After School Seining begins at Sanibel Sea School
On Oct. 12, the Sanibel Sea School will begin offering After School Seining courses each Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for four consecutive weeks. Designed for ages 6-13, the cost is $20 per student.
Seine nets are long nets that glide through the water to gently scoop up sea creatures. Taking inspiration from the native Calusa, marine science educators teach students how to use seine nets in different environments around Sanibel. Two people work together, holding each end of the net, to pull it through the water and back onto shore.
“Seining is a great way for students to experiment with fishing using a different medium,” Youth Education Director Shannon Stainken said. “Many of our students have used a fishing pole before, but most have never tried using hand nets.”
In order to have a successful catch, students must work together to keep the net oriented properly. In addition to scientific exploration, seining is a lesson in teamwork and communication.
The creatures are held in portable tanks with aerators for a closer look. Educators encourage students to observe anatomy and behavior. They are challenged to determine how the animals caught have adapted to live in their habitat. After careful investigation, the students release the creatures back into the water.
For more information or to register, visit sanibelseaschool.org.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.