Reservist

ISS2 2015

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/498190

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 10 of 55

Smithsonian Institute Scientists and Coast Guard Reservists Study Invasive Species in Ballast Water Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our global ecosystems representing the second leading cause of species extinction. Invasive species reduce biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide and cause severe economic losses by altering commercial and recreational use of aquatic environments. Scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center are actively researching the characteristics and longevity of potential invasive aquatic organisms in ballast water. This research will provide a greater understanding of ballast water management in an effort to reduce the likelihood of introducing invasive aquatic organisms into U.S. waters through ballast water discharges. Coast Guard Reserve personnel at Marine Safety Unit Texas City facilitated the ballast water research by escorting several Smithsonian scientists onboard numerous vessels in the Houston/Galveston area. The reservists used their shipboard safety knowledge to ensure that scientists were given access to ballast tanks, were supplied with proper personal protective equipment, and transited on and off the vessels in a safe manner. The dedication shown by the reservists at Marine Safety Unit Texas City allowed for the scientists to meet internally set goals by the Smithsonian Institute and furthered their current understanding of invasive species dissemination due to ballast water discharges. — Submitted by MST3 Andrew Benson, Marine Safety Unit Texas City, Prevention Team 7th District Reservist Mixes Work, International Travel and Volunteerism In mid-November of last year, Lt.j.g. Tommy Brabson, whose day job is an International Coordinator/Senior Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as well as being a reservist assigned to the 7th Coast Guard District Intel Staff, traveled to the International Law Enforcement Academy in Gaborone, Botswana, Africa. While in Africa, Brabson instructed 42 Senior Law Enforcement Officials representing Botswana, Benin, Burundi, Gabon, Cameroon, Togo, and Congo on advanced interviewing and interrogation methods. The interviewing training was part of a 6 week Law Enforcement Leadership Development program covering multiple aspects of law enforcement curriculum. While engaging in this international partnership, Brabson volunteered and assisted feeding orphans in the local community of Old Naledi. The orphans, who ranged in age from 3 to 17, sang traditional African songs for the volunteers. Although many of the children were homeless or suffering from a range of diseases, they were pleasantly cheerful and appreciative of the food they received. The food is provided by the local church for the children each week. Lt.j.g. Tommy Brabson, center, volunteered and assisted feeding orphans in the local community of Old Naledi in Botswana, Africa. MST3 Andrew Benson (top of gangway) escorts dr. Jenny Carney and Ms. danielle Verna following one of their many vessel ballast water discharge inspections. Photo by dr. Kimberly Holzer Issue 2 • 2015 � RESERVIST 9

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Reservist - ISS2 2015