The American journalist and author Ambrose Bierce once defined the ocean as "a body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man who has no gills. Perhaps it is for this reason that humans are so captivated by the marine environment, for it is one that has been the least understood. Despite the fact that the ocean covers the majority of the Earth's surface and contains many organisms unique to it, human knowledge of the ocean is significantly less than that of terrestrial life. Yet with continued advancements in technology over the last 150 years, humans have increasingly ventured into the deep. And with a new millennium of ocean exploration upon us, the need to improve our understanding of the ocean environment and its impact on humans is paramount.."
Costa American Marine Science Center's Mission Statement
The Costa American Marine Science Center "CAMSC" will be developed as a comprehensive research and exhibition facility in the Drake Bay/Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. Additionally, classes in marine and environmental sciences will be offered beginning in the Summer of 2011 by the associated Costa American Research and Education Institute "CARE" providing upper level university courses to better prepare students for an increasingly complex and competitive global employment environment in these vocations. Courses will ideally be under the direction of researchers active in marine and environmental sciences and natural resource management. Students will participate to varying degrees in active research programs which will be focused in the areas of marine and estuarine biodiversity, patterns and biological processes in marine communities, human induced impacts on marine systems, fisheries and marine park management, pollution, and marine resource economics and management and related areas of import.
The mission of both CAMSC and CARE shall be to raise awareness and provide information and education which can best be utilized in the increasingly important areas of marine and environmental conservation.
Drake Bay
Drake Bay (Bahia Drake) is located on the southwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America, and is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse ocean ecosystems in the world. The "Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome" creates a near perfect environment for a vast variety of marine life. Whales, dolphins, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles, sailfish and countless other species all congregate in this region. In spite of relatively little research, no less than nine (9) species of whales and thirteen (13) species of dolphins have been observed. It is one of the few areas in the world where both northern and southern populations of humpback whales are known to congregate, creating what may in fact be the longest "humpback season" to be found anywhere. Pan Tropic Spotted Dolphins, a year-round resident, have been observed in groups of up to 1000+ animals.
In addition to the diverse species of marine mammals found here, the area boasts a large number of sea turtles including the Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. As many as 100+ sea turtles and 23 mating pairs have been observed in a single day, including rare nesting sites of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. For the most part, the land area bordering the bay includes thick primary and secondary rain forests inhabited by an equally diverse amount of fauna including jaguar, cougar, ocelot, howler and capuchin monkeys, tapir, sloth, anteater, margay, agouti, coati mundi, deer and countless other tropical species. The area is considered by many authorities to be among the most biologically diverse anywhere in the world.
The Costa American Marine Science Center (CAMSC) will ideally offer credits in the Marine and Environmental Sciences while compiling an important on-going database. The CAMSC will be an exceptionally well-equipped coastal institute which will enable students, academics and professional researchers to excel in the study of marine and environmental science and management.
CARE and The Mission
COSTA AMERICAN RESEARCH & EDUCATION INSTITUTE (CARE) will be focusing on the biological investigation of tropical marine environments in regions where such work has either: not been carried out previously; was done only marginally; or, not conducted in recent times. The principal objectives will be to generate and compile environmental baseline data relevant to local conservation initiatives and to make them accessible to a broad audience in order to facilitate monitoring and research ventures. Projects shall be designed to deliver technical and educational consultancies while incorporating academic/research training and community outreach where requested.
CARE shall provide tertiary education and research training in the marine sciences and environmental studies in the Osa Peninsula/Drake Bay region of Costa Rica.
CARE shall also serve as a resource center (environmental data, training, consultancies) for Costa Rica's general public, as well as for national and international organizations. The Institute's year-round field station shall be an ideal base of operations for visiting researchers and university groups, and a unique meeting point in Latin America.
CARE shall be a collaborating partner of various national and international projects and initiatives.
The principal academic mission of CARE shall be to raise scientific environmental awareness by engaging university students in the advancement of marine and environmental sciences. This mission shall be carried out in Costa Rica in an effort to generate the resource assessments necessary for conservation initiatives, and to introduce this region to marine scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Continuous urbanization of society has led to a decrease in public understanding of fundamental processes in nature. At the same time, concern for conservation of natural resources has increased. There is growing recognition that this discrepancy needs to be addressed in an educational forum. Given current population growth, and the increasing demand for limited natural resources, pure and applied sciences must be drawn together. CARE's proposed rigorous interdisciplinary and experiential academic approach, shall engage the aspiring scientist in stringent field-based marine research. Where appropriate, CARE programs shall link socio-economic findings with environmental data, while remaining firmly anchored in biological disciplines.
Marine Ecological and Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Program Area
The CAMSC proposes involvement in a broad range of estuarine, intertidal and sub-tidal research and monitoring projects. Research shall range from how ecological processes structure the unique benthic habitats and communities within the region and how these, in turn, contribute to the high levels of biodiversity found within the Drake Bay / Peninsula region to the highest life forms prevalent in the region.
The CAMSC shall also be involved in long-term monitoring projects to examine the impacts of human activity on sensitive habitats. Many of these projects involve diving and other forms of field work in this biologically diverse and important environment. The research and monitoring projects conducted at the CAMSC shall be in conjunction with relevant government agencies, stakeholders and other institutions. The research links with these organizations will enable us to contribute in many ways to current marine research within the area.
The importance of mariculture shall also be investigated in conjunction with CAMSC. This program shall investigate the development of marine fish and invertebrate culture, live food production and assist in set up of genetic selection experiments working with a high quality seawater system. Mariculture experiments and the husbandry methodologies required for the species involved are in increasing demand in industrialized areas of marine and environmental science.
COSTA AMERICAN RESEARCH & EDUCATION INSTITUTE will be Costa Rica's first and thus far only institution offering internationally recognized and accredited tertiary education in the marine sciences and research training.
CARE Courses will enable students to:
- Apply coursework to real life challenges;
- Learn from practicing professionals;
- Strengthen foreign language and cross cultural skills;
- Explore and pursue new international opportunities; and
- Earn academic credit through your home institution.
Education / University Programs
- Degree Level: Upper-division and graduate level courses
- Qualifications: Successful completion of second year science degree coursework preferably in life sciences, marine science, oceanography or environmental science. This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.
- Languages : English and Spanish where available
- Subject Areas Include :
- Animal Science
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Management Systems / Policy
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Estuarine, Intertidal and Sub-Tidal Research
- Natural Resources
- Public Management
- Research Study
Proposed Summer Programs / Research Programs (8 weeks / 4 weeks)
May 30 - July 22, 2011
Session 1:
July 25 - August 19, 2011
Session 2:
Research
- Defining Marine Resources: One of the Institute's main objectives shall be to assist in defining the benthic marine resources. CARE is proposing to create the first permanent independent marine research base to exist in the country. Currently, environmental data is both scarce and not easily accessible. The Institute proposes to develop a data base and distribute environmental data to governmental as well as non-governmental agencies.
Course Proposal
CONTACT HOURS/CREDITS
University courses offered through Costa American Research & Education Institute will initially be offered during the summer of 2011.
The number of class contact hours needed to accredit a course will determine the length of the course. At Florida Keys Community College, 1 credit hour is earned for every 15 hours of classroom time. Field courses tend to require more contact time, as these courses have lab/field components. Based on Rosario Marine Station in Washington State, University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Lab, and Prescott College's Kino Bay Center in Mexico, 1 credit hour can be earned per 32 – 40 contact hours of class/lab/field meetings. Furthermore, other schools offer internship credit at the rate of 40 work hours per credit hour.
Thus, 2 weeks of classes, meeting 6 days per week (one day off for studying/recreation), for 8 hours per day could yield 3 credit hours. Three weeks of class could yield 4 credit hours. Thus, if 3 course blocks are offered, covering 9 weeks of summer, 12 credits could be potentially earned. If 4 course blocks are offered, covering 12 weeks of summer, a full semester of credit (16 credit hours) could be earned by the student. Furthermore, there are twelve weeks of time between most schools' Spring and Fall semesters (the exception would be schools on the quarter system).
If Costa American Research & Education Institute does not officially accredit these courses, a certificate of completion could be offered instead, as does the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute in Italy (see http://www.theCAMSC.com/). This facility offers 10-day courses and it is up to the student to arrange for credit with their home institution. This allows the student to register for an independent study or internship with their home institution, and still gain the experience.
POTENTIAL COURSES
- Marine Biology (500 pts)
- Cetacean Behavior (550 pts)
- Behavior of Marine Organisms/Marine Fish (500 pts)
- Marine Mammal Ecology and Conservation (600 pts)
- Marine Bioacoustics (600 pts)
RELATED COURSE INFORMATION
Courses Calendar
Currently in development.Evaluation and Grading Scale
Grades are determined by a percentage of total points earned during each course. Please refer to the Methods of Student Evaluation under each course description to view the specific course elements. The following grading scale will be utilized in each course:
Grade Percent Points A 90 - 100% 4.0 B 80 - 89% 3.0 C 70 - 79% 2.0 D 60 - 69% 1.0 F Below 60% 0 Many of the course activities encourage student group activity. However, cheating on quizzes and exams will be awarded a failing grade of "0". Furthermore, plagiarism is considering cheating, and will be dealt with similarly. Students are encouraged to seek the help of the professor if there are questions or concerns regarding writing assignments.
Academic Expectations
Although CARE courses can be extremely rewarding, they are also demanding and challenging. Students are expected to attend each classroom session, field experience and laboratory exercise. Students are also expected to be flexible, as weather conditions may mandate interchanging times for classroom sessions and field experiences. Given the dynamic nature of these courses, as well as the time limitations, make-up work is not an option, and incompletes are not offered.
Furthermore, students are expected to actively participate not only in classroom discussions, but also in field and laboratory experiences. Thus, students also earn points for assisting in the set-up of equipment, the proper use, care and cleaning of equipment, storage of equipment, care of laboratory organisms, general cleanliness of facilities, and so forth. Similarly, improper usage of equipment or organisms can lead to a reduction in grade.
Finally, students are expected to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in section 7 below.
Course Credit
CAMSC does not guarantee that students will receive academic credit for CARE course completion. Instead, it is the sole responsibility of the student to arrange for course credit from their home academic institution prior to attending a CARE course. CAMSC strongly encourages prospective students to discuss academic credit options with their faculty advisors if intending to receive academic credit at their home institution. These students should budget sufficient time to have the desired CARE course approved by their academic advisors and other relevant personnel prior to the start of the program. Furthermore, CAMSC highly suggests that students retain copies of their notes from classroom sessions, handouts, reading assignments, completed tests and quizzes, written papers, class projects, and presentations for both personal future use and possible verification of course validity upon returning to the student's home educational institution.
Required materials
Each course will require each student to have:
- personal digital camera (general purpose cameras are fine)
- USB thumb drive or other storage device, at least 2 GB storage space
- snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- secure footwear for wading in marine environments.
Data, Research, Development and Educational Materials Ownership
Costa American Marine Science Center (CAMSC) is the proprietor of all products developed and research data collected by students, interns and volunteers associated with any CARE program, CARE facility, or CARE funding. Students, interns and volunteers may only use these data for scholarly CAMSC works, and are thus prohibited from using these data for undisclosed and unapproved financial or professional personal benefit or commercial application. Students, interns and volunteers must receive explicit, written approval from CAMSC in order to use personally collected data at CAMSC for developing theses or other scholarly work.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Background and Purpose of Costa American Research & Education Institute
Study Area
ACCOMODATIONS AND FOOD
RESEARCH FACILITIES AND BOATS
Boat safety equipment (life jackets, GPS, etc)
SAFETY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Philosophy
Oceanic field work can inherently be deemed dangerous at times, due to weather conditions, moving water craft, and animals. However, taking precautionary measures can reduce the associated risks. CAMSC strives to provide a safe learning environment for all of its staff and students.
Furthermore, CAMSC endeavors to be a model organization for Costa Rica and its citizens, the scientific community, and the attending students. Participants in CARE courses are expected to uphold moral standards and respect other students, staff, and local residents. Thus, not only is research and academics of high priority, so are local community relations.
To this end, all students attending CARE courses must be at least 18 years of age. Accordingly, responsible, adult behavior is expected of each student. The following sections outline some of the potential risks involved in the coursework, and outlines specific rules and policies. Please review these sections thoroughly.
Ocean Conditions
Air temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, ranging on average from about 71° to 93° Fahrenheit. Record temperatures have been recorded as high as 113° Fahrenheit, and as low as 58° Fahrenheit. Water temperatures in Drake Bay vary from about 75° to about 85° Fahrenheit. Furthermore, average relative humidity runs from 59% to 82%, and remains above 80% from June through November.
The rainy season runs from May through November, with heavy showers occurring during the early evening hours and at night. Winds generally average between 5 and 8 mph, but sustained winds can blow at up to 51 mph.
Ocean trips may follow the coastline, approach destinations such as Cano Island, or simply collect data from epipelagic waters. Thus, ocean conditions may include flat seas, white caps and rolling swells, accompanied by rain, high humidity and high temperatures. Please be prepared for such climatic conditions. Furthermore, if you are prone to motion sickness, please check with your medical provider about using medication to prevent/reduce motion sickness, and bring such medication with you to CAMSC.
If environmental conditions are deemed hazardous by the boat captain or other CAMSC staff, a boat trip will be terminated. The trip will be re-scheduled for a later time contingent on weather conditions. Furthermore, some boat trips may be extended if weather conditions are favorable to compensate for lost time from a previous excursion. Additionally, the duration of a trip may be extended if data collection is progressing extremely well, so as to not loose a constructive opportunity. Such is the nature of field work!
Students who are not competent swimmers will be required to wear life vests during boat trips. Other students are welcome to use the life vests during boat trips as desired.
CAMSC wide Program Policies
These are in effect during all programs and at CAMSC site, including on field trips. Violation of any policy will result in disciplinary action. CAMSC reserves the right to interview, investigate, search for and confiscate evidence, contraband, alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia and to contact local authorities.
Alcohol Policy
Any use of alcohol that in any way compromises the Operational Objectives will be addressed and may include disciplinary action. No abuse of alcohol is permitted on CAMSC property including any boats, common areas, student quarters, center grounds, field trip sites or during any program activities. This policy is in force from the beginning to the end of the program including time designated as "time off."Drug Policy
Use or possession of any drugs that are illegal, is prohibited. Illegal drugs are defined by Costa Rican laws. CAMSC reserves the right to interview, investigate, search for and confiscate any substances or paraphernalia in violation of this policy. CAMSC has a zero tolerance illegal drug policy -violation of this policy will result in expulsion. This policy is in force from the beginning to the end of the program including time designated as "time off."Time Off Policy
In most of our programs, time is divided into "Program Time" and "Time Off". Program Time is any time that a student is on CAMSC property or sailing in CAMSC boats or engaged in a program related activity. During such time all CAMSC Policies are in effect. Consideration of the Operational Objectives is always in effect. When not on CAMSC property, engaged in an CAMSC program related activity, etc., there may be time that is clearly designated "Time Off", for example Sundays. During time off, students are solely responsible for their own safety and well being. During time off, CAMSC rules and policies, with the exception of the alcohol, drug policy and local law policy, are not in effect. Consideration of the Operational Objectives is always in effect.Sign Out Policy
All students must sign themselves in and out of the Center so that they can be located in case of an emergency.Visitor Policy
CAMSC allows visitors on site during the program if it is not disruptive to the program schedule and the dynamics of the group. The days off or weekends are an opportunity for students to visit with friends and family onsite. Make sure your friends and relatives are aware that all visits to the Center must be scheduled in advance. Those interested in visiting should contact CAMSC Headquarters at (phone number XXXXXXX) after the start of the program. Overnight housing at the Center is not available, but there may be accessible accommodations in hotels nearby. For security reasons, no local visitors are allowed on the Center property without prior consent from the Center Director. This policy increases students' and staff's safety, security, and sense of privacy. Note: There is no Visitors' Day during one-two weeks programs because they are too short and too tightly scheduled.Boating Policy
CAMSC students may not ride in an CAMSC motor boat without an CAMSC-approved operator. CAMSC has additional boat-specific protocols including maximum occupancy, approved seating, personal flotation devices, radio protocols, rescue and first aid equipment in compliance with all local regulations.Local Laws Policy
CAMSC supports and complies with all local laws. You will be briefed on local laws and expectations soon after arriving at the Center. Any violation of a local law will result in CAMSC disciplinary procedures and in addition, may subject you to local penalties such as fines, arrest or deportation.Swimming Policy
SWIMMING IS ALWAYS AT YOUR OWN RISK. In all programs, swimming is always optional and you may terminate a swim at any time you deem it necessary.Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the policy of CAMSC to respect the rights of students to work and study in an environment free from any type of sexual harassment and to investigate and resolve any reported cases of sexual harassment. Each CAMSC member and student is responsible for ensuring a work and learning environment free from sexual harassment. CAMSC policy specifically prohibits any staff member from having a sexual relationship with a student at any time while the student is enrolled in a CAMSC program.Nondiscrimination policy
CAMSC prohibits all forms of harassment of others because of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual preference, national origin, physical or mental disability, or economical status. In particular, an atmosphere of tension created by disparaging racial, ethnic, sexual, or religious remarks does not belong in the CAMSC workplace or learning environment and will not be tolerated.Information Systems Policy
The CAMSC director is responsible for the development and management of these systems. In order to maintain the integrity, reliability, and performance of this center, all students must follow the policies and procedures shown below. General Equipment Use:- Always check with an CAMSC faculty member before attaching any personal computers, laptops, printers, or other network devices to the network.
- Borrowed equipment, on and off premises, is the borrower's responsibility until returned.
- Students are expected to uphold the condition of any CAMSC equipment that he/she uses. Be careful not to expose equipment to food, liquids, excessive sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, or magnetic fields.
Disciplinary Procedures
All CAMSC staff members are dedicated to the success of CAMSC and support its associated CARE courses. To this end, CAMSC staff has the authority to enforce CAMSC-wide policies and report violations to the Program Director. These infringements may result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions:- verbal and/or written warnings
- probation
- expulsion
The nature of the disciplinary action is at the discretion of the Program Director. The Program Director may consult other staff members as necessary. Violations stemming from misunderstanding that do not compromise the mission of CAMSC will be addressed via education in conjunction with a verbal and/or written warning. However, severe violations will result in immediate expulsion. At the time of expulsion, CAMSC's responsibility to the student will cease. Furthermore, the student will be withdrawn from all courses and will not receive a certificate of attendance. Finally, all student financial obligations to CAMSC will remain in effect.
Insurance
Health insurance
Students are required to carry health insurance valid in the European Union (Italy), while enrolled in CAMSC programs. Some insurance carriers do not cover out-of-country medical expenses. Therefore, you should ensure that your medical insurance policy offers coverage in Italy. Those insurance companies that do provide international coverage often do so on a reimbursable basis. Most insurance companies do not cover medical evacuation costs. You may wish to check on your travel policies or purchase some. Moreover, volunteers should sign a statement where they accept the research and working conditions taking full responsibility for the risks.
In the event that you require medical attention during a program, a staff member will accompany you on the visit(s) to a medical facility. You will be liable for all these incidental expenses, including travel, meals, etc, incurred by all parties involved during these visits.
Personal property insurance
CAMSC is not responsible of the personal property of students and staff. You may wish to check on your travel policies or purchase some.
HOW TO REACH CAMSC IN SIERPE, COSTA RICA
BEFORE LEAVING
WHAT TO BRING
TUITION AND FEES
Refund Policies
Students wishing to withdraw from a CARE course, must do so in writing. Following receipt of a written notice, CAMSC will refund a portion of the tuition and fees accordingly:
- Written notice is received prior to the first day of the course: Total refund of program cost less the non-refundable registration fee
- Written notice received the first day of the course: 50% refund of total program cost less the non-refundable registration fee
- Written notice is received the second day of the course: 75% refund of total program cost less the non-refundable registration fee
- Written notice is received after the second day of the course, or if student is asked to leave the course: No refund
CARE APPLICATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught."
Baba Dioum - Senegalese Poet and Conservationist
- PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Drake Bay, situated on the southwest coast of Costa Rica, is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse, marine ecosystems in the world. Warm, sun-drenched, tropical waters are separated from colder, nutrient-rich waters by a thermocline. The Coriolis effect in conjunction with Eckman transport mix these layers, producing an extraordinary upwelling. This upwelling provides organisms with a copious supply of nitrogen, phosphorous, iron, carbon dioxide, and solar energy, allowing for plentiful primary production. In turn, the concurrence of this primary production with the abundant oxygen provided by the upwelling and surface gas exchange attracts higher trophic levels. Thus, Drake Bay is characterized by both high productivity and high biodiversity!
At least four species of baleen whales have been observed in Drake Bay. Moreover, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the northern hemisphere utilize this region for breeding and calving purposes from December through April, while conspecifics from the southern hemisphere similarly use the area from July through November. What is more, thirteen species of toothed whales have been reported in Drake Bay. Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis), common (Delphinus delphis), spinner (Stenella longirostris), and spotted (Stenella attenuatta) dolphins are commonly documented year-round in this locale. Furthermore, various species of beaked whales, pilot whales, sperm whales and killer whales have also been occasionally reported. Indeed, few places on earth are characterized by as much cetacean diversity as Drake Bay!
In addition to these cetacean species, Drake Bay is notorious for its diversity of sea turtles and fish. Green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles frequent these waters. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to encounter whale sharks and manta rays while out on the water. The diversity and biomass of the marine fish and invertebrate populations help sustain the astonishing megafauna encountered during forays into Drake Bay.
The Costa American Research & Education Institute (CARE) is committed to systematically documenting this biodiversity. CARE strives to make this information readily available to the scientific community and the general public, while promoting conservation through education. To this end, CARE is offering a selection of graduate courses that expose students to various facets of cetacean and estuarine research during the summer of 2011. These rigorous courses are designed to expose the student to the most recent findings in the field of study in conjunction with exposure to the techniques employed to obtain such results. All aspects of these courses will be undertaken in Costa Rica.
Outreach Projects
CARE will develop a strong community outreach program. The institute shall engage in numerous activities to raise public awareness of the marine habitats of Costa Rica. In addition to introducing youth and adults to life in the seas, the benefits of healthy ecosystems will be emphasized while the negative effects of environmental degradation will be explained. The ultimate goal shall be to foster a "sense of stewardship" towards marine environments. Avenues for this shall include, but not be limited to, lectures and workshops (K, 1-12, College), media releases (print, radio, TV), consultancies for the Government of Costa Rica, creation of publicly accessible data bases and permanent marine environment displays.
Examples of Community Outreach Projects Proposed
- The Costa American Marine Center Project: The faculty and students of CARE will create a permanent exhibit on the marine life of Costa Rica, and their ecological and socioeconomic importance to the country. In addition, research shall be posted on a regular basis. One of the main objectives of the project shall be to give Costa Rica's youth easy access to information on the local marine resources and benefits of conservation.
- Environmental Education (Peer Teaching): Students and faculty will regularly visit schools and colleges in Costa Rica to give lectures and workshops on marine issues. The aim shall be to raise public awareness about the country's marine resources and the threats currently affecting coastal ecosystems. These sessions will complement the CARE Public Lecture Series to be held regularly in Collaboration with INBio plus other national organizations in Costa Rica.
- Collaborations with the Government of Costa Rica: The main objective shall be to provide the government with environmental data and technical background on the status of marine environments throughout the country. This information, it is believed, will assist the Government of Costa Rica in its National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change, as well as the Biodiversity Project.
Raising Environmental Awareness Through Public Lectures & Media
- CARE Public Lecture Series: The students and faculty of CARE, will regularly present their research findings to a broad audience ranging from government officials to entrepreneurs, fishermen, students, and nature enthusiasts. Visiting researchers will also be encouraged to be part of this forum by providing the Costa Rican public with an insight into their work while in the country.
- Media: The Institute will frequently access printed media as well as radio and TV outlets to disseminate any new findings. Students will also be encouraged to share their research reports and presentations in a similar manner.
CARE Marine Habitats of Costa Rica
CARE will launch a comprehensive website to share its findings with anyone interested in Costa Rica 's marine environment. This shall provide direct access to the current status of the field research carried out in Costa Rica. The site will be created with the intent of allowing Costa Rica 's teachers and youth to learn more about the marine resources.
