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 SCUBA diving or 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 for Marine Science in Roatan for the remainder of the time.  Students will have lectures, slide presentations, and lab activities as they learn about coral reef ecosystems and environmental threats to coral reefs. Students read and discuss numerous articles from the peer-reviewed literature on current topics in coral reef research, and in Roatan each student has a project to complete.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, previous biology courses and good swimming ability.

HOST INSTITUTION: The Roatan Institute for Marine Science (R.I.M.S) is SU's institutional partner on this program.  R.I.M.S is located at Anthony's Key Resort on the Caribbean.  http://www.anthonyskey.com. Founded in 1989, R.I.M.S. 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.  R.I.M.S. is surrounded by roughly 13 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: Total costs are estimated to be around $2700.  Final cost will be determined in fall 2011.  This includes all tuition and fees, international airfare, room and board in Honduras, boats, activities.  Not included: Passport fees, books, snorkel/dive gear, and personal spending money (souvenirs etc.)  Students can purchase and bring their own dive/snorkel gear or they can rent any or all gear from the resort. For 2011 rental rates see the Dive Shop at Anthony's Key at the website above.  Also, be aware that carrying dive gear (other than mask, snorkel and fins) can be heavy.  Students should be aware of overweight baggage fees (usually over 50 lbs.)

Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited.  Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full.  Preference will be given to biology majors.

Students should submit the following directly to the Program Director

Completed Permission to Enroll Form in BIOL 399, Coral Reef Biology, Winter 2012 Program form must be submitted to Dr. Ann Barse by Friday, April 25, 2011.   Students will be notified by May 2 if they are accepted into the class. 

Upon acceptance in the class by Program Director, in order to secure a space in the program, students must complete the online University study abroad application form and pay the non-refundable deposit of $250 no later than May 23. ONLINE APPLICATION HERE

Application Withdrawal date is September 1, 2011.