This page provides practical information about who can participate in CMERA programs, what the experience is like, and housing options during the Summer Shark & Ray Research Program.

Who Can Participate

CMERA programs are open to a wide range of participants who are interested in hands-on marine field research and coastal ecosystems.

Eligible participants include:

  • Undergraduate students in biology, marine science, environmental science, or related fields
  • Recent graduates seeking practical field experience
  • Career-changers exploring marine science or conservation-related work
  • Non-students and adult learners with a strong interest in marine research

No prior field research experience is required. All training is provided, and participants work under the supervision of experienced staff.

Participant Expectations

CMERA is an active, field-based program. Participants should be comfortable with:

  • Working outdoors on boats in warm, sunny conditions
  • Assisting with hands-on research activities involving live marine animals
  • Standing for extended periods and performing light to moderate physical tasks
  • Following safety protocols and instructions while on the water

This program is not observation-only. Participants are actively involved in research activities throughout the day while being supported and guided by CMERA staff.

What the Experience Is Like

CMERA programs run Monday through Friday and are centered around hands-on field research conducted on research boats in the Clearwater area. Each day involves working directly in coastal environments alongside CMERA staff.

Participants spend their time on the water assisting with research activities such as deploying research gear, handling and processing animals under supervision, recording data, and learning species identification and field research techniques. Instruction happens continuously throughout the day as participants learn by doing rather than observing from a distance.

Because field research takes place outdoors, daily activities are influenced by weather and sea conditions. Schedules and research locations may vary to ensure safety and support ongoing research goals.

This is an immersive, field-based experience designed to provide real exposure to marine research practices. Participants should expect active days on boats, hands-on involvement in research tasks, and a learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and teamwork.

Housing & Transportation

CMERA offers optional participant housing in Clearwater, Florida, located just north of Tampa Bay. Participants typically fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), both of which offer a wide range of flight options. Airport pickup from either location can be arranged.

Participants who utilize CMERA housing are provided with all local transportation related to the program. This includes transportation to and from research boats, classroom activities, group outings, and essential errands such as grocery trips. Local transportation is included in the program fee for participants staying in CMERA housing.

Housing Details

CMERA housing consists of shared accommodations reserved exclusively for registered program participants.

  • Fully equipped kitchens
  • Washer and dryer available on site
  • Bedding, bath towels, and kitchenware provided

Housing cost: $385 per week

Housing is available from Sunday evening through Saturday morning. Participants attending consecutive weeks may remain in housing on the Saturday night between weeks at no additional cost.

Housing Policies & Eligibility

  • Housing is available only to registered CMERA participants
  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older to utilize CMERA housing
  • No guests or non-participants are permitted in shared housing
  • Participants are not required to stay in CMERA housing and may arrange their own accommodations if preferred

Participants staying outside of CMERA housing are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the designated pickup location for daily program activities.

Housing Payments

Housing payments are due no later than March 31, 2026. Housing availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic Credit (Optional)

Some participants may be eligible to receive academic credit or continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation in CMERA programs, depending on their home institution’s policies and requirements.

CMERA can provide documentation upon request, including:

  • Program descriptions
  • Participation verification
  • Learning objectives and hours completed

Approval of academic credit is determined solely by the participant’s college, university, or licensing body. CMERA does not guarantee the award of academic credit, and participants are encouraged to confirm requirements with their institution prior to enrollment.