About the trip

The course will present the essential biology of sea turtles (evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, and population dynamics) and their conservation needs, emphasizing their role in marine ecosystem structure and function. Basic ecological concepts are integrated with related topics including the conservation and management of endangered species, the contributions of technology to the management of migratory marine species, the role of research in national and international law and policy, and the veterinary aspects of conservation. While in Beaufort, the course meets Monday - Thursday mornings (0900-1200), and one or two afternoons per week. In Trinidad (Week #3), the course includes day lectures and excursions, as well as nocturnal sessions on the nesting beach.

In Trinidad we have the unique opportunity to study the world's second largest nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles, as well as smaller assemblages of other endangered sea turtle species. We will interact with local resource managers, community conservationists, fishermen and others in a 'real-world' context where the complexities of biodiversity conservation can be learned in ways that are impossible to convey in a classroom setting. The field expedition also provides an opportunity to participate, if only briefly, in one of the finest village-based endangered species co-management and ecotourism programs in the developing world.