On February 5, high-school academic teams from across the state of Florida assembled at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science and the adjoining Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg for the Roseate Spoonbill Bowl. The Spoonbill Bowl is a regional-level competition by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership's National Ocean Sciences Bowl. The National Ocean Sciences Bowl strives to enrich science teaching and learning, increase knowledge of the oceans, and enhance public understanding and stewardship of the oceans.

Al Hine, Associate Dean and Professor of Geological Oceanography at the USF College of Marine Science, kicked off the event with a keynote address. He discussed the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the pivotal role that USF and the St. Petersburg science community played in that national disaster.

Following the keynote address, 16 high-school teams of four students each were tested on their scientific knowledge through quick-answer buzzer questions and team-challenge questions focusing on the scientific and technical disciplines used in studying the oceans. USGS participants included Heather Schreppel and Theresa Burress, who served as scorekeepers, and Kara Doran, who participated as a moderator. Eastside High School Team A from Gainesville won first place and advanced to the finals in Galveston, Texas, for a chance to win an exciting and informational trip providing hands-on field and laboratory experience in the marine sciences. This year's runners-up were Seminole High School (Seminole, Fla.) in second place and Barron Collier High School (Naples, Fla.) in third place.

The USGS, which participates in this event annually, supplied take-home bags filled with educational materials for the participating teams and their coaches. USGS participants agree that this event continues to be an exciting way to broaden students' and teachers' awareness of the latest scientific research on the oceans and the critical impact of the oceans on global climate, weather, and economies.