Hands-On Shark & Ray Field Research in Florida
A nationally recognized marine research program offering real field experience for students and non-students.
15+ years of hands-on shark & ray research • Ethical, non-lethal field methods • Participants from 225+ colleges
Learn how the program works — or hear directly from students and professors who’ve experienced CMERA.
What is CMERA?
The Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy (CMERA) is a field-based marine research program focused on sharks and rays. Participants work alongside professional researchers conducting ethical, non-lethal research including tagging, data collection, and gear deployment.
- 15 years of educating students
-Students come from over 225 colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you want to participate in a shark research internship, then this is the place to be! International students have come from Mexico, Norway, China, Sweden, Indonesia, Korea, Colombia, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, England and Scotland.
Looking for a Full College Degree?
CMERA is proudly partnered with Moore Marine College, a private, four-year college in Clearwater, Florida focused on hands-on marine science education.
Moore Marine College offers:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine Biology and Marine Conservation
- Guaranteed hands-on field research — a minimum of 60 days per year working directly in the field
- Affordable private college tuition with small class sizes and personalized instruction
