Location:

Miami, United States

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Live and work on a real liveaboard research vessel in the Florida Keys. Get hands-on experience and career-focused training in marine science field research skills. Learn from real field scientists and work on real ongoing research projects. This field skills course is designed for students who are passionate about sharks and interested in pursuing undergraduate or master's field research on these amazing animals. It will include in-depth instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, including the collection of morphological measurements, as well as training in numerous fishing methods, including longlining, gillnetting, and the use of drumlines. They will be taught how to safely restrain sharks of various sizes and species, as well as techniques for minimizing shark capture stress. In addition to field days, this course includes significant classroom instruction on shark biology and ecology, field research skills and techniques, and experimental design. We will also include an optional but highly recommended workshop on communicating with the public about your research--especially important for those studying animals that are dangerously misunderstood. ?Species that may be caught include: Atlantic sharpnose, lemon, sandbar, bull, nurse, blacktip, bonnethead, tiger, hammerhead and southern stingray. Research collected as part of this course contributes to numerous ongoing research projects at Field School, Coastal Carolina University and the University of Miami on shark feeding ecology, habitat use, stress physiology and morphology.

Live and work on a real liveaboard research vessel in the Florida Keys. Get hands-on experience and career-focused training in marine science field research skills. Learn from real field scientists and work on real ongoing research projects. This field skills course is designed for students who are passionate about sharks and interested in pursuing undergraduate or master's field research on these amazing animals. It will include in-depth instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, including the collection of morphological measurements, as well as training in numerous fishing methods, including longlining, gillnetting, and the use of drumlines. Students will gain experience fishing in estuarine, inshore and offshore environments. They will be taught how to safely restrain sharks of various sizes and species, as well as techniques for minimizing shark capture stress. In addition to field days, this course includes significant classroom instruction on shark biology and ecology, field research skills and techniques, and experimental design.

Setting Description:

The South Florida setting has an unparalleled variety of ecosystems in close proximity. Students will gain experience fishing in estuarine, inshore and offshore environments. By living and working on a dedicated liveaboard research vessel, students have access to habitats and species that would otherwise be unreachable.

Cost:

Price: $2550 per person ? Includes: All field research activities, transportation once participants arrive in Miami, and all housing and food costs (except for one "dinner out" at a local restaurant).