PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT: the iSustain Tech Coral Reef Ecology program for Summer 2019 will be held at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire (Netherlands Caribbean) from July 13 – 25th and is open for enrollment. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2019.
DESCRIPTION: Designed for upper-level undergrads, grad students, marine science instructors or citizen scientists; the program includes two courses: 1) Field Research Methods in Coral Reef Ecology and 2) Scuba for Scientific Diving II. By successfully completing the two courses; participants will receive 100 hours of preparation applicable to certification as Scientific Divers with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). iSustain is not a credit granting institution, however, with advanced approval from your institution, you may be able to receive credit. Recommended credit for the Field Research Methods course is 3 semester credit hours in upper-level science.
Recommended credit for the Scuba course is 3 semester credit hours in physical education.
In the Field Research Methods in Coral Reef Ecology course; participants will acquire research skills including coral, fish and invertebrate identification; coral disease ID; benthic surveying: fish surveying; underwater photography/videography and the use of a variety of other
underwater research tools. Data collection using slates, underwater cameras and other tools will be followed by training in data analysis, hypothesis testing and presentation of results through graphing and reporting. In the Scuba for Scientific Diving II course, participants will receive training for certifications in Advanced Adventure Diving and Rescue Diving (SDI/TDI) with a focus on research skill development.
iSustain Tech’s intensive programs have excellent results in terms of acquiring contemporary field research techniques and perfecting dive skills; fast-tracking the AAUS certification, which can be used to get involved in research projects at iSustain Tech or other AAUS member organizations around the world.
ACADEMIC CREDIT: iSustain is not a credit granting institution, however, with advanced approval from your institution, you may be able to receive credit. Recommended credit for the Field Research Methods course is 3 semester credit hours in upper-level science. Recommended credit for the Scuba course is 3 semester credit hours in physical education.
PROGRAM LOCATION: the program will be held at Captain Don’s Habitat resort in Bonaire https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.habitatbonaire.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4e150f9512544ba90df108d6a85f9b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636881525929175301&sdata=ruzcJrNz2EbNAkNT1vvIA90gm9HJxkKd8gUGmwYvQ%2B8%3D&reserved=0.
PROGRAM FEES: The Program ONLY price is $2,150. There are two options for the program that include accommodations. The program fee for a private room (with kitchenette) is $3850. Or, the program fee with a shared room (with kitchenette) is $3,350. To register go to https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fisustain.tech%2Fsign-up%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4e150f9512544ba90df108d6a85f9b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636881525929175301&sdata=Rwb0g%2FVU18A9VkyNwh1pLGLgm3msBrnDD9COTOLxbeA%3D&reserved=0. The program fee includes Marine Park Tag, dive tanks, and dive weights. Food is not included in the program fee but there are kitchenettes in the rooms and a grocery store within
walking distance.
To apply go to https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fisustain.tech%2Fsign-up%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4e150f9512544ba90df108d6a85f9b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636881525929175301&sdata=Rwb0g%2FVU18A9VkyNwh1pLGLgm3msBrnDD9COTOLxbeA%3D&reserved=0
REQUIREMENTS
• You must be an experienced diver (20 dives within the last year or 100+ dives logged). Or, you can enroll in Scuba 4 Research Fundamentals at iSustain Tech. This is a one-week course from July 6 – 11, 2019, immediately preceding the Coral Reef Ecology program
• Current CPR/1st aid certificate
• Dive Medical History & Dive Medical Clearance by a Diving Physician
• Proof of dive insurance: Divers Alert Network: (DAN America) (DAN World) (DAN Europe)
• Go Pro camera or (other small camera) with under water housing if
needed (some models do not require housings)
• Full length wet suit, dive boots, open heel fins, BCD, regulator with
octopus and pressure gauge, depth gauge or dive computer, mask, snorkel,
weight belt or integrated weight pockets, compass, and dive knife
ABOUT iSustain Tech
The Institute for Sustainable Technology is a non-profit organization registered in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean focusing on education, research and conservation