This blog post series highlights alumni of the Sea Dragons, a student-run underwater robotics team and their work with the Jefferson MRC, sharing reflections, advice, and the impact of hands-on marine conservation.
Nathaniel Ashford
Years with the Sea Dragons: 2016-2025
Role on the team: ROV Pilot and ROV Engineer
Where are they now: Pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon
“As the ROV pilot on the Sea Dragons team I was astounded when we first started recovering derelict pots with dozens of Dungeness crabs trapped inside. Every time we dove down to recover a crab pot I was always surprised by the unexpected things we would come across. From a dogfish circling our ROV to wild ‘forests’ of sea anemones growing on derelict gear. The joys of exploring the underwater world ignited my passion in conservation which is why I am now studying biology at Willamette University. Being part of the crab pot project really taught me to keep an open mind when it comes to fieldwork which I strive to take into my future research and studies.”
Nathaniel piloting ROV
Current/Future plans: Currently, I am pursuing my studies at Willamette University and my role as the Volunteer Director at the Castaway Club, which is a conservation club on campus. I enjoy working with this student group on our stewardship goals such as trash cleanups along our waterways. And I am excited to pursue more research opportunities in conservation during my next three years in college.
Advice to younger self: Find the mentors, peers, and friends that will help support you. Sometimes, all you need is that one person who believes in you, and who will help you to learn.
2022 team with ROV.
More about this series: It is a privilege to hear from a group of students after their interaction with an MRC to see how their experiences shaped their futures. This post is part of the “Where Are They Now?” series, featuring alumni of the Sea Dragons underwater robotics team and their previous work with the Jefferson MRC. Each student answers the same questions about their experience, sharing how it shaped their skills, teamwork, and interest in marine conservation.
From 2022-2024, this particular group of student-led Sea Dragon students have designed and operated remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to locate and recover lost crab pots in the Salish Sea, protecting marine life while gaining hands-on experience. Alumni reflect on where they are now, offer advice to future students, and share photos from their Sea Dragon journey. Many thanks to Ella Ashford for keeping in touch and for helping to gather and share this information!
Resources:
-
Project StoryMap (recipient of the ArcGIS International Storyteller of the Year Award 2023)
-
Students tackle ‘ghost-pot’ problem. The Leader | July 2022