Hello everyone Please see the announcement for Oceanic Society's field course in Belize. For further information, please contact OS directly at 800) 326-7491. ********************************************************** Oceanic Society Research Course Field Course in Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Antillean Manatees, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Bottlenose Dolphins: GIS mapping and boat surveys Field Site: Oceanic Society Field Station, Blackbyrd Caye, Turneffe Atoll, Belize Date: June 19-23, 2007 Instructors: Dr. Leslee Parr, San Jos? State University; Mario Mota, University of Florida. Local Belizean researchers will also contribute to the course. Cost: $1090 - Four students per cabana with shared bath and 3 meals/day. A double occupancy option is available for $1,390. Air Travel: Please call the Oceanic Society for details (415-441-1106)or(800) 326-7491 Course Description: Students will participate in a hands-on field study. This course will include instruction in general marine mammal and turtle ecology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and population biology and specifics about bottlenose dolphins, Antillean manatees, and Loggerhead turtles in Belize. Students will learn field assessment methods for dolphins, manatees, and turtles in their habitat, including GPS use and basic GIS location mapping. Discussion of conservation issues particularly related to isolated tropical ecosystems. Field excursions from the Blackbird Oceanic Field Station will compliment lectures and presentations. Location Description: Blackbird Caye is approximately 90 minutes by motor vessel east of Belize City. Operated by the Oceanic Society (www.oceanic-society.org), the Blackbird Caye Field Station sits on a low sand and mangrove island archipelago within the barrier reef system of Belize. This is a remote tropical island with no medical facilities. A private airstrip is available for emergency evacuation. Class format: Class size is small (10 maximum). Please contact the Oceanic Society in San Francisco for details at 415 441 1106 or (800) 326-7491. Course info: www.oceanic-society.org/pages/alltrips/spectrip5.html