Hello! I am teaching a one time only online class this summer at George Mason University that some of you might be interested in. It is called International Conservation and Policy of Marine Mammals and will be taught online through George Mason University. Anyone (student or non-student) can enroll. 

 

Undergraduates and graduate students can get credit (cross listed at GMU with Environmental Science and Policy and also Biology).

 

Topics covered will include:

1. Conservation issues impacting marine mammals globally, with in depth focus on all listed as critically endangered and endangered (IUCN Red list). Inviting the major players involved now (e.g., Secretariat of the International Whaling Commission) to speak about how they are fighting to protect.

2.  The laws available per country (and treaties/agreements). With a detailed focus on the recent legal battle to change US import fisheries and marine mammal takes allowed (Center for Biological Diversity legal team that led this effort will join us to share that experience).

3.  Management efforts occurring now for all endangered species (bringing in stakeholders to visit the class and discuss these efforts, including those leading efforts to save the remaining vaquita, the most endangered marine mammal)

4.  We will also study the cultural value of marine mammals according to region and how local people could contribute to problem solving (invited as speakers). 

 

Class will run from May 26-June 26 on Wed afternoons, all day Thursdays and all day Fridays. But will be recorded if need more flexibility. This will be entirely online.  

 

To take this class you must fill out an application at the George Mason University Global Ed site and then select if you would like credit as a graduate or undergrad and then under which department.https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10567

 

Please contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis for more information. Applications must be received by May 1. (jlewis33@gmu.edu)