Program Description
The research agenda at the SFS Center for Coastal Studies is designed to address the broad question of how to promote sustainable development in Bahía Magdalena through biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Students assess conditions of critical habitats in the bay, such as mangroves and sea grass beds; determine the conservation status of economically important marine resources, such as sea turtles, gray whales, and shellfish; and strive to understand the social, cultural and economic conditions for sustainable development. Students are involved in developing management plans for habitats, species and community development.

Our unique location on the Pacific coast allows students in the spring semester to work directly on gray whale conservation research, while intensive research is carried out on sea turtles in the fall and summer. Sea turtles have economic, cultural and ecological importance in the region. Despite strong regulations against their exploitation, green turtles are still frequently poached for their meat and are tangled in fishing lines and nets. A complex interaction of community social and cultural factors, lack of protected area sanctuaries and enforcement of existing regulations, and economic hardship in local communities has lead to the continued exploitation and the rapid decline of sea turtle populations throughout Mexico. Students gather data on the condition of the habitats of the Bay that are critical to the turtles' lifecycle, monitor the demographic and behavioral characteristics of turtle populations, and gain more insight into the role of the turtle in the social, cultural, and economic lifestyle of the local community. Student research, in partnership with the local community and conservation groups and governmental agencies, is contributing to the development of a conservation and management plan for sea turtles.

Socioeconomic research is conducted year-round on conservation and development issues in this small fishing village. Findings over the past several years indicate a lack of social capital in the fishing community in Puerto San Carlos. Students are tasked with helping to find new and more efficient ways for economic development in the town while maintaining the cultural and environmental integrity of the region. Students will determine the economic make-up and development capacity of the population in Puerto San Carlos, examine the local plans for development, and develop economic development strategies with local stakeholders.

SFS students learn professional field research skills as they interview fishermen, explore changes in fishing technology, and collect and analyze catch data as part of our efforts to help regulators and harvesters develop more sustainable management strategies for the fisheries of Bahía Magdalena.

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Program Details

Credits	16 environmental studies credits
Dates	Spring 2009: Feb 2 – May 6 Summer Session I 2009: June 8 - July 7 Summer Session II 2009: July 13 - Aug 11 Fall 2009: Sept 7 - Dec 10 Spring 2010: Feb 1 - May 6 Summer Session I 2010: June 7 - July 6 Summer Session II 2010: July 12 - Aug 10 Fall 2010: Sept 6 - Dec 8 Spring 2011: Jan 31 - May 5 Summer Session I 2011: June 6 - July 5 Summer Session II 2011: July 11 - Aug 9 Fall 2011: Sept 5 - Dec 7
Location/Base	Center for Coastal Studies, Baja, Mexico. Tour the field station.
Program Fees	Fall 2009 / Spring 2010: $16,250 (includes all tuition, room, board, local travel. Fee excludes airfare).
Prerequisites	One semester of college-level ecololgy or biology; 18 years of age.
Financial Aid	Need-based scholarships and loans available. Visit our financial aid section for more information
Field Research, Lectures, & Exercises	Research expedition to Puerto Magdalena Island to learn about the fascinating culture of a small, communal fishing cooperative. Field exercises at the Bay's fishing grounds to practice and learn about fisheries such as blue crab and scallops. Field expedition to intertidal zones of Bahía Santa Maria to illustrate the incredible diversity of local marine life. Camping trips to offshore islands to explore the area's rich biodiversity, stark dunes, and pristine white beaches. Collecting GIS data for projects that in turn will help the local government, fishers, and tourism operators to design community-supported marine protected areas. Visit to three different natural protected areas in the state of Baja California Sur; day trips to various reefs, deserts, oases, and mangroves. Field research skills development: transect and patch sampling; data recording and analysis; qualitative data techniques; cost/benefit analysis; valuation methods; habitat assessment and mapping; population/stock evaluation methods; census of populations; mark and recapture techniques; diversity assessments; species identification methods (invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, marine mammals).
Sample Directed Research	Economic benefit and socioeconomic analysis of whale watching in Bahía Magdalena. Assessment of the implementation of a sea turtle protected area and monitoring turtle populations. Gray whale abundance, distribution, and behavior during breeding season in Bahía Magdalena. Regional environmental education model: marine mammals and sea turtles as a tool for involving teachers in curriculum development. Analysis of the socioeconomic effects of proposed marine protected areas on local fishers, tourism operators, and the community. Development of tourist alternatives to conserve Puerto San Carlos and its environment.
Community Focus	Helping the residents of Bahia Magdalena develop long-term natural resource conservation plans while still providing sustainable economic development is our chief concern. In addition to working with local clients and interviewing community leaders, SFS students enjoy getting involved in community volunteer projects and social activities such as: Participation in the Puerto San Carlos Gray Whale and Sea Turtle Festivals. Teaching English classes for local school children. Spanish lessons throughout the program, which help sharpen conversational and cross cultural skills. Participation in folkloric dance classes, Mexican holiday celebrations, short home stays, and hosting community events at our field station to deepen students' experience of a different culture and connection with the local community. Local sports, community meetings, conservation activities, and environmental education programs for local school children.

Language of Instruction
English

Application Deadline
Rolling admissions. Early submissions encouraged for acceptance into program of your choice.

Housing
The Center for Coastal Studies looks out over beautiful Bahía Magdalena and lies on the outskirts of the fishing community of Puerto San Carlos on the west coast of the Baja peninsula. Bahía Magdalena stretches for 124 miles along the coast with spectacular sunsets draping the mountains of the off-shore islands in orange and purple shadows. Students share four-person cabins. Additional facilities include a computer room, library, classroom, laboratory, kitchen, dining and study areas and a bath/shower house. Faculty live in cabins on site. Tour the field station.

Courses
Semester students are registered in four academic courses accredited through Boston University:

BI/EE (NS) 379 Coastal Ecology (4 credits)
EE (NS) 374 Principles of Resource Management (4 credits)
EE (SS) 303 Economic & Ethical issues in Sustainable Development (4 credits)
EE 491 or 492 Directed Research (4 credits)

See our course description page for more details.
Trying to decide which SFS marine program is right for you? See the Mexico vs. TCI comparison chart

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