A few recent shots from trips we've run with the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami. Garvin's platform is working great to keep the sharks and their team safe and comfortable while they collect scientific data and samples. We even had some friendly bottlenose dolphins swim by on our way to a research site!

November is Manatee Awareness Month here in Florida, as they begin their annual migration to warmer waters for the winter months. During the summer, manatees can range throughout the waters of the Southeastern United States (though one satellite tagged manatee made it to Rhode Island, most are found in Georgia and Florida). In winter manatees concentrate in warm water refuges in the southern two-thirds of Florida. There they rely on artesian springs or warm water outflows from power plants to survive during the coldest months of the year.

As of November 15, additional zoned protections for manatees go into effect, and boaters are encouraged to exercise extra caution and wear polarized sunglasses, making manatees under the surface easier to see. FWC maps of manatee protection zones can help those who aren't sure which regulations apply in their area.

There have been 91 manatee fatalities from boat strikes so far in 2016, so we're grateful to everyone who boats carefully to make sure these little guys get to their winter home safely.

Here at the Field School Blog we spend a lot of time telling you what we're up to, and we really like to talk about science and the amazing plants and animals of South Florida. Anyone who knows us knows that Field School started because we love teaching, and field science, and teaching field science.

But that isn't all. We're here, in part, because we are working to make science a friendlier place for women.