Course description

The Gulf of Maine is experiencing rapid ecological change as a result of multiple stressors, including climate change, ocean acidification, non-native species, and changing fisheries dynamics. This course will challenge students with these real-world problems to engage in solutions that integrate the best available science into conservation and management goals. Students will learn about ecosystem-based management and integrated ecosystem assessments. They will learn integrated ecosystem research tools used in field and laboratory research, and apply these tools around the Isles of Shoals and the Gulf of Maine. Finally, students will be organized into pairs when conducting research and then collaborate to integrate their research and to make recommendations to an outside panel of experts on their answers for management.

Outcome 1: Apply core ecological concepts to marine ecosystem research.

Outcome 2: Address real-world conservation management problems and apply concepts of sustainability.

Outcome 3: Conduct field sampling techniques and analyze data from the ocean environment, plankton, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Outcome 4: Use a multidisciplinary skill set to collaborate, design, conduct, and integrate student research projects.

Outcome 5: Effectively communicate research results and ecosystem-based conservation advice to an expert panel and public audience.

Can fulfull ES capstone requirement. Offered in Maine at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island.

Prerequisites

One semester of college-level biology and/or ecology, e.g. BIOEE 1780/BIOSM 1780; BIOEE 1610/BIOSM 1610, NTRES 2010, or similar.

Summer 2025: