Anthony Lettera
Summary
Marine researcher with passions for both sustainability and conservation. Experience working in the field and providing detailed write-ups of data collected. Possesses the ability to work independently or collaboratively in an effective manner with excellent communication skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IFS observer
East West Technical Services
07.2022 - Current
- 302 days at sea as of 12/05/24
- Awarded NOAA observer of the month for July 2024
- Work onboard commercial scallop fishing vessels to perform NOAA standard data collection.
- Regularly communicates, interacts, and builds working relationships with commercial fishermen.
- On board duties includes recording detailed haul-by-haul logistical information (begin/end coordinates and time, depth, wire use, and environmental conditions), catch composition with corresponding weights, recording any protected species sightings or interactions, and biological sampling when necessary as well as trip information including details about the gear and taking measurements of it, and operational information from the trip.
- Biological sampling includes: measuring scallop shell heights, appropriate fish lengths that vary by species, otolith sampling, and occasionally retaining whole specimen.
- Regular utilization of the ability and knowledge to identify marine fish and invertebrates that come up on board is critical for accurate catch composition assessments.
- Thorough maintenance of gear and equipment that is used while at sea.
- All work is self-regulated with the quality of work being verified by data debriefers and computer audits at NOAA's Tech Park facility.
Outdoor Educator
ENWS - Earth Native Wilderness School
05.2021 - 02.2022
- Facilitated students fostering their own personal connections to nature while also teaching a variety of hands-on, immersive primitive wilderness skills.
- Taught skills included fire theory and different fire starting methods, tracking/trailing/trapping, navigation, edible and medicinal plant identification/use along with sustainable harvesting practices, knife skills, primitive tool creation and use, and general nature awareness.
High School Teacher
Austin CAN Academy
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Created and executed engaging lessons plans for teaching human anatomy and physiology.
- Lead classes revolving around developing problem solving and critical thinking skills that could demonstrate how soft skills learned in school could be applicable to everyday life.
Environmental Educator
CELP - Catalina Environmental Leadership Program
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Promoted being stewards of the environment while teaching hands-on classes in a unique environment that allowed for exploration of both land and sea.
- Taught curriculum focused around ecosystems found on land on the island, at sea surrounding the island, and the ecotones in between, island biogeography, sustainable living practices, and conservation efforts.
- Lead hikes, kayaks, and snorkels on/around Catalina Island.
- Maintained a garden that is home to primarily native and endemic species. As well as maintaining 2 large compost trenches that saw ~20,000 pounds of food waste cycle through them per year.
- Assisted in invasive species removal in conjunction with the Catalina Island Conservancy.
- Had certifications in high ropes course operating and rescue,and lakefront lifeguarding.
Marine Educator
Beach Camp at Sunset Bay
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Developed and lead marine science focused programs and with an emphasis on the ecology of the rocky inter-tidal zone of PNW.
- Collaborated in writing up program plans for low-tide ecological walks, microscope labs, and the bioluminescence presentation to coincide with night snorkels.
- Lead ecotours on zodiac boats and taught sailing classes for 420 sailboats.
Research assistant
Mote Marine Lab
04.2019
- Worked underneath Jack Morris (Senior Biologist, More Marine Lab) as part of his monitoring and mapping efforts of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Assisted with prepping and setting out long lines and drum lines, identifying sharks, taking measurements and biological samples of caught individuals, and tagging sharks.
- Tagging was primarily done with spaghetti tags aside from 1 acoustic tag that was placed on the individual great hammerhead that was caught while I was onboard.
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Marine Science
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL05-2019
Skills
- Performs quality independent work
- Works well collaboratively
- Identification of Atlantic marine fish and invertebrates
- Able to maintain composure and problem solve in stressful environments
- Experienced living on a boat for multiple days/weeks in a row
Certification
Open Water Dive Certification IANTD February 2019
Marine Safety 1 Fathom Resources LLC July 2022
Marine Safety 2 NOAA March 2024
Research
Stony Coral Distribution and Assessment of the Andros Island Fringing Reef System August 2018 - May 2019
- Performed a modified AGRRA (Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment) procedure in effort to provide an updated deep water reef assessment of the Andros Island fringing reef system.
- Collaborated in designing and executing procedures for the field collection of data and the post-collection analyzation of film.
- Underwater transects were laid and recorded in the field then later analyzed to identify stony coral species, size of corals, abundance of species, and notable abnormalities and disease.
- Results showed positive signs of both biodiversity (calculated using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index) and evenness (calculated using a Pierlou index) that were nearly identical to a separate study done at Iguana Cay, Exumas, Bahamas.
- The study was presented at the 2019 Fiat Lux research competition at Florida Southern College.
Timeline
IFS observer
East West Technical Services
07.2022 - Current
Outdoor Educator
ENWS - Earth Native Wilderness School
05.2021 - 02.2022
High School Teacher
Austin CAN Academy
08.2020 - 06.2021
Environmental Educator
CELP - Catalina Environmental Leadership Program
08.2019 - 06.2020
Research assistant
Mote Marine Lab
04.2019
Marine Educator
Beach Camp at Sunset Bay
06.2018 - 08.2018
Open Water Dive Certification IANTD February 2019
Marine Safety 1 Fathom Resources LLC July 2022
Marine Safety 2 NOAA March 2024
Bachelor Of Science - Marine Science
Florida Southern College
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