Blue Hatchling Youth Finalists
(Listed alphabetically)
Bianca Bernhard
Narrative:
Bianca, a senior at South Fork HS, founded and incorporated Martin Oyster Restoration Initiative, Inc., (MORI) which is a nonprofit based out of South Fork High School that aims to improve water quality in the St. Lucie estuary through oyster restoration. At South Fork, there is a volunteer base of over 60 students and teachers who transport, dry, and restore oysters from local restaurants that has amassed to about 1,600 pounds of shell. Students participating in MORI earn honor credits in the Marine Sciences program. In May, MORI received the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program's Small Grants Kit, ranked #1 of all proposals. MORI is currently collaborating with Docks For a Clean Lagoon, a nonprofit that installs vertical oyster gardens on Indian River Drive. The volunteers at South Fork HS had their cured shells used during the creations of the VOG's that will go into the Indian River Lagoon.
Bianca and the students are also working to create other structures that can be used in restoration projects. In the 2026-2027 school year, she is aiming to expand MORI to three other local schools, and looks forward to conducting research at the Florida Oceanographic Society on oyster restoration.
South Fork High School Junior Bianca Bernhard Wins First Place at Youth Driven Cinema Film Festival | South Fork High School. More info here >
Cash Daniels
Narrative:
Through direct conservation action, education, public outreach, authorship, and hands-on marine research experiences, Cash has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and inspiring others to care for the ocean and its wildlife.
Cash’s conservation work has already produced remarkable measurable results. He has personally helped recover and recycle more than 10,000 miles of discarded fishing line from waterways, preventing harmful entanglement and injury to fish, turtles, birds, sharks, and other marine animals. This fishing line is collected through placing monofilament recycling bins which Cash funds and maintains through is non-profit, Wild Earth Defenders.
Cash has placed over 160 bins across 7 states and growing.
In addition, he has helped remove more than 50,000 pounds of trash from rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal environments.
These efforts directly improve water quality, protect aquatic habitats, and reduce threats to marine and freshwater wildlife caused by pollution and debris.
A major focus of Cash’s advocacy is shark conservation and marine ecosystem education. As an avid SCUBA diver, he has spent time researching and observing sharks in their natural habitats in locations including Bahamas, Florida, and Hawaii. These experiences have deepened his understanding of marine ecosystems and strengthened his commitment to educating others about the critical role sharks play in maintaining healthy oceans. Through speaking engagements, interviews, educational outreach, and conservation advocacy, Cash works to replace fear and misconceptions about sharks with scientific understanding, respect, and appreciation.
Cash has also used writing and storytelling to inspire the next generation of conservationists. He is the author of three books focused on nature, wildlife, and conservation education, including Shark Defender, a chapter book that encourages young readers to understand and protect sharks; a young children’s picture book, One Small Piece, that introduces conservation concepts to early readers; and a kids’ nature journal designed to help children explore and connect with the natural world. Through these books, Cash has reached young audiences with positive messages about environmental stewardship, marine life protection, and outdoor exploration.
The impact of Cash’s efforts extends far beyond direct conservation work. His outreach and advocacy have inspired thousands of children and families to become more environmentally conscious and involved in conservation efforts within their own communities. By combining hands-on action with education, public engagement, and youth leadership, Cash has become a powerful voice for marine conservation at a young age. Cash has spoken to over 20,000 young people at conferences, summits, and school events,
Among Cash’s outstanding contributions to marine conservation are:
-Recovering and recycling more than 10,000 miles of discarded fishing line from waterways.
-Helping remove over 50,000 pounds of trash from aquatic environments.
-Advocating for shark conservation and marine ecosystem protection.
-Conducting firsthand observation through SCUBA diving in the Bahamas, Florida, and Hawaii.
-Educating youth and communities about marine life and environmental stewardship.
-Authoring three conservation-focused books for children and young readers.
-Inspiring young people to become active participants in protecting oceans, waterways, and wildlife.
Cash Daniels represents the next generation of conservation leadership. His dedication, measurable impact, and ability to inspire others through action, education, and storytelling make him exceptionally deserving of recognition for his contributions to marine conservation and environmental advocacy.
Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera
Narrative:
At just 14 years old, Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera embodies the leadership, innovation, and environmental commitment celebrated by the Go Blue Hatchling Youth Award. As the founder of “De a Pokito por Puerto Rico” (Little by Little for Puerto Rico), Ana Lucía has transformed her passion for protecting the environment into a powerful movement that directly advances ocean health and inspires the next generation of conservation leaders.
Motivated by her belief that “a healthy environment equals a healthy society,” Ana Lucía began her work at age 11 after witnessing the harmful effects of pollution and poor waste management on Puerto Rico’s ecosystems. Determined to act, she launched an initiative focused on reducing waste at its source by promoting recycling, reuse, and conscious consumption to prevent debris from reaching beaches and marine habitats.
Her impact is measurable and far-reaching. Through workshops, environmental fairs, beach cleanups, and a strong media presence across television, radio, and
print, she has reached more than 100,000 people. Her work not only removes waste from coastal environments but also addresses the root causes of marine pollution by changing behaviors and increasing environmental awareness.
A defining element of her leadership is her integration of science, technology, art, and education. She created BrainyHacks PR, a one-day hackathon for youth ages 12 to 16 that empowers participants to develop solutions to challenges such as marine debris, composting, and climate change. Using tools like MIT App Inventor and satellite data, participants connect local issues to global ocean health, cultivating a generation of young innovators.
Ana Lucía is also a dedicated advocate for environmental justice and policy change. She promotes the right to a clean environment for all and has contributed to legislative efforts in Puerto Rico, including promoting reusable containers and drafting a proposal to prohibit outdoor balloon releases, actions that reduce threats to marine life, including sea turtles.
She serves as a NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador, an ambassador for the Society of Women Coders, and was the 2024 Scientific and Environmental Ambassador for the EcoExploratorio. In 2025, she published her first children’s book, “A Better Planet for Sarah.” Despite her young age, Ana Lucía has built a strong network of mentors and supporters while inspiring peers to take action.
Looking ahead, Ana Lucía plans to grow her programs and continue advocating for policies that protect marine and coastal ecosystems. She envisions a future where environmental awareness eliminates the need for beach cleanups. Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera is an exceptional young changemaker whose measurable impact and dedication make her a truly deserving candidate for the Go Blue Hatchling Youth Award.
Learn more:
https://www.instagram.com/deapokitoporpuertorico
https://artbyrobert.my.canva.site/deapokitoporpuertorico