SFS TURKS & CAICOS: MARINE RESOURCE STUDIES (SEMESTER)
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Terms: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 16 semester-hour credits
- Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
- Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans
OVERVIEW
On the island of South Caicos, spectacular marine ecosystems are still largely untouched by tourism and development. Spend a semester among the island’s incredible marine life as you conduct field exercises and research to study coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. Evaluate fisheries resources and policies, meet with local residents, and analyze the impacts of climate change on the island ecosystems. Finish the semester by designing an in-depth research project and collecting data to help community members balance their rights and needs with the island’s conservation goals.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Go snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around South Caicos to conduct marine species identification exercises and parrotfish surveys.
- Visit the Grotto and Shark Alley to see eagle rays up close, and study their behavior and population dynamics using photo tracking.
- Take an excursion to the islands of Middle Caicos, North Caicos, and Providenciales to explore the variety of ecosystems in the TCI, including caves and protected wetlands.
SFS students live and study at the Center for Marine Resource Studies. The Center is a small converted hotel overlooking the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular sunsets, open-air facilities, warm sunshine, and a refreshing ocean breeze define this marine field station. A five-minute walk brings you to the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, where students and faculty frequently engage in community activities.
RESEARCH THEMES
- Climate change and ocean acidification
- Tourism impacts
- Commercial fisheries
- Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems
- Marine protected areas
CORE SKILLS
- Coral health assessment
- Marine species identification
- BRUVS surveys
- Underwater transects and quadrats
- Natural resource valuation
- Research design and implementation
- Data collection and analysis
- Research presentation
CONNECT WITH SFS
Visit the
SFS website
Call the Admissions Hotline at 800.989.4418
Email
admissions@fieldstudies.org
Read updates from the field on the
SFS Blog
Follow SFS on
Instagram and
Facebook
Watch student videos on
YouTube and
Vimeo
SPECIAL CSU INSURANCE NOTE
CSU students attending School for Field Studies programs will be automatically enrolled in additional travel health insurance. This very affordable insurance supplements the gaps, which U.S. insurance plans typical do not cover abroad (including evacuation coverage, out-of-network deductibles/co-pays, etc.). This insurance fee will be included in your CSU RamWeb charges approximately 10 days prior to the term start at CSU. For more information about the insurance benefits and costs, please reference the
CSU Education Abroad insurance website.
