This course examines global marine issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. We begin by developing a general background in maritime cultures, laws of the sea, and the ecological, economic, and social importance of the marine environment. Our discussion of global marine conservation issues is highlighted by local examples from the Gulf of California. The majority of the quarter is spent investigating specific local and regional case-studies relative to fisheries, coastal development, tourism, pollution, endangered species, and island biogeography. Each student participates in a project directly related to regional marine conservation priorities.
Students work in cooperation with local fishermen, managers, educators, and conservation biologists.
The Gulf of California is a biological treasure of global significance. In this intensive field course, we take an in-depth look at the ecology and biota of this diverse region. Prime study subjects are marine and coastal birds, especially their behavior and feeding ecology. Specific organisms are studied as examples for understanding the complex ecological interactions of the Gulf Coast. Students in this intensive field course spend a great deal of time in the field snorkeling, boating, and working in the rocky shores and mangrove estuaries of the Sonoran coast of the Gulf of California.