THIS IS YOUR CLASSROOM – SUMMER 2027
Now Enrolling for Summer 2027!
Hands-On Shark & Ray Field Research Program
Celebrating 15 Years of Real Marine Research Experience
Quick online application — takes only a few minutes.
How Enrollment Works
Securing your weeks is simple:
- Choose how many weeks you would like to attend (1–8+ weeks)
2. Submit your application and deposit/payment
3. Receive confirmation and program details by email
How This Experience Helps Your Future Career
Students use CMERA experience to strengthen applications for internships, graduate programs, and marine science careers.
Participants gain:
• Real shark & ray field research experience
• Hands-on animal handling and data collection skills
• Experience working on professional research vessels
• Resume-building field experience rarely available to undergraduates
• Certificates and credentials useful for internships and graduate school applications
• Confidence working in real research environments
Many students attend CMERA specifically to gain experience that helps them secure internships and future marine science opportunities.
Program Fees – Summer 2027
Join us for our 16th research season!
Students may choose between three enrollment payment options:
Enrollment Payment Options
Pay Now – Save Now
Pay in Full
$929 per week
Save $50 per week off the standard rate.
Standard Enrollment
$979 per week
$279 deposit per week
Remaining balance of $700 per week after deposit due November 30, 2026
Extended Payment Plan
Program Fee:
$1,079 per week
Deposit:
$279 per week
Flexible monthly payment options available
50% of remaining balance due by December 31, 2026
Final balance due by March 31, 2027
Financing is now available!
Chief Scientist Designation (4+ Weeks)
Participants attending four or more weeks receive:
•
Chief Scientist designation
• Name acknowledgment on published research papers
•
Shark Field Research Methods Certificate Course from Moore Marine College
or the Sea Turtle Conservation Course at a 50% discount
which also includes a completion certificate and digital badge for resumes & LinkedIn
Extended Participation Benefits
Six Weeks
• Chief Scientist designation
• Boat operations training, including captaining under direct captain supervision
• Shark Field Research Methods Certificate Course from Moore Marine College
or the Sea Turtle Conservation Course at a 75% discount
which also includes a completion certificate and digital badge for resumes & LinkedIn
Eight Weeks or More
• Field Research Specialist Trainee Designation 8+ Weeks
Lead Field Research Specialist Trainee Designation 12+ weeks
• Specialized staff-level training opportunities
• Assist with data entry and research preparation
• Boat operations training, including captaining under supervision
• Shark Field Research Methods Certificate course included at no additional cost
Refund & Deferral Policy (Summary)
• Payments become non-refundable
three days after payment
• Students may defer participation to the following summer if needed
• Refunds are issued only if CMERA cancels or weeks are unavailable
Application & Payment Notes
• Applications must be fully completed before submission
• Deposits or payments must accompany applications for selected weeks
• Credit card payments accepted online or by phone
• Contact us for check or money order payment options
Questions? Call 843-246-0750 or email info@coastalmera.com
Weekly Program Fee Includes
• Academic lectures and field research sessions
• Research vessel access, captains, fuel, and equipment
• One CMERA T-shirt based on participation level
• Airport and local transportation for students using program housing
• Transportation between housing, classrooms, and marina
Not Included in Weekly Fees
• Airfare
• Meals
• Housing (available separately)
Student Housing
Student housing is available for $385 per week and includes:
• Shared student housing accommodations
• Full kitchen, laundry, and Wi-Fi access
• Sunday arrival and Saturday departure schedule
• Transportation to classrooms, boats, and grocery stores
Early Housing Payment Discount:
Pay housing fees in full by November 1, 2026 and receive
$25 off per housing week reserved.
Students arranging their own housing are responsible for their own transportation.
Housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transportation
Transportation is included only for students using CMERA housing, including:
• Airport or transit pickup
• Transport to boats and classrooms
• Grocery and activity transportation
Students not in program housing must arrange their own transportation.