SEMESTER PROGRAM
DATES
Spring 2008: February 4 ? May 8
Fall 2008: September 8 ? December 11
Conserving Marine Mammals & Coastal Ecosystems
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Despite nearly two decades of conservation efforts, important sea turtle species are sliding towards extinction worldwide. Bahía Magdalena is an area of profound ecological significance and physical beauty. As one of the largest remaining and relatively intact coastal wetland/lagoon systems along the Pacific coast of the Americas, it is one of the world?s most important habitats for California gray whales and several species of endangered sea turtles. Extensive sea grass beds and mangrove stands, intertidal sand and mudflats, barrier islands, and large rocky shore areas make for rich biodiversity, though dependant upon a very delicate ecosystem.
The Bay is an important feeding ground and nursery area for East Pacific green turtles, and olive ridley, hawksbill, and the rare loggerhead turtles are sometimes seen. The area is home to pods of bottlenose dolphins and large groups of sea lions. Over 100 species of migratory and resident birds use the Bay at various times of the year. Perhaps the most spectacular of the Bay?s inhabitants are the California gray whales. Bahía Magdalena is one of the three most important calving areas for the entire California gray whale population, and hundreds of these animals can be found here between January and April.
Bahía Magdalena has also played a critical role in supporting its human residents. A growing tourism industry, based on whale watching, provides income for many residents, and fishers ply the waters for commercially important species, including shrimp, blue crab, lobster, scallop, and fish. Unfortunately, critically endangered sea turtles are caught as by-catch in some of these fishing operations.
Most local residents are economically dependent on the Bay?s marine resources, yet little research has been done on this ecosystem and the ways in which its resources may be sustainably used. Due to its high productivity and amazing biodiversity, the World Wildlife Fund has ranked Bahía Magdalena as one of the nine most important coastal habitats needing protection in all of Mexico. There is consensus among researchers and U.S. and Mexican governments that protection of this unique ecosystem is vital, yet it remains under siege by pollution and lack of effective management. The question remains ? how can resource conservation and community economic development be balanced in a sustainable way, to the benefit of both?
Research Issues Critical to Endangered Sea Turtles? Survival
Learn state-of-the-art field research techniques and coastal ecology. Help the local community to 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.
Mexico Program Description
OUR RESEARCH
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 interview fishers, 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.
Field Research, Lectures, and Exercises
Puerto Magdalena Island to learn about the fascinating culture of a small, communal fishing cooperative.
Fishing grounds at the Bay to practice and learn about fisheries such as blue crab and scallops. Intertidal zones of Bahía Santa Maria to illustrate the incredible diversity of local marine life. Camping trips to offshore islands to explore the area?s rich biodiversity, stark dunes, and pristine white beaches. Collecting GIS data for projects that in turn will help the local government, fishers, and tourism operators to design community-supported marine protected areas. Visit to three different natural protected areas in the state of Baja California Sur. Day trips to various reefs, deserts, oases, and mangroves.
Student Research Contributions
Our field station on the Bay has drawn many researchers from Mexico and abroad, involving SFS students in several important investigations and projects, including:
Hosting a symposium of research organizations that have been active in conserving the Bay to develop collaborations among Mexican and international researchers. Water quality analysis funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, which resulted in the development a water quality and green sea turtle monitoring program and alternative disposal recommendations, including the installation of a waste water filtration system at a local cannery that had been seriously polluting the Bay. Gray whale population study, which has led to a safe increase in whale watching permits and better adherence to regulations. Management plan for regional sustainable development created by a student-initiated, community-based conservation plan. Joint SFS, government, and local fishers? exploration of alternative shrimp net designs to reduce by-catch and destruction of the fragile Bay bottom. Socioeconomic analysis of blue crab fishery, providing valuable data to the Puerto San Carlos Office of Fisheries to assist in developing management strategies. Sea turtle research leading to increased awareness and stewardship.
Student Directed Research Project Examples
Get Involved with the Local Community
Central to the SFS mission is giving back to our host communities. Helping the residents of Bahia Magdalena develop long-term natural resource conservation plans while still providing sustainable economic development is our chief concern. In addition to working with local clients and interviewing community leaders, SFS students enjoy getting involved in community volunteer projects and social activities such as:
Participation in the Puerto San Carlos Gray Whale and Sea Turtle Festivals. Teaching English classes for local school children. Spanish lessons throughout the program, which help sharpen conversational and cross cultural skills. Participation in folkloric dance classes, Mexican holiday celebrations, short home stays, and hosting community events at our field station to deepen students? experience of a different culture and connection with the local community. Local sports, community meetings, conservation activities, and environmental education programs for local school children.
Program Prerequisites
Applicants for semester programs must be at least 18 years of age, in good academic standing, and have completed at least one college-level ecology or biology course and at least one semester of college prior to the start of the program.
Special note: Due to our community focus and extensive interaction with the people of Puerto San Carlos, applicants are strongly encouraged to develop their conversational Spanish skills in preparation for this program.
Visit our Web site for a photo tour of our field station: www.fieldstudies.org
COURSES
Semester students are registered in four academic courses accredited through Boston University:
Course No. Name Credits
BI/EE (NS) 379 Coastal Ecology 04
BI/EE (NS) 374 Principles of Resource Management 04
EE (SS) 303 Economic & Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development 04
EE 491 or 492 Directed Research 04
Course I: June 9 - July 8
Course II: July 14 ? August 12
Departure Point: La Paz, Baja CA, Sur, Mexico
Course Number: EE (NS) 356
Credits: 4 credits through Boston University
No prerequisites
Conservation of Coastal Diversity and Threatened Marine Turtles in Bahía Magdalena
Bahía Magdalena is an area of profound physical beauty. It is among the largest remaining intact coastal wetland/lagoon systems along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Habitat diversity in the Bay is high, including extensive sea grass beds, mangrove stands, and intertidal sand and mudflats. Besides being in a transition zone in between tropical and temperate environments, the many habitats of the Bay and the productivity of the water produce an impressive array of marine life. The Bay is also an important feeding ground and nursery area for several species of endangered sea turtles, and over 100 species of migratory and resident birds use the Bay at various times of the year.
Despite nearly two decades of conservation efforts, some species of sea turtle continue to decrease in Mexican waters and are sliding toward extinction worldwide. Bahía Magdalena has played an important role as a refuge for several sea turtle populations, mostly green turtles, but also olive ridleys and the rare loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Despite strong regulations against their exploitation, sea turtles are still poached and caught as by-catch in fishing activities. A complex interaction of community social and cultural factors, such as lack of protected area sanctuaries in the area, lack of sufficient enforcement of existing regulations, and economic hardship in local communities has led to the continued exploitation and the rapid decline of sea turtle populations.
Research Focus
Students examine the ecological, societal, and economic issues surrounding sea turtles in Bahía Magdalena. Students meet protected area managers, learn practical field skills, and gain insight into cultural perceptions by speaking with local fishers, tourism operators, and government officials.
Field Expeditions and Exercises
Camping trips to estuaries in Bahía Magdalena.
Field trips to nearby protected areas Loreto or La Paz.
Sea turtle population assessment by collecting biological data on live and stranded turtles in the Bay. Evaluating the social and economic importance of sea turtles by surveying local fishers and townspeople. Collecting GIS data for research projects that can benefit the local government, fishers, and tourism operators. Creating an environmental education curriculum to support various conservation initiatives within the community.
Visit www.fieldstudies.org for a more complete description of this program and to take a virtual tour of our field station.
