A science teacher from South Ft. Myers High School is onboard a NOAA research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.

Steven Wilkie won a place on NOAA’s Oregon II research ship by submitting an essay detailing how he’ll  use what he learns aboard the vessel in his classroom. 

Wilkie is the only teacher among  more than a dozen  scientists operating trawl nets to count species and quantities of fish in Northern Gulf .  He said  he can’t wait to add what he learns to his curriculum.

“ I’ve actually written a grant with NOAA that allows me to get my students out in the marine environment in Lee County.  So I’m indebted to NOAA and I hope I can bring some of the excitement and experience into the classroom from the ship” he said. .

Wilkie says the trip was cancelled last year because of the BP oil spill in the Gulf.  He says this year particular attention will be paid to plankton and larvae to determine any impacts the spill had on those populations.