This study at sea program is ideal for students with an interest in conservation policy and marine science. Students may choose a policy or science track, offering flexibility in project topics and transfer credit. We welcome students of all majors to apply.

Program Highlights

• Examine impacts of El Niño
• Contribute data to inform marine conservation policy
• Study oceanography of tropical oceans
• Collect baseline data to assess impacts of climate change

Program Description

Sail throughout the last coral wilderness on Earth in order to preserve its future. A joint effort with international collaborators, this program invites students to explore the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), a tropical ocean expanse of diverse deep-ocean ecosystems dotted by eight spectacular coral atolls. You'll conduct research that will assist in the ongoing development of an effective conservation plan for the region. SEA's expeditions have been the only oceanographic surveys within PIPA, and you'll add the next chapter to the knowledge of the ocean inside its boundaries.

Beginning with a three-week shore component in Woods Hole, you'll use PIPA as a case study to develop your own research project in either ocean science or conservation policy. You’ll then join the SSV Robert C. Seamans for a five-week research voyage throughout the archipelago, which includes an equatorial crossing.

Using the ship's sophisticated oceanographic tools to explore the area, the results of your voyage will add to SEA's five-year data set exploring how the ocean in PIPA might be changing in this time of warming global climates and rising sea levels. You and your shipmates will collect samples from the marine environment and visit the region’s islands and pristine coral reefs. By providing real-time data, your projects will ultimately compose a picture of the state of the ocean for the benefit of the PIPA management office in Kiribati.

Skills Gained