By Laura Sitterly
Diving into the cold waters of Maine, OceansWide staff have been enjoying exploring the seafloor and retrieving derelict fishing gear.
Zach Talmadge has spent his life wondering what lies beneath the surface.
Having spent his childhood in New Jersey and Maine, he often looked at the coast and wondered, “What’s down there?” It wasn't until he joined the non-profit decades later that he finally found an answer.
Most Mainers don’t know, but by some estimates, more than 15 million traps are scattered along the state’s shores. Since 2013, OceansWide divers have been diving into coastal waters, retrieving pots and various aquatic creatures—lobsters, crabs, and sea stars—trapped inside, which they toss back into the marine ecosystems they call “home.”
It helps to get hints on where to search. So, the team works closely with fishermen, promoting a healthier seafloor, and processing the metal collected into something new.
A twist in fate
Talmadge's road to OceansWide was full of twists and turns.
After high school, he volunteered at the Charlotte White Center in Dover-Foxcroft, where, as a certified Maine Guide, he became familiar with the beauty and harsh realities of being ill-prepared in the wilderness.
Later, at Unity Environmental University, Talmadge took an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class that pivoted his career. Today, he serves as a firefighter and paramedic for the Hampden Municipal Fire Department, dedicating his spare time to his wife, dog, and underwater exploration.
Diving is not for the faint of heart. With freezing temperatures and strong currents, the waters around Maine are considered more "hardcore" than those in the Caribbean.
But that doesn’t stop OceansWide staff.
Due to grant delays, he couldn’t assist the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation with his diving skills, as he initially hoped. Call it protection or redirection (he calls it "fate"), but after processing the disappointment, he stumbled on OceansWide, joined the team, and fit right in.
“I appreciate the energy and passion [the team] has for cleaning up the coast,” said Talmadge. “The sheer number of ghost gear is incredible. Helping the environment and working with such inspirational people keeps things exciting.”
Talmadge hopes to enhance his skills and become dry-suit certified next summer. He said he looks forward to helping OceansWide expand its reach for years to come.
From student to teacher
Promoting a healthy seafloor requires the dedication of many divers. That said, the paths taken by Oceanswide staff mirror a similar journey—one filled with scientific curiosity and fortunate coincidence.
Like Talmadge, Emily Drappeau was inspired to explore the ocean from a young age. She earned a bachelor’s in marine and environmental biology policy from the University of Rhode Island, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship.
Eager to learn about conservation efforts that use bioacoustics to restore damaged reefs, she secured a position studying the effects of anthropogenic sound sources on Southern Resident Killer whales in Seattle.
“Being a scientist is like being a dog chasing its tail,” Drappeau said jokingly. “The minute you answer one question, five more take its place. (...) I’m curious about the language of marine mammals and how we, as scientists, can promote action among stakeholders, like lobstermen.”
Driven by the belief that our oceans serve as the connective tissue that unites humanity and by recognizing our individual roles in preserving ecosystem health, Drappeau draws inspiration from those who work diligently to secure a bright future. She believes science and policy are complementary—together, they "establish the foundation for effective sustainability initiatives."
This year, Drappeau will return to school to pursue her master’s degree in marine biology. She is currently seeking programs that focus on bioacoustics, marine soundscapes, and the effects of human-made sound sources on aquatic environments.
“Getting my scuba certification felt like the perfect way to pursue my dreams,” said Drappeau. “As a ninth-grader, I lacked the funds. But OceansWide supported me – from my dive master certification to my college acceptance. This team has seen me through everything; it’s where I’ve grown from a student to a teacher, from a bystander to an activist, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.”
Talmadge and Drappeau emphasized their commitment to OceansWide's critical mission: inspiring local youth to research and conserve the Gulf of Maine through hands-on experience.
To learn more about OceansWide’s SCUBA Science Camp, SCUBA Certification, Marine Safety Training, and marine debris removal program, visit oceanswide.org/classes-programs or email buzz@oceanswide.org.
