Turks & Caicos Islands Center for Marine Resource Studies View Google map	Mexico Center for Costal Studies View Google map
Academic Overview	Academic Overview
The issue: This small, undeveloped island is fringed by the world's third largest barrier reef system, and has one of most spectacular marine habitats in the Caribbean. South Caicos is facing a burgeoning tourism industry that threatens to impact near shore marine environments and cause a shift to finfish fishing from traditional conch and lobster fishing. This is a critical time for putting in place effective management strategies, as several large developments are being constructed on the island which will affect both the economic structure and the ecosystems of this island.	The issue: Bahía Magdalena in Baja California Sur is one of the largest remaining relatively intact coastal wetland/lagoon systems along the Pacific coast, and one of the world's most important habitats for California gray whales and several species of endangered sea turtles. Contrasting with areas showing similar conditions, there are no protected areas in the bay, which faces pollution, illegal poaching, a steep rise in whale watching ecotourism, and a lack of effective fishery management.
Focus of research: Marine resource management around South Caicos; providing research data to help locals assess and mitigate impacts on those resources as tourism develops. Baseline research and monitoring of critical near shore habitats, including mangrove, seagrass and reef communities Assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas Study environmental management, including determining innovative approaches to maintaining local fisheries and helping residents establish a management plan for sustainable harvest. Learn about tropical marine ecology, including identification of reef fishes, corals, and invertebrates, and assessment of marine species interactions. Assess local perceptions of tourism and fisheries management Study interactions among ecological, social, and economic issues of planned resort developments. Study restoration techniques and assess effectiveness.	Focus of research: Assessing and conserving the ecological and environmental health of Bahía Magdalena and its resources, with a special emphasis given to sea turtles, gray whales, and the socio-economics of fisheries management and tourism development. Research the management of critically important fisheries and water quality issues. Research conservation strategies to protect endangered marine turtle populations. Spring programs also focus on applied ecology of the gray whale and an environmental and socioeconomic analysis of whale watching tourism. Study the prevalent conditions in a fishing community seeking alternative economic activities and development, particularly expanding its nascent tourism industry. Examine the rich biodiversity of the coast, including extensive sea grass beds, mangrove stands, intertidal sand and mudflats, barrier islands, and rocky shores.
Field study methods – where and how: The spectacular reefs and waters of South Caicos will serve as the laboratory for most of the field work. Students snorkel or SCUBA dive and gain valuable experience in the use of transects, population sampling, marine species ID, data recording, statistical analysis, impact assessment, mark & capture techniques, reef monitoring, and more.	Field study methods – where and how: Visit and study different natural areas in Baja California Sur; reefs, deserts, oases, and mangroves, as well as intertidal zones in the bay. Many exercises take place on boats. Activities involve occasional snorkeling. Field methods include GIS, habitat assessment, mark & capture techniques, species ID, data recording, statistical analysis, and interviewing and working with the local population.
Applicable to degree: Though a student from any major can apply to any program, students from these backgrounds often find this Center's research applicable to their career goals: • Marine Biology • Biology/biological sciences • Environmental science/studies • Political science • Economics	Applicable to degree: Though a student from any major can apply to any program, students from these backgrounds often find this Center's research applicable to their career goals: • Biology • Environmental Sciences / Ecology • Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences • Zoology • International studies • Public Policy • Spanish • Economics
Program highlights: Academically challenging environment is excellent for those truly interested in marine biology in the spare setting of a field research station. Opportunity to work in a near pristine underwater environment. Significant time is spent in the water: excellent opportunities for snorkeling and some SCUBA diving. Organized recreational activities both in and out of the water. Real-life opportunity to see development growth and its impacts on the environment and economy on a small island. Conduct and present research to community partners, including the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, who will use the data to make informed management decisions. Participate in a mission that will give significant aid to an underserved community in a remote area.	Program highlights: Beautiful, remote, and undiscovered part of Mexico which offers a unique environment for studying coastal and marine ecosystems and the socio-economic development of a small fishing village. Significant opportunity for community interaction, both within the academic program as well as informally. Wildlife focus, with work being done on sea turtles, gray whales (Spring only), ospreys, and sea grass habitats. Sustainable development focus is excellent for students interested in fisheries and the social side of conservation. Center positioned on shores of Bahía Magdalena—opportunities for a lot of time in boats and some snorkeling, though there is no swimming beach directly at the Center. Program is located in and focuses on the community of Puerto San Carlos, a small, lovely fishing town with shops, a central plaza, and friendly people. Excellent opportunities to practice Spanish skills.
Cultural Interaction - TCI	Cultural Interaction - Mexico
Research: The Center for Marine Resource Studies serves their host community through helping to collect data in the field—for the most part underwater—that is later presented to the TCI government to help the community conserve its natural resources and develop sustainably. Research does involve spending some time with local residents, fishers, and resource managers learning about the local Caribbean culture and the challenges they face.	Research: The Center for Coastal Studies is heavily oriented towards community development and increasing the capacity of locals to sustainably manage their marine and coastal resources. Student research will involve working with and interviewing local clients, including fishermen, commercial divers, cannery workers, ranchers, resort developers, port authorities, eco-tourists, natural resource managers, and other academic researchers.
Community service: Interact with the friendly South Caicos Island community known as “Belongers” and learn about Caribbean culture Hosting SEA DAY twice a year at our field station to introduce elementary students to the marine environment Providing swimming lessons for local children. Teaching English as a foreign language to Haitians to help them integrate into South Caicos community Reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library and grade school	Community service: Participation in the Puerto San Carlos Gray Whale and Sea Turtle Festivals Participation in Mexican holiday celebrations and sports events Hosting community events and painting murals. Teaching English classes for local school children Community meetings, conservation activities, and environmental education programs for children
Homestay: none	Homestay: One weekend (semester programs only)
Local language: English	Local language: Spanish (courses taught in English)
Region - TCI	Region - Mexico
Climate: Hot and dry with lots of sunshine. The dry season in South Caicos lasts almost year round, with rainy months being May and November, with an average annual rainfall of 11 inches (27 cm.) Temperatures vary little throughout the year from the mean of 80° F, with summer temperatures even higher.	Climate: Lots of sunshine. In November through June, daily temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F, with night temperatures of 30°F to 60°F. Cooler periods occur between November and February, and again from April to June. July through October can be hot and humid, with daytime temperatures of 80°F to 95°F, and nighttime temperatures cooling down to 65°F to 85°F.
Description: The Turks and Caicos Islands are a limestone archipelago lying at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas. While the ocean views and underwater scenery are spectacular, the island itself is mostly covered in low bushes well adapted to the xeric conditions. Cockburn Harbour is a town of about 900 - 1,200 residents. Many people still get around by foot. Livestock roam freely.	Description: Puerto San Carlos, population 8,500, is situated on a small mangrove and cactus-fringed peninsula, the only other natural deep water port besides Ensenada on the Pacific coast. Fishing is the way of life on the shores of Bahía Magdalena. The streets are lined by modest houses with fishing boats, handmade nets and flowering plants.
Town amenities: The town offers small stores that carry groceries and household items, small family restaurants, and several churches. Everything is imported, so prices average nearly 200% of mainland U.S. rates. There is one hotel that is currently open, and a bank that opens one morning per week.	Town amenities: The town offers small stores, clinics, a police station, and several restaurants and taco stands. A cultural center provides a place for meetings, houses a small public library, and hosts community activities. In the middle of town is the central gathering place, the plaza, where people meet to catch up with friends, play basketball, or participate in festivals that happen throughout the year.
Free time activities: Playing sports with fellow students, jogging, swimming in the pool, and snorkeling off our dock.	Free time activities: Exploring town, jogging, sunbathing, swimming at nearby beaches, playing sports with local community members.
Access to travel/explore: Guided overnight field trip to South Caicos beaches. Brief mid-semester break (semester programs only) is likely to be the only opportunity students have to leave South Caicos during the program, and flight are costly. Unscheduled Sundays offer free time to explore South Caicos.	Access to travel/explore: Guided, days-long camping trips to different locations in the southern half of the Baja California peninsula, from Cabo to undeveloped areas. Personal trips somewhat limited by remote area. Sundays offer the chance to explore the surrounding area. Brief mid-semester break (semester programs only) offers students the chance for some independent travel.
Special Considerations: Fresh water is a precious commodity on South Caicos since the island receives little rainfall -- all islanders, staff, and students practice extensive water conservation.	Special Considerations: Spanish skills - even basic - will be very helpful in facilitating research and other interaction with locals (although students with no Spanish training should not be discouraged from applying.)
Field Station	Field Station
Description: The Center is located in Cockburn Harbour in a modest former motel sitting on top of a 20 ft cliff facing the sea, with a spectacular view of the sunset and starlit skies. Fifteen rooms, which face out towards the water, are arranged in three wings that extend from the main building.  The verandah and pool also face out towards the harbor.	Description: The Center is located on a sandy point surrounded by mangroves a little less than a mile's walk from the center of Puerto San Carlos. It consists of a cluster of palm-thatched buildings that look out over beautiful Bahía Magdalena. Student cabins are all situated around an open common area. Cabins are divided into four small work areas with a desk and set of shelves for each person. Above each of these is a semi-private sleeping loft, accessible by a ladder. One of the buildings serves as classroom/ library. Dining areas include an outdoor terraza and a closed area, both with views of the bay.
Number of people: Max 32 students plus 12 staff	Number of people: Max 32 students plus 14 staff
Students per room:  4 to 6	Students per room:  4
Bath: Each room has a freshwater shower (cold water) and sink and saltwater toilet. Showers are limited to one per week, with sea baths the remainder of the time.	Bath: There is a shared bathroom/shower (hot water) house in the common area.
Communal space: The main building houses the dining room, kitchen, library, computer facilities, and a classroom space that can double as a TV room. There is an outdoor volleyball court, foosball table, and a pool.	Communal space: Computer room, library, classroom, laboratory, kitchen, dining area, study areas, and a student lounge with a tennis table and TV set (w/DVD, VCR.) There is an outdoor area with hammocks.
Laundry facilities: Clothes are hand-washed in sea water and line dried.	Laundry facilities: Washing machine on site. Line dry.
Best part of this program	Best part of this program
The ocean is our second classroom. Students leave CMRS having fully explored it, through snorkeling, diving, and studying corals, fish, turtles, sharks, rays, grouper and many more! Students will learn to think like a scientist and ultimately use the knowledge that they gain from the principal courses (marine ecology, socio-economics and resource management) to collect data that is later presented to the TCI government to help manage marine resources.	This program offers extensive interaction with the local community. Helping to generate sustainable development plans for the region requires that SFS students open their minds and hearts to the differing points of view of the many stakeholders who have interests in the bay. Other highlights include camping trips, working with turtles in the fall and summer, and whale watches in the spring.
Go to the TCI program pages Tour the field station  Learn More about the issues News from the Field - student writings & images from each of the centers	Go to the Mexico program pages Tour the field station Learn more about the issues News from the Field - student writings & images from each of the centers