Mississippi Teen Wins National Geographic Award for Restoring Gulf Waters—One Oyster at a Time

She’s young, determined, and already earning national recognition for saving her state’s coastline.

For years, Mississippi’s Gulf waters have faced relentless challenges—from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005 to the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which released over 134 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (NOAA). These events severely damaged local ecosystems, especially the oyster reefs that once thrived along the coast. But one ninth grader is working to bring them back—one oyster at a time (PBS).

Meet Demi Johnson, a teenage marine enthusiast whose science project blossomed into an environmental mission. At just 14, Demi has been recognized by the National Geographic Society for her hands-on oyster restoration project, which has already produced over 1,000 oysters—each capable of spawning millions more in the years to come (National Geographic Education).

“It started as something small, but it turned into something that really matters,” Demi told PBS NewsHour. “I realized oysters do so much more than people think—they’re not just food; they’re life for the ocean.”

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From Girl Scout Project to Coastal Movement

The project began as part of Demi’s Girl Scout Silver Award, a distinction requiring participants to complete a community-based project.

“My troop leader mentioned oyster gardening, and I thought, ‘That sounds interesting,’” Demi recalled. “She said I could use her pier, and I thought it’d be something simple—but it turned out to be something that changed how I see the world.”

Oyster gardening involves placing young oysters—called spat—into cages and suspending them under docks or piers, where they grow and filter the water naturally. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, improving water clarity and providing critical habitats for fish, crabs, and shrimp (The Guardian).

“The coolest thing I’ve learned is that oysters serve as filters in the water,” Demi said. “They also become homes to more than 300 species of marine life. That’s amazing.”

Each week, Demi checks her oyster cages, shaking them gently to remove mud and predators. “It’s not hard work,” she said. “It just takes consistency and care.” When the oysters mature, she transfers them to restoration reefs—where they’ll create new habitats and strengthen the Gulf ecosystem.

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Mentorship and Recognition

Demi’s dedication soon caught the attention of Dr. LaDon Swann, a researcher from Auburn University’s Marine Extension and Research Center, who became her mentor. Together, they’ve monitored oyster growth rates and discussed how citizen-led projects like hers can complement state-led restoration programs (AL.com).

“When I started, I didn’t realize oysters could be used for restoration,” Demi said. “Now, I’ve learned so much about how they protect the coastline and why it’s important to rebuild their populations.”

Her passion and leadership earned her a National Geographic Young Explorer Award, which recognizes young people using science and storytelling to drive change. Past winners have gone on to become environmental policy leaders and marine biologists (National Geographic).

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A Bigger Vision for the Future

This oyster season, Demi plans to expand her project from five cages to nine, aiming to double her impact. Beyond oyster gardening, she’s already thinking ahead to a future in environmental advocacy.

“I want to study environmental law at the University of Michigan,” she said. “My dream is to represent environmental groups and help protect ecosystems like the Gulf.”

Her story comes at a time when youth involvement in climate and conservation work is rising globally. From Greta Thunberg’s climate strikes to local restoration programs led by teens across the U.S., young people like Demi are leading change at both grassroots and global levels (CNN).

According to National Geographic Society President Jill Tiefenthaler, young innovators like Demi “remind us that real change often starts small — with curiosity, courage, and commitment to the planet” (National Geographic Press).

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Restoring Hope, One Oyster at a Time

Mississippi’s oyster reefs, once among the richest in the country, are slowly beginning to rebound thanks to community-driven efforts. Experts at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources say restoration projects like Demi’s are essential for rebuilding both marine life and coastal resilience against future storms (The Clarion-Ledger).

“It’s inspiring to see young people taking initiative,” said Dr. Swann. “Demi’s work shows that science and community engagement go hand-in-hand.”

For Demi, it’s about more than science—it’s about leaving a legacy.

“I just hope my work helps someone else realize they can make a difference too,” she said. “Even something as small as one oyster can help heal the ocean.”

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Demi Johnson’s journey from Girl Scout to Gulf Coast restorer is proof that age is no barrier to impact. With her dedication and heart for the planet, she’s not only rebuilding reefs—but also helping restore hope for the next generation of ocean defenders.