SALISBURY UNIVERSITY WINTER COURSE

CORAL REEF BIOLOGY IN HONDURAS

The Winter Program Coral Reef Biology in Roatan, Honduras runs for two weeks in January.  The program is designed to give SU students the opportunity to study the fish, coral, plants, and invertebrates associated with a Caribbean tropical reef with a primary focus on the diversity of living organisms surrounding the reef.  Much of the time is spent in the water snorkeling, where students can observe and interact with organisms in their natural environment.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about, and swim with dolphins!

CLASS: BIOL 399 International Field Studies, Coral Reef Biology: The class meets for the first week at Salisbury University and then is based at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science in Roatan for the remainder of the time.  Students will learn about coral reef ecosystems and environmental threats to coral reefs and select a topic to do independent research before departure for Roatan and continue their research while in Honduras.  Students will have lectures, slide presentation, and lab activities

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, previous biology courses and good swimming ability.

HOST INSTITUTION: The Roatan Institute of Marine Science is SU's institutional partner on this program.  Founded in 1989, the Roatan Institute for Marine Science (RIMS) is on the northwest coast of Roatan where over 30 miles of fringing and barrier reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and shoreline are home to an abundance of life.  In the past decade RIMS has established itself as a dedicated teaching institution.  The primary objective of this facility is the preservation of Roatan’s natural resources through education and research.

RIMS is surrounded by roughly13 km of protected area known as the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve.  Within this area no spear fishing, trapping or collecting of any kind is allowed, nor is anything to be taken from the reef.  To discourage touching or grabbing coral, divers and snorkelers are not permitted to wear gloves within the reserve.  Local dive resorts and the municipality of Roatan support the Reserve, and RIMS has initiated a long-term reef-monitoring program within the Marine Reserve.  Coral, fish and invertebrate populations, conditions on the reef are monitored over time in order to gauge reef health.  Student groups are invited to participate in the reef-monitoring program. 

HOUSING: Students are housed in accommodations provided by Anthony’s Key Resort, and have access to all resort amenities, including the full-service dive shop, underwater photo center and medical clinic.

COST: $2,660.  This includes everything: international airfare, room and board in Honduras, tuition, boats, and snorkeling equipment.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Completed application forms are currently being accepted by the faculty director.  The course is limited to 12 students.  Admission to the course is competitive and preference will be given to biology majors.  Application deadline is April 8, 2009. For more information and an application form see the program website at www.salisbury.edu/intled/studyabroad/winter/roatan . All questions concerning the program should be addressed to the program director:

Dr. Joan Maloof (2008, 2010 programs)

224 Henson School of Science and Technology

Phone: 410-548-5788   E-mail: jemaloof@salisbury.edu

Dr. Ann Barse (2009, 2011 programs)

Henson School of Science and Technology

Phone:  410-543-6073       E-mail: ambarse@salisbury.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 8^TH

APPLICATION AVAILABLE OUTSIDE HS 224