November 8, 2019 โ The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
In the Puget Sound region of Washington, Kate Rovinski helps study Dungeness crabs at NOAAโs Mukilteo Research Station, part of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. The crabs are the target of a valuable West Coast fishery at high risk to the effects of ocean acidification. Rovinski got started in the lab through a promising new pathway for veterans in marine science: the NOAA Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Conservation Corps Internship Program.
The internship program allows veterans to be part of marine science research teams. Work includes both lab and field experiences in a range of disciplines related to the health of Puget Sound, including salmon recovery and ocean acidification.
Field work in particular can provide the veterans with valuable โecotherapyโโreferring to the therapeutic benefits of interacting with nature. Ecotherapy can help veterans who are experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome, or who are transitioning back to their communities following military service.
Rovinski is one of a number of veterans who have completed the internship. Many graduates of the program go on to work in fisheries with local tribes or to study marine science in graduate school. Rovinski didnโt have much field experience when she applied, but volunteer experience at a salmon hatchery and as an educator deckhand on the Schooner Adventuress made a difference.
โDonโt let perceived lack of experience hold you back from applying if youโre passionate about conservation, especially if ecotherapy resonates with you,โ said Rovinski. She encourages veterans who have a strong interest in the marine environment to consider the opportunity.