Field School is excited to announce a new collaboration with the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization (BMMRO) for two upcoming research expeditions to study sperm whales in the Bahamas! 

BMMRO has conducted long term studies of the health and status of marine mammal populations for more than 25 years, including research on bottlenose dolphins and beaked whales, and has engaged the public through education and outreach.

In partnership with Field School, BMMRO will be expanding opportunities for students and citizen scientists to engage with and contribute to these research efforts. We are launching two new research expeditions - in December of 2017 and Spring of 2018 (spring dates TBD). We’ll be using an acoustic array to track sperm whales as they swim, feed, and dive—in the hopes of learning more about their Caribbean population. We will also be contributing to a photo ID database of whales in the Bahamas.

While this is not a whale watching cruise, no prior experience with marine mammals is needed! Field School staff and BMMRO's scientists will provide all of the training participants need to fully participate in sperm whale research and monitoring. Working alongside scientists, you will collect data that can help conserve whales. 
 
Learn more and join this expedition here! Space on this trip is extremely limited!

Here at Field School, we believe the opportunity to gain experience and hands-on training in scientific research should be available to all interested students. So this summer we are excited to announce our first annual writing competition for a full scholarship to attend our summer sharks and rays field research course!

Entrants are asked to complete two short essays about their experiences and goals to enter the competition. Winners will be given full (grand prize) or partial (runner-up) scholarships to attend our hands-on summer research course.

During their week living and working aboard RV Garvin, students will be instructed in shark and ray biology, ecology, and conservation, and will get hands-on experience with a variety of field research skills including using BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video), drum lines, gillnets, and long lines. Students also get experience and training in how to work on a research vessel and safely restrain shark species for data collection.

The deadline for submission is April 22. Winners will be announced May 5. The course runs from June 6-13, 2017. All food (with the exception of one inexpensive "dinner out"), housing, research activities, and transportation are included in the tuition for the course once students arrive at the R/V Garvin. 

Get started on your submission here! We hope to see you in the field this summer!

 Our Executive Director Catherine had a fantastic time this weekend speaking to the National Aquarium chapter of the Gills Club! Many thanks to the wonderful Kim Dixon at National Aquarium for putting it together, and to the amazing gills who made it so much fun!