Published on BreakingExpress:
Publisher-provided news brief — NOAA
By NOAA. Originally published October 16, 2026. Original source · Reuse terms. Text-only republication; media omitted.
Hi everyone! My name is Megan Broome, and I am a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington studying marine biology and environmental science with a minor in neuroscience. During the summer of 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) in Santa Cruz, California, as part of the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program. My work this summer contributed to the conservation of the sanctuary’s natural resources by effectively interpreting science to enhance environmental literacy within the local community.
Whales are essential ecological and economic contributors to MBNMS, yet many species are either endangered or threatened. My project focused on the four most commonly seen species in the sanctuary, including humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and gray (Eschrichtius robustus).
Through my internship, I created new outreach materials, such as an educational flyer, an enrichment webinar, and social media content, to increase awareness of responsible whale watching guidelines within the private boating sector. Additionally, I worked alongside See a Spout? Watch Out! offsite link, an active educational program designed to encourage whale and boater safety, to promote its online “Spout Spotter” course.
As a result of these experiences, my science interpretation and public communication skills were strengthened, solidifying my desire to incorporate education and outreach into my future career. I hope to continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable species in my work. Additionally, I enjoyed interacting and establishing relationships with the public because it allowed me to share my passions while fostering stewardship to protect these iconic whales.
Megan Broome, 2025 Hollings scholar
Megan is a 2025 Hollings scholar studying marine biology and environmental science with a minor in neuroscience at University of North Carolina Wilmington.
