Program Description
In addition to our year-round research on the management of critically important fisheries and water quality issues in Bahía Magdalena, our unique location allows students to concentrate on very different but equally fascinating species each semester. Students in the fall and summer programs research conservation strategies to protect several marine turtle populations reduced to near-extinction. Despite strong regulations against their exploitation, green turtles are still frequently poached for their meat and are caught as by-catch by fishers. A complex interaction of community social and cultural factors, lack of enough protected area sanctuaries, lack of 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.  

In Bahía Magdalena, which is a key nursery and feeding ground for the green turtle, there is no comprehensive recovery or protection plan for sea turtles. Students gather data to help understand the condition of the various 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. 

Spring semester students, while continuing our research on turtle conservation, also focus on applied ecology of the gray whale and a socioeconomic analysis of whale watching activities. Since commercial whaling was banned in 1946, the gray whale population is thought to have recovered to around 24,000. Only four calving and mating grounds for this species are known to exist and Bahía Magdalena is the only one not currently protected. The recovered population now drives a growing whale watching industry, which creates new problems that require field research to understand and resolve them. 

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Trying to decide which SFS marine program is right for you? See the Mexico vs. TCI comparison chart

Program Details

Credits	16 environmental studies credits
Dates	Spring 2008: Feb 4 - May 8 Fall 2008: Sept 9 - Dec 12 Spring 2009: Feb 2 – May 6
Location/Base	Center for Coastal Studies, Baja, Mexico. Tour the field station.
Program Fees	Fall 2008 / Spring 2009: $15,625 (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: GIS; transect and patch sampling; data recording and analysis; qualitative data techniques; cost/benefit analysis; valuation methods; habitat assessment and mapping; species id; water sampling methods; population/stock evaluation methods; census of populations; mark and recapture techniques; diversity assessments; basic 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 serviced by our artificial wetland waste water treatment system. 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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