Program: Marine Protected Areas: Management Techniques and Policies, EE (NS) 351

The Problem in Context
The British-governed Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. The turquoise waters surrounding TCI are abundant with marine life and are considered to be among the world's top 10 diving locations. Nearly 50 species of corals as well as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, sharks, groupers, snappers, and dolphin fish are easily spotted in the clear, warm waters just steps away from our field station. This relatively intact and healthy ecosystem supports much of the community on South Caicos Island, with fisheries providing the primary source of livelihood. However, pollution and increased extraction of precious marine resources, coupled with large-scale, unsustainable tourism and industrial development is very likely going to inflict irreparable damage to this delicate ecosystem. Depletion of key resources would have a dramatic impact on employment and social structure on South Caicos Island. Developing sustainable fishery is essential if this resource-dependent community is to survive.

Research Focus
Students explore the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) in defending biodiversity and critical habitats, enhancing stocks of queen conch and spiny lobster, and contributing effectively to the socioeconomic sustainability of the local community. Students support the work of our clients and stakeholders, who range from local fishers to members of key government agencies. Our goal is to collect data from the field in order to influence policy recommendations, MPA management plans, and community projects.

Credits	4 environmental studies credits
Dates	Session I 2010: June 7 - July 6 Session II 2010: July 12 - Aug 10 Session I 2011: June 6 - July 5 Session II 2011: July 11 - August 9
Location/Base	Center for Marine Resource Studies, South Caicos Island, British West Indies. Tour the field station.
Program Tuition and Fees	Total Cost: $4,185 Tuition: $2,820 Program Fees: $1,365 (includes all room, board, local travel. Fee excludes airfare).
Prerequisites	College Undergraduates: No academic prerequisite High School Students: 16 years of age; good academic standing; completion of at least junior year of high school
Financial Aid	Need-based scholarships, loans, and travel grants available. Visit our financial aid section for more information
Field Research, Lectures, & Exercises	The spectacular reefs and waters of South Caicos will serve as the laboratory for most of our field work. Students snorkel or SCUBA and gain valuable experience in the use of transects, techniques for population sampling, and statistical analysis. Potential research sites and trips include: East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve Bell Sound Nature Reserve and Fish Cay Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park (Shark Alley, Long Cay, Dove Cay, The Point of Admirals Aquarium), and a mangrove island Students will also meet marine resource managers, learn practical field skills, and gain insight into cultural perceptions by speaking with members of the South Caicos community.
Community Focus	Our program in South Caicos is oriented toward helping the community conserve its natural resources and develop sustainably. With our field station located within the community of South Caicos, SFS students enjoy a warm welcome into the community. There are opportunities to interview fishermen and other residents during academic projects, learn about the local culture, and participate in sporting events and community service projects.

Language of Instruction
English

Application Deadline
Rolling admissions.

Housing
The Center for Marine Resource Studies, located just steps from our crystal clear ocean laboratory, is adjacent to Cockburn Harbour, a town of about 1,100 residents. The field station sits on elevated land about 40 feet above the water and looks directly out over the sea. Within a three-mile radius are coral reefs, mangrove islands, sea grass beds, carbonate platform flats, and deep water diving. The main facility has a dining area, kitchen, classroom, library/computer room, and a veranda with spectacular ocean views. Students share living quarters in two residence wings. We are fully equipped for marine operations with access to docks, motor boats, a commercial compressor, and plenty of tanks and weights for SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Tour the field station.