(Galveston, Texas) – On February 28, students from Seven Lakes High School in Katy won the Dolphin Challenge, a regional ocean science academic competition that is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). The Dolphin Challenge, which was hosted by Texas Sea Grant at Texas A&M University - Galveston, is part of a nationwide competition that tests students’ knowledge of ocean science disciplines through buzzer-style, multiple-choice questions and open-ended team challenge questions. Eight teams from Texas and Arkansas participated. Students on the championship team include Malachi Dawson, Aryan Addapa, Anchee Fang, and Mia Han. They are coached by Mila Taylor.

The NOSB builds the next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental stewards, and informed community members by educating them in ocean science topics that are increasingly relevant today and into the future. The NOSB is an academic competition of the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL), a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Program.

Brandi Keller, Texas Regional NOSB Coordinator and Galveston County Coastal & Marine Resources Agent for Texas Sea Grant and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, said, “The students were exceptionally well prepared for the competition and demonstrated not only strong content knowledge, but also teamwork, critical thinking, and an obvious interest in ocean science. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and dedication on display throughout the event.”

The competition was made possible by many partners and volunteers. Texas A&M University Galveston Campus Sea Camp hosted a pre-event pizza party on Friday night, featuring Taylor Galaviz from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and an exciting shark dissection by current college students. In addition, each participating student went home with a swag bag of coastal goodies.”

The 2026 NOSB regional competitions are made possible through the following major sponsors: Schmidt Ocean Institute, Marine Technology Society, and the National Marine Educators Association

About National Ocean Sciences Bowl The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a program of the Center for Ocean Leadership. Now in its 28th year, the NOSB seeks to interest students in pursuing a college degree and a future career in the ocean sciences. Through this educational forum, the NOSB strives to encourage and support the next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental stewards, and informed citizens to consider and appreciate the ocean. Most high school students do not have the opportunity to study ocean science as part of their formal coursework, which makes the NOSB one of the only ways students gain exposure to this field. Many past NOSB participants

have moved on to pursue college degrees and careers in ocean science and related fields, helping to solve the growing environmental, economic and security issues facing our ocean and planet.