top of page
DSC03331.jpg

Our Story

Turning Interest Into Action

IMG_3552.JPEG

In 2007, Lucas and Nicholas Metropulos noticed a troubling issue in their community - food insecurity. But instead of sitting back, they took action. Their innovative idea of collecting surplus fish from fishing events and donating it to local soup kitchens not only helped fight food insecurity but also educated the youth on responsible fishing practices and ocean conservation.

 

Fast forward to 2020, and a new challenge arose with the pandemic making the food insecurity situation even worse. But the younger brother, Nick, didn't let that stop him. He developed a new plan that gave birth to the Marine Education Initiative. This initiative educates the community on ocean conservation through aquaponics and sustainable farming, creating a self-reliant local food system.

 

Despite shifting their focus, the brothers remained committed to their original mission of Conservation through Education. They transformed from simply collecting surplus fish to empowering the younger generation with knowledge and tools. This shift demonstrated their dedication to community well-being and environmental preservation.

 

The Marine Education Initiative shows us the power of adaptability, compassion, and education. By cultivating sustainable ecosystems, they are creating a brighter and greener future for all. Their mission remains the anchor of their journey, and they will continue to uphold it with unwavering dedication.

What is aquaponics?

image.png

Credit RAS Aquaculture

​Aquaponics is the raising of fish and plants in a recirculating ecosystem. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. Bacteria and plants help to clean the water for the fish.

DSC03479.jpg
What is aquponics?

Staff

Staff
Nicholas Metropulos Marine Education Initiative Executive Director
LKSH Headshot.jpg
IMG_7356.jpg
DSC03272.jpg

Alyssa Dorfman

Lauren Higgins

Nicholas Metropulos

Amanda

Director of Education

Farm Manager

Executive Director

Farm Technician

  • LinkedIn Nicholas Metropulos
  • LinkedIn Lauren Higgins
  • LinkedIn Alyssa Dorfman
Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Lucas Metropulos Marine Education Initiative Founder Chairman

Lucas Metropulos

Founder & Chairman

Lucas Metropulos founded Marine Education Initiative when he was 15 years old. Lucas also founded a nonprofit in the Bahamas called Lend a Hand Bahamas that works to bring more opportunities and activities to underserved communities of the Bahamas. He is currently a fundraising professional, and graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy Studies. He also holds a Certificate in Blockchain Strategy from Oxford University. He has been the recipient of multiple national accolades including being named One of Ten Outstanding Young Americans, an Environmental Educators 30 Under 30 recipient, SeaWorld's Environmental Educator of Year, a Nantucket Project Scholar, and he received the USA Weekend Magazine National Make a Difference Day Award. Lucas is the author of Civic Engagement: How to Start, Grow, and Sustain Your Efforts.

Partners

Partners

News

Get the latest from Marine Education Initiative.

News
147208641_10157828905051512_189616323378

Aquaponics Program Launch

December 31, 2020

bahamas fishing covid covid19 donate give charity grand bahama hurricane marine education initiative
covid19 florida palm beach charity nonprofit donate marine education initiative documentary
hurricane dorian bahamas give donate relief marine education initiative
student learning conch bahamas nassau atlantis marine education initiative

Supporting Fisherfolk during COVID-19

June 17, 2020

Docuseries Featured in Palm Beach Boat Show

May 14, 2020

Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts

October 2, 2019

MEI expands its mission

December 25, 2019

national award honored charity give donate marine education initiative
charity achievement florida youth educate marine education initiative
news interview charity giving florida fish donate marine education initiative
kids snorkel florida keys dive donate charity fun summer marine education initiative

MEI honored with national award

July 29, 2019

MEI Recognized as Impactful Organization

October 27, 2018

Feeding the Hungry in South Florida

July 22, 2018

MEI Fishing for a Future

May 23, 2018

Newsletter

Read More
Newsletter
bottom of page