THIS IS YOUR CLASSROOM – SUMMER 2026
Hands-On Shark & Ray Field Research Program
Celebrating 15 Years of Real Marine Research Experience
Registration is now open.
Enrollment is limited and closes March 31, 2026.
Weeks are filling quickly — many are already over 80% full. Apply now to secure your preferred dates.
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)
- Select your payment option (Flex Pay or Pay in Full)
- Submit your application and deposit/payment
- 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 2026
Join us for our 15th research season!
Students may choose between two enrollment payment options:
Enrollment Payment Options
Option #1
Flex Pay
$979 per week
$279 per week deposit
Balance Due March 31, 2026
Flexible scheduling for last-minute planning.
Option # 2
BEST VALUE !
$929 per week
SAVE $50 PER WEEK VS FLEXPAY
$279 per week deposit
Balance paid within three days of applying to receive the discounted rate!
Program Fee Discounts
Four Weeks : $250 off
Six Weeks : $350 off
Eight + Weeks : $500 off
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 included
• Completion certificate and digital badge for resumes & LinkedIn (a $450 value)
Extended Participation Benefits
Six Weeks
•
$350 program discount
• Chief Scientist designation
• Shark Field Research Methods Certificate course included
• Boat operations training, including captaining under direct captain supervision
Eight Weeks or More
•
$500 program discount
• Chief Scientist designation
• 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
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
• Invoice payments must be completed within three days
• 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
Housing is available for $385 per week and includes:
• Shared student housing accommodations
• Full kitchen, laundry, and Wi-Fi
• Sunday arrival and Saturday departure schedule
• Transportation to classrooms, boats, and grocery stores included
Students arranging their own housing must provide their own transportation.
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.