreach Program Assistant Caitlin Fitzmaurice introduced the sanctuary's shearwater tagging project, which tracks these seabirds' epic migrations.

Although Stellwagen Bank's northwest corner lies about seven nautical miles from Gloucester, the crew brought its wonders to the students, helping them discover the valuable marine life and maritime heritage right in their own backyard. The day wrapped up with students creating posters on ways to safeguard our seas—a fitting end to a day of inspiration, learning, and adventure.

Three women pose for a photo aboard a schooner vessel — Photo: NOAA