WNC’s Team ECCO adds shrimp tank thanks to scientist Helen Dixon

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. - Oct. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- Hendersonville, NC WNC’s Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium, establishes a near-coastal shrimp tank for education and display with the direction and assistance of Ms. Helen Dixon, noted marine scientist and researcher.

On Saturday October 26^th, the Team ECCO volunteers were hard at work.  With the direction and instruction from Ms. Helen Dixon, the student volunteers begin the ground work for the eco system tanks, vital to the establishment of Western North Carolina’s first near-coastal shrimp tanks.   “Our vision, thanks to Helen, is the establishment of the tanks that will be able to breed the shrimp.  The tanks enable our students to understand the eco system and life cycle of the shrimp.  What is even more exciting is that the shrimp produced will help to sustain other key eco systems and their marine life, which feed on the shrimp”, commented Brenda Ramer, Executive Director of Team ECCO.  “For us it is a win-win.  Beyond this initial vision is the opportunity to have our students directly engage in the ongoing replanting of eco systems in Florida and other gulf states, using specimens that we will have grown here.  This is an incredible opportunity that we are humbled to be a part of now and in the future.”

“I’m excited to be a part of the program here at Team ECCO,” stated Ms. Helen Dixon.  “The vision and goals to provide a hands-on educational facility is fantastic.  Normally you would only see something like this within a coastal city, and even then it is rare.  To see this in the mountains of Western North Carolina is extraordinary and truly a pearl to be cherished by the students, educators and local communities.”

Students working with Ms. Dixon represented 8 different local schools, ranging from 3^rd grade to college level learners.  Two tanks set to grow mangrove propagules were established and will be monitored for plant growth, substrate development, and water quality.  The data collection will be supervised by college intern Kortney Clark.  Ms. Dixon is working to partner the Team ECCO endeavor with projects to re-establish mangrove communities in Fl and the South East.

Later Saturday evening, Team ECCO held a private function to honor Ms. Dixon.  The event enabled friends, patrons and the board members to show their appreciation for her efforts and support.  The evening event was sponsored by Dr. Gordon Wallace and The Building Group.  Music was provided by local musicians Sam Frame and AJ.

About Ms. Helen Dixon

Helen Dixon has contributed to fisheries and environmental management research and development. As a marine science consultant, she has oversight responsibility for designing and managing applied marine biology research projects; created technical and economic models of multi-species hatcheries; documenting base-line data of aquaculture and fisheries industry structures. Ms. Dixon is experienced in grant research and development, and design sampling and survey protocols addressing environmental impacts to marine coastal habitats.   For more information, please visit www.linkedin.com/pub/helen-dixon/b/a2/867

About Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium
Team ECCO provides the only aquarium and ocean learning lab in Western North Carolina that is open to the public. Team ECCO believes and demonstrates that learning comes through experience, and experience is the best teacher. The Team ECCO Center gives our community an opportunity for learning that enriches school based curriculums and provides family and individual enjoyment. Its mission is to promote scientific discovery through interactive learning encounters that develop understanding and respect for water based ecosystems.

This mission is designed to foster stewardship, develop leadership, and build friendship - all skills critical to team work.  These programs are a way of sharing a love of our marine environments with all those who might not otherwise have the chance to experience it.  For more information, please visithttp://www.teamecco.org/

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