Shark Behavior and Conservation
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a survey of the natural history, biology, behavior, ecological and social importance, threats, and conservation of sharks. Coursework will consist of both academic discussions and field work designed to introduce you to the methods and equipment that researchers commonly use for shark research. Although the characteristics and ecology of local shark species will be stressed, we will also examine global populations and their relationships with humans.
“I have so much more potential in me than I could ever imagine. I truly can achieve anything that I put my mind to.” — Andrew Harris, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- A survey of the biology of sharks.
- Students will examine sharks and their relatives from an interdisciplinary perspective that will include comparative anatomy, physiology, ecology, animal behavior, conservation, and related international relations/policy.
- A survey of the similarities and differences among major shark groupings and what characteristics distinguish them, including a side-by-side comparison of differences between bony fishes and cartilaginous fishes.
- The diversity of life in tropical marine systems and the importance of apex predators in maintaining “top-down control” and thus, the ecological health of these systems.
- The Utilization of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with a specific focus on the Shark Reef Marine Reserve (SRMR), and the importance of connectivity of marine habitats in mobile marine animals.
- The importance of sharks and their role in Fijian culture.
LECTURE TOPICS
- Introduction to Fiji
- Marine reserves and shark reef marine reserve
- Marine biology overview
- Shark natural history
- Shark biology
- Shark behavior and their ecological importance
- Shark research / data analysis and interpretation
- Sharks and Fijian culture (guest lecturer)
- Shark threats: natural and man-made
- Sustainable eco-tourism (guest lecturer)
- Shark conservation
- Underwater naturalist
- Fish identification
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- Underwater behavior observations
- Help with ongoing research projects
- Learn identification techniques
- Community service
- 24+ scuba dives
- PADI certifications: Advanced Open Water, U/W Naturalist, Fish Identification
What are my next steps?
At a Glance
Contact Hours
- 50 Hours
College Credit
- 3 marine science Credits
- Prerequisites
- PADI Open Water certification
Broadreach in action. Want a glimpse of the freedom of life on a yacht? Or the thrill of diving with sharks in Fiji, surfing in Baja or cresting the ridge above Machu Picchu? Watch our videos to see and hear our adventures firsthand, and start wishing you were there.