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Class status:	2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th+ Year	Type of program:	Field Study
Academic area:	Environmental Studies, Sciences	Language of instruction:	English
Prior language study required:	None	Open to non-UConn students:	No

Program: Marine Protected Areas: Management Techniques and Policies

Summer Session I 2009: June 8 - July 7
Summer Session II 2009: July 13 - August 11
Summer Session I 2010: June 7 - July 6
Summer Session II 2010: July 12 - Aug 10
Summer Session I 2011: June 6 - July 5
Summer Session II 2011: July 11 - August 9

THE PROGRAM

The British-governed Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. The turquoise waters surrounding TCI are abundant with marine life and are considered to be among the world's top 10 diving locations. Nearly 50 species of corals as well as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, sharks, groupers, snappers, and dolphin fish are easily spotted in the clear, warm waters just steps away from our field station. This relatively intact and healthy ecosystem supports much of the community on South Caicos Island, with fisheries providing the primary source of livelihood. However, pollution and increased extraction of precious marine resources, coupled with large-scale, unsustainable tourism and industrial development is very likely going to inflict irreparable damage to this delicate ecosystem. Depletion of key resources would have a dramatic impact on employment and social structure on South Caicos Island. Developing sustainable fishery is essential if this resource-dependent community is to survive.

Research Focus:
Students explore the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) in defending biodiversity and critical habitats, enhancing stocks of queen conch and spiny lobster, and contributing effectively to the socioeconomic sustainability of the local community. Students support the work of our clients and stakeholders, who range from local fishers to members of key government agencies. Our goal is to collect data from the field in order to influence policy recommendations, MPA management plans, and community projects.

Session II offers a multi-day, digital media production workshop, for no additional cost, covering the basics of digital media production and the art of capturing the earth sciences. Michael Hanrahan, SFS alumnus and founder of the Ocean Channel and the Environmental Media Institute, will offer you the opportunity to shoot and edit your own movie, snap underwater photography, inspire you to seek out important environmental stories, and create media campaigns to reach a wide audience.

ACADEMICS

Summer students are registered in one academic course accredited through Boston University:  EE (NS) 351 Marine Protected Areas: Management Techniques and Policies for 4 credits. Follow this link to learn more about Getting Academic Credit.

EXPERIENCE

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.