Behavior, Ecology & Conservation of Marine Mammals: A Unique Field Course in Belize INSTRUCTORS: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2, Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.4, Katherine S. LaCommare, M.S., ABD 2,3, Jessica R. Young, Ph.D.5 DATES: May 26 - June 8, 2010 (inclusive of travel) Become totally immersed into island living, the study of animal behavior, ecology, and conservation of manatees and dolphins through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans, and other marine animals, with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll conduct a mini-research project on the behavior of an animal easily observed on our remote mangrove island and develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. LOCATION: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ COSTS: $2595 includes, housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, or credit hours DEADLINES: Early Registration ($50-$100 Discount) due March 1st, 2010; Regular Registration due April 1st, 2010 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8-24 students REGISTRATION: http://sirenian.org/RegistrationForm2010.pdf Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.pdf Course Policy and Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/CoursePolicy2010.pdf Course Briefing Document: http://sirenian.org/CourseBriefing2010.pdf For more information on the course, please email caryns@sirenian.org or cselfsullivan@georgiasouthern.edu 1 Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. 4 Dr. Bruce Schulte is a Professor and Department Head at Western Kentucky University. 3 Katherine LaCommare is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and an instructor at Lansing Community College in Michigan. 5 Dr. Jessica Young is a Professor at Western State College of Colorado. 2 Caryn and Katie are the co-founders of Sirenian International. For more information on the instructors, please visit http://sirenian.org/caryn.html and http://bioweb.wku.edu/faculty/Schulte/Default.asp and http://www.western.edu/faculty/jyoung/ For more information on the facilities, please visit http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ Download a Course Flyer at http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2010.pdf