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SEA Semester Summer: Protecting the Phoenix Islands
(Outgoing Program)
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
• Critically evaluate coastal and marine policy documents
• Communicate and network effectively in professional management or conservation settings
• Identify significant relationships between economic forces, technology, and ecological sustainability
• Ocean literacy and stewardship
Academic Coursework & Credit
SEA Semester Summer: Protecting the Phoenix Islands carries 11 semester hour credits from Boston University for successful completion of the program.
Toward a Sustainable Ocean: Conservation & Management (300-level, 3 credits)
Prereq: Admission to SEA Semester. Sophomore standing or consent of instructor.
Comparative and issue-driven introduction to managing human uses and conserving coastal and ocean places and resources. Explore concepts of technology, governance, sector and ecosystem management, and marine protected areas through expert content lectures, topical seminars, and field trips.
The Ocean & Global Change (300-level, 4 credits)
Prereq: Admission to SEA Semester. Sophomore standing or consent of instructor.
Ocean ecosystem change in the anthropocene: warming, acidification, fisheries depletion, and pollution. Review principles of circulation, seawater chemistry, nutrient dynamics, and biological production to understand causes and consequences of change. Conduct field measurements for contribution to time-series datasets.
Research Course Options (choose one):
Advanced Ocean Policy Research (400-level, 4 credits)
Prereq: Admission to SEA Semester. Junior standing or consent of instructor.
Advanced policy research focusing on a topic of current importance (may include fisheries, biodiversity, marine spatial planning, and cultural heritage). Emphasis on theoretical concepts, research methods, and communication skills. Requires critical review paper, original research, final report and presentation.
-- OR --
Directed Oceanographic Research (300-level, 4 credits) Prereq: Admission to SEA Semester. Three lab science courses (one at the 300-level or higher) or consent of instructor.
Design and conduct original oceanographic research. Collect data and analyze samples. Compile results in peer-reviewed manuscript format and share during oral or poster presentation session. Emphasis on development of research skills and written/oral communication abilities.
-- OR --
Practical Oceanographic Research (200-level, 4 credits) Prereq: Admission to SEA Semester.
Introduction to oceanographic research. Design a collaborative, hypothesis-driven project following the scientific process. Collect original data. Conduct analysis and interpretation, then prepare a written report and oral presentation.
Dates / Deadlines:
There are currently no active application cycles for this program.