Marine educators honored

The Williams-Mystic flag flew high aboard the Stonington scalloper FURIOUS this weekend at the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing is an annual event in Stonington, honoring the town’s fishing heritage and commemorating those lost at sea. 

Empire Fisheries owners Joe Gilbert and Nancy Follini celebrated local educators this year, inviting both Williams-Mystic and the Stonington Teacher of the Year, along with local dignitaries, for the wreath-laying ceremony in Stonington Harbor aboard their vessel FURIOUS.

Empire Fisheries is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices and community engagement. As a fisherman and environmentalist active in fisheries management and environmental policy, Gilbert often encounters Williams-Mystic alumni who are making big impacts in the maritime world.

"Williams-Mystic has been educating college students about the world's oceans and coasts for nearly 50 years and their alumni are helping to solve some of the most difficult global issues we face today,” said Gilbert, who has been in the fisheries industry since 1980. "Good science makes good policy and good policy makes good regulations."

Photo courtesy Williams-Mystic