Ryan Martin, a senior at Notre Dame College Prep, is traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to talk with great thinkers on the subject of our nation's oceans and coasts.

The Shedd Aquarium, where Martin volunteers, selected Martin and three other Chicagoland students, out of 22 who were recommended, to take part in the D.C. event, "Coastal America’s 4th Student Summit on the Oceans and Coasts." CoastalAmerica is an alliance of coastal governments and organizations. 

Martin, of Niles, and the three other members of Chicago/Shedd Aquarium delegation will join 23 student delegations from aquariums across the country. They will present ocean action plans, meet with Congressional leaders and learn about the legislative process, according to a Shedd spokesman. They worked with Shedd's learning department to develop the action plan.

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On Sunday, the students will visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore for workshops and a behind the scenes tour. 

When they return, Martin and the other students will use feedback they're expected to receive from the environmental policy and scientific communities to implement "Shedd Start: A Career Experience" at Shedd Aquarium. 

Here is the description: 

Shedd’s Action Plan description (Shedd Start): 

Establish a program for high school students to connect with aquatic-based careers through Shedd Aquarium. High school students may have barriers accessing opportunities to investigate aquatic careers and professionals, especially field researchers, aquarists/trainers and animal health staff.  Many teens in the area may identify Shedd Aquarium as a resource for studying aquatic careers. The pilot program will allow for personal, in-depth contact with Shedd staff, and could be used for upcoming career programs. 

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