 | Program Description
While most local residents are economically dependent on Bahía Magdalena’s marine resources, little research has been done on this ecosystem and sustainable resource use. There is consensus among researchers and U.S. and Mexican governments that protection of this unique ecosystem is vital, yet it suffers from industrial pollution, inadequate law enforcement, and lack of effective management of fisheries and tourism. Our research is focused on promoting sustainable development and use of resources in Bahía Magdalena through biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Students gather information to develop management plans for habitats, species, artisanal fisheries, and community development. Our unique location on the Pacific coast allows students in the spring semester to work directly on gray whale conservation, while intensive research is carried out on sea turtles all year long. 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 many become tangled in fishing lines and nets. A complex interaction of social and cultural factors, lack of protected status and sanctuaries, inadequate 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 Bay habitats 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, conservation groups and governmental agencies, is contributing to the development of a conservation and management plan for sea turtles.Learn MoreTrying to decide which SFS marine program is right for you? See the Mexico vs. TCI comparison chart Program Details | Credits | 16 environmental studies credits
2 in Spanish language and culture | Dates | 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 9
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 | 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 | Magdalena Island: learn about the fascinating culture of a small, communal fishing cooperative, as well as to gather information on sea turtle mortality rates. Intertidal zones of Bahía Santa Maria to illustrate the incredible diversity of local marine life. Camping trips to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, stark dunes, and pristine white beaches, day trips to various reefs, deserts, oases, and mangroves. Collecting GIS data for projects that in turn will help the local government and community to design community-supported marine protected areas. Visits to three different natural protected areas in the state of Baja California Sur to compare and contrast management approaches and economic opportunities. - Mangrove restoration.
Field research skills: population sampling, research design, data collection, statistics, habitat assessment and mapping, stock evaluation methods, photographic ID of whales, diversity assessments, species identification, environmental ethics exercises. Development of qualitative research skills through primary and secondary research that includes: observations, interviews, discussions, analysis of trace evidence, and questionnaires.
With our new fleet of sea kayaks, students will explore Magdalena Bay, gaining access to microhabitats, including sea grass beds and mangrove forests. Kayaks provide a more sustainable way to study coastal and marine environments. All students will receive paddling techniques, rescue, and navigation instruction.
| 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.
- Creation of the diagnosis of the current status of the artisanal main fisheries in San Carlos.
| Community Focus
| Participation in the Puerto San Carlos Gray Whale and Sea Turtle Festivals. Teaching English classes and environmental education for local school children.
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. Participate on the project “Cuidando Puerto San Carlos” that involves environmental education and the first recycling program in town.
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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)
LS 206E Language, Culture, and Society of Baja California Sur (2 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 Apply Now
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