Billion Oyster Project, NYC Ferry launch floating classroom for students

SCIENCE Billion Oyster Project, NYC Ferry launch floating classroom for students By Eyewitness News Monday, November 9, 2026 5:30PM Thousands of New York City public school students will soon have the chance to learn science aboard NYC ferries. WABC NEW YORK (WABC) -- Thousands of New York City public school students will soon have the chance to learn science aboard NYC ferries through a new partnership between NYC Ferry and the Billion Oyster Project . The program will turn ferry rides into "floating classrooms," allowing students to conduct hands-on experiments while learning about oyster restoration, marine ecology, water quality, and the city's working waterfront. Organizers said the initiative is designed to bring lessons beyond traditional classroom walls and expose students to careers tied to New York Harbor. "Off-peak weekday hours, our ferries will become classrooms," said Jeanny Pak, chief operating officer of NYCEDC. "On 90-minute voyages, students will learn about oyster restoration, marine ecology, climate resilience." Students will also take part in water-quality testing and learn about waterfront design and maritime industries. "They're going to do marine science, water quality testing, talking about the waterfront design, and the working harbor," said Ann Fraioli, director of education at the Billion Oyster Project. The Billion Oyster Project said its goal is to get 10,000 New York City public school students on the water each year. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Massie introduces impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 29 minutes ago Suspected homicide on MSC Seascape cruise ship in Galveston, Texas prompts FBI Houston response, agency says 2 hours ago Man dead, 4 hurt, including 2 firefighters, in Upper Manhattan apartment fire 3 hours ago Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SCIENCE NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENT NYC FERRY CONSERVATION Watch Live ON NOW Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth 29 minutes ago 'Suspected homicide' on MSC cruise ship prompts investigation: FBI 2 hours ago Man, 80, dies in fire that tore through cluttered apartment 3 hours ago Governor Mikie Sherrill names her pick for lieutenant governor 13 minutes ago 'I'm In Deep Pain': Mother of jogger murder suspect speaks out Freight train crashes into garbage truck, FedEx truck also crashes Mayor Mamdani announces upgrades to NYC's winter preparedness plan At least 19 runners hospitalized after falling ill during half marathon