Seawolves Emerge as Visionary Leaders

Over the winter trimester, students had the opportunity to try a new elective in the history and social sciences department. “Law of the Sea” was taught by the Woods Hole Sea Education Association’s Associate Professor of Ocean Policy, Erin Bryant, who has a master's in education, a master's in marine affairs, and a law degree. She was shadowed in the classroom by Tabor's own Virginia Land McGuire, Director of Nautical Science. The course offered students the opportunity to “discover and discuss the history and future of the laws that govern the use, conservation, and exploitation of seventy percent of our planet.”

The purpose of the class was to explore how nations manage human activity on the ocean, balance public vs. private interest, and attempt to both regulate and grow a blue economy. The class used guest lectures, discussion of case studies, and simulations of ocean governance hearings to look at both the origins and the future trajectory of laws of the open sea and coastal zones. The work they completed in "Law of the Sea" demonstrates the Tabor Way of Learning in action, entering the classroom as students and emerging as proactive contributors and positive changemakers ready to lead the world around them.

By the course’s conclusion, students wrote a research paper and presented on a course-related topic that piqued their interest. Their presentations were quite inspiring, from the commitment to the details of their research, to the cross-checking of findings and information sources that they performed, and their professional tone in conveying their findings and recommendations. Their work coalesced around stepping away from our dependence on petroleum products, as they sought ideas to remedy problems ranging from the violent conflicts in the Middle East to the significant volume of plastics in New Bedford Harbor.

Continue reading to learn the breadth of research topics from "Law of the Sea" students:

• Cece Clemente ’24 spoke about how we can use our knowledge of human behavior to maximize conservation efforts, also known as “conservation psychology.”
• Jimmy Zhong ’25 presented about climate refugees and their adaptation strategies, particularly island nations with varying socio-economic statuses, such as Fiji and Kiribati. He recommended the establishment of an international policy to recognize climate refugees.
• Cam Martin ’24 presented on the geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and their impact on shipping and navigation. He noted that some cargo ships are opting to travel around Africa rather than risk traveling through the Suez Canal. Transferring to Tabor as a sophomore, Cam hadn’t found a cocurricular activity that he loved until he boarded SSV Tabor Boy. Almost three years later, he is the Executive Officer of Tabor Boy and he’s sailed 645 nautical miles from Marion to Bermuda onboard the Spirit of Bermuda. He hopes to attend the Naval Academy next year where his “Law of the Sea” class experience will certainly be useful.
• Peter Herlihy ’25 presented on the impact of plastic pollution in New Bedford harbor, including microplastics and PCBs from local business, urban run-off, and the fishing industry. One of the most active marine ports in the world, he recommended New Bedford continue usage of the trash skimmer, increase use of reusable food and beverage containers, and compare local and national policies that might work for this area. A legacy student (his dad Andy graduated in 1994), Peter said that opportunities provided at Tabor have allowed him to find himself quicker than those who might not have access to the same opportunities.
• Jackson Chase ’24 and Kai Roberto ’24 spoke about the negative impacts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Costly for both the habitats and economy, they recommended catch limits, increased onboard observers, and easily accessible fishing vessel location tracking.
• Ava Strand ’24 researched the factors that contribute to the rise in stranded whales along the east coast of the US. She specifically looked at ship strikes and entanglements in North Atlantic Right Whales and Humpbacks. While climate change is increasing whale deaths, she recommends satellite tracking the whales, slowing vessel speeds, introducing whale-friendly fishing gear, and increased education about whales.
• Andrei Sarbu ’24 researched the global effects of piracy which causes approximately $12 billion in global economic losses annually. He found that while piracy is typically focused on financial gain, it can also be used to impart a political impact. There has been a recent spike in overall attacks on ships. Andrei recommends safeguarding marine shipping while also reexamining who has the right to seize a pirate ship.
• Talia Chase ’24 studied climate change, its causes, solutions, and how it is impacting Tabor’s campus and surrounding areas. She recommended that Tabor and the Town of Marion utilize strategies like composting, reducing plastic use, and preparing for sea level rise and flooding. She also recommended increasing wildlife preserves and walkable areas to reduce emissions caused by transportation.
• Johnny Jordin ’24 and Matt Magee ’24 researched the economic benefits of offshore wind. Although they are expensive to install and maintain, sustainable use would benefit the US overall by lowering electricity costs and increasing jobs.
• Lilly Maki ’24 presented on the Blue Economy in New Bedford, which aims to grow the economy as much as possible while maximizing marine conservation and long-term sustainability. Toting the value of environmental stewardship, she noted how federally designated “Ocean Clusters” can work together to maximize positive outcomes across aquaculture, commercial fishing, offshore renewable energy, and other tech.
• Erin Eilertsen ’24 and Will Synnestvedt ’24 researched marine protected areas and created a corresponding board game. Much like real life, the game is a mix of chance and skill and whoever has the most fish living in their MPA at the end, wins!