Volunteer Spotlight: Aley Onderko

At the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, we depend on our dedicated volunteers to help us create a fun and meaningful learning experience for visitors. Meet Aley Onderko, who shares the beauty of the bay at the touch tank and on our eco vessel every week. She also volunteers with a variety of restoration and outreach projects through Tampa Bay Headquarters in Tierra Verde, FL. Be sure to say hello the next time you see her on the Pier.

Will you tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Tampa Bay?

I grew up in Venezuela and my dad loved the sea. We went boating almost every weekend in the Caribbean Sea, being able to experience the beautiful and rich marine life. Most of my adulthood has been in Tierra Verde, loving our island and it’s offerings! Sadly I lost my husband last year who’s an ocean lover himself. He loved dolphins! Fort De Soto is a gem and my admiration for Tampa Bay Watch grows bigger as I get to volunteer for them.

How long have you been a volunteer at Tampa Bay Watch? Which programs do you help with?

I have been at the Discovery Center since March 2021, mainly at the touch tank introducing numerous species to our visitors like our burrfish, named Petunia, the hermit crabs, spiny sea stars, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and many more. I also assist on the eco vessel on Sundays with data documentation and introducing the species we catch to our visitors.

Best memory from your time as a volunteer?

The children’s expressions when I pull a horseshoe crab out of the tank. Some are amazed, some are scared!

What is your favorite way to enjoy the bay?

My fave way to enjoy our bay is by kayaking around Fort De Soto and Shell Island and watching our amazing sunsets.

What is something everyone should know about Tampa Bay?

Everyone should know that we are blessed to have an entity like Tampa Bay Watch that specializes in educating people about keeping our waters clean by creating numerous programs for education and restoration of our bay!

If you could see any local animal on an eco vessel trip, what would it be?

The animals I enjoy seeing while on an eco vessel trip are dolphins and of course manatees!

Thank you, Aley!