SFS Conserving Marine Mammals and Coastal Ecosystems

  Mexico

• Pacific Coast: 
San Carlos

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Inquire for more info.

Description: In addition to our year-round research on the management of critically important fisheries and water quality issues in Bahía Magdalena, our unique location allows students to concentrate on very different but equally fascinating species each semester. Students in the fall and summer programs research conservation strategies to protect several marine turtle populations reduced to near-extinction. Despite strong regulations against their exploitation, green turtles are still frequently poached for their meat and are caught as by-catch by fishers. A complex interaction of community social and cultural factors, lack of enough protected area sanctuaries, lack of enforcement of existing regulations, and economic hardship in local communities has led to the continued exploitation and the rapid decline of sea turtle populations throughout Mexico.

In Bahía Magdalena, which is a key nursery and feeding ground for the green turtle, there is no comprehensive recovery or protection plan for sea turtles. Students gather data to help understand the condition of the various habitats of the Bay 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 and conservation groups and governmental agencies, is contributing to the development of a conservation and management plan for the sea turtle.

Spring semester students, while continuing our research on turtle conservation, also focus on applied ecology of the gray whale and a socioeconomic analysis of whale watching activities. Since commercial whaling was banned in 1946, the gray whale population is thought to have recovered to around 24,000. Only four calving and mating grounds for this species are known to exist and Bahía Magdalena is the only one not currently protected. The recovered population now drives a growing whale watching industry, which creates new problems that require field research to understand and resolve them.

Our research also focuses on sustainable harvesting and management of important commercial marine resources. SFS students learn professional field research skills as they interview fishermen, explore changes in fishing technology, and collect and analyze catch data as part of our efforts to help regulators and harvesters develop more sustainable management strategies for the fisheries of Bahía Magdalena.

Highlights: Learn state-of-the-art field research techniques and coastal ecology. Help the local community protect marine mammals and conserve marine resources. Explore pristine natural habitats ranging from flowering deserts and mangrove-filled lagoons to species-rich marine ecosystems. Get involved with the local Bahía Magdalena community and learn about Mexican culture.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 4-6 (32 on-site)

Scholarships are Available. - SFS scholarships up to 6K; 0% and low interest loans

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The School for Field Studies's Mission Statement: The School for Field Studies (SFS), an accredited, international non-profit academic institution, provides environmental education and conducts research through its field-based programs. SFS is committed to providing: *Hands-on, field-based interdisciplinary education *Environmental research in partnership with natural resource dependent communities. Our goals are to: *Provide students with a unique and challenging educational and life experience that assists them in successfully advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens; *Work with local community stakeholders to develop models for the sustainable management of their natural resources.

Year Founded: 1980