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Program Description
Our Center is working with the TCI government's Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the National Park Service to develop management strategies that shield the TCI from the fate that has befallen other nearby areas in the Caribbean. Student field research is helping to provide the local government, community, and tourism developers with advice that will help sustain the economic, societal, and ecological stability of South Caicos and its island community.
With so many local residents dependent upon marine resources for their livelihood, along with increasing resource consumption by tourists, finding viable options for managing fisheries and conserving critical habitats, including coral reefs, is crucial. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving in waters surrounding South Caicos, students learn professional field research techniques to identify a wide range of marine organisms and habitats, and learn about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems. Students grapple with the challenges of balancing the economic needs of the fishing community with fisheries management and analyze the costs and benefits of potential new fisheries. Assessing the pros and cons of resource management and habitat conservation options, and the social and economic implications of these options, brings students face-to-face with the real-life dilemmas faced by the governmental regulators and the residents of South Caicos.
TCI has an extensive network of 33 Protected Areas, but little is known about their functioning and effectiveness. With the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park and Bell Sound Nature Reserve on their doorstep, students are able to evaluate the concept of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a resource management tool. Students help monitor the condition of the spectacular coral reefs, both inside and outside the MPAs, using scientifically rigorous monitoring techniques. Based on their field observations, students assess the status of endangered important Nassau Grouper and identify essential habitats; assess the status and level of local fishing efforts; effects of diver tourism and habitat destruction; marine species interactions; the impact of coral diseases; feasibility of recycling programs; and many other issues related to marine natural resource harvesting, conservation, and monitoring. Recent research indicates that conch and lobster nursery areas in dense sea grass beds need urgent protection in order to sustain these economically important resources. SFS students research the distribution and role of the sea grass habitats in the coastal environment of South Caicos. With the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park at their doorstep, students are able to evaluate the concept of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a resource management tool. Students help monitor the condition of the spectacular coral reefs, both inside and outside the MPAs, using scientifically rigorous monitoring techniques. Based on their field observations, students assess the validity of indicator species for reef health, the effects of diver tourism and habitat destruction, marine species interactions, the impact of coral diseases, and many other issues related to marine natural resource harvesting, conservation, and monitoring.
Learn More
Trying to decide which SFS marine program is right for you? See the Mexico vs. TCI comparison chart
Program Details
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Credits
Dates |
16 environmental studies credits |
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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
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| Location/Base |
Center for Marine Resource Management Studies, South Caicos, the Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies. Tour the field station. |
Program Fees
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Fall 2009 / Spring 2010: $16,250 (includes all tuition, room, board, local travel. Fee excludes airfare). |
| Prerequisites |
One semester of college-level ecology or biology; 18 years of age. |
Financial Aid
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Need-based scholarships and loans available. Visit our financial aid section for more information. |
| Field Research, Lectures, & Exercises |
- SCUBA or snorkeling for field research and species identification exercises.
- Visual assessment of queen conch and coral reef fish populations.
- Fish, coral, sea grass, and mangrove identification.
- Zoning for multiple uses in marine protected areas.
- Ecosystem functioning and anthropogenic impacts.
- Habitat enhancement and restoration.
- Lecture from DECR on the TCI government fisheries regulations and enforcement.
- Lecture and site tour from local tourism developer on plans for constructing a resort.
- Field research skills development may include: transects, quadrats, behavioral observations; survey design and interviewing techniques; environmental impact assessment; MPA assessment; data recording, analysis and statistics; scientific writing and oral presentation; peer evaluation and review; snorkel and SCUBA skills; GIS; cost/benefit analysis; valuation methods; habitat assessment and mapping; species id; habitat enhancement and restoration; construction of reefball technology; water sampling methods; census of populations; mark and recapture techniques; reef monitoring.
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| Sample Directed Research |
- Population size assessment of potentially commercial finfish species around South Caicos.
- Finfish dock landing.
- Water quality monitoring and coral reef ecology, including growth, survival and recruitment.
- Baseline biodiversity surveys in critical habitats.
- Interactions between mangrove and sea grass faunal communities.
- Ecology of Nassau grouper.
- Local perceptions of tourism and fishing industries.
- Feasibility studies for recycling programs on South Caicos and the TCI.
- Habitat enhancement and restoration.
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| Community Focus |
Our program in the TCI is dedicated to helping the community conserve its natural resources and develop sustainably. Students quickly become involved with the community, spending time with local residents, fishers, and resource managers learning about the local Caribbean culture and the challenges they face. Some community activities may include:
- Reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library and grade school.
- Teaching English to Haitians and Dominicans to help their integration into the community
- Providing swimming lessons for local children.
- Creating public service announcement films and beach cleanups to raise environmental awareness
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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 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.
SCUBA Diving
It is not necessary to use SCUBA to participate in our program—many students choose to snorkel instead. However, if you intend to use SCUBA you must be certified before arrival. Divers and snorkelers must bring their own SCUBA and snorkeling equipment. Weights and tanks are provided on-site at no cost.
Click here to download important dive forms.
Courses
Semester students are registered in four academic courses accredited through Boston University:
BI/EE (NS) 373 Tropical Marine Ecology (4 credits)
EE (NS) 374 Principles of Resource Management (4 credits)
EE (SS) 302 Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values (4 credits)
EE 491 or 492 Directed Research (4 credits)
See our course description page for more details.
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