Peggy Stap of Marine Life Studies Presents Educational Program “The Squid Eaters” to Third Graders at "Classroom on the Bay – Squid Kid Day”

MONTEREY, California - May 20, 2010 - Peggy Stap was invited to speak as part of “Classroom on the Bay - Squid Kid Day”, hosted by Abalonetti Seafood on Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. Her presentation, “The Squid Eaters”, an educational program about whales and dolphins in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary that love to eat squid, included identification photos, underwater audio recordings of the animals, and Q&A.

Peggy Stap answers questions from third graders during her presentation, The Squid Eaters.

Mr. Anderson, teacher of the students in the class from Robert Down School in Pacific Grove wrote: “My class went on an amazing trip to the Monterey Wharf to study calamari. ‘Squid Eaters’, presented by Marine Life Studies was a very interesting and informative part of the trip. The pictures of the Risso’s Dolphins with all the scratch marks on their skin from eating squid were incredible. I learned a lot from the presentation.”

​The presentation introduced Marine Life Studies new Junior Research Scientist Program which is designed to teach and inspire the next generation to protect marine wildlife and is funded by the Joey Jones Scholarship and Educational Fund. All children in the class received a kit, and a Junior Research Scientist button and certificate.

​Stap’s non-profit organization created the Joey Jones Scholarship and Education Fund in honor of Moss Landing resident and commercial fisherman, Joey Jones, who lost his life at sea April 3, 2008. Joey Jones’ love of the sea and fishing was the inspiration behind the scholarship. “Regulation, fishing closures and environmental concerns have created tensions between fisherman and those attempting to create sustainability and a healthy ocean,” says Stap. “Joey wanted to bridge the gap between the marine science community and commercial fishing community through cooperation and dialogue.” The Joey Jones Scholarship Program will provide free educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing oceanic studies.

​Peggy Stap is the Founder and Executive Director of Marine Life Studies, a registered non-profit organization with 501C(3) status. She has been volunteering, researching and teaching the public about marine wildlife since 1998. Currently, Ms. Stap is the Principal Investigator under a NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service, GA Research Permit to study marine wildlife in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain.

Contact: Marine Life Studies - 831-901-3833