Students will be participating in field work out on boats Monday through Friday each week catching, tagging, and recording data on sharks and stingrays as well as participating in classroom lectures. Students perform all aspects of the field work from baiting hooks to setting longlines and nets and processing the animals. Students may sign up for as many weeks as you would like. Weeks do not have to be consecutive. Each week will be conducted similar to the example schedule shown below. Any student who chooses to attend multiple weeks will be given more responsibility on the boat each week. Students who attend multiple weeks will hear different lectures each week. There are six weeks of different lectures. Attend six weeks to hear them all!

A certificate of completion will be available upon request for all attendees.

Research Scientist 

Introduction to Field Research

(1-3 Weeks)

Students attending one through three weeks of our summer program will be considered Research Scientists on the project.

This track provides a strong introduction to shark and ray research, with daily lectures on elasmobranchs and other local marine life.

During the week, students will be on the boats Monday through Friday, learning how to set and retrieve various types of research gear, safely handle animals, and properly apply identification tags and PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags. They will also collect both biological data and environmental data to contribute to our ongoing research. Instruction further includes species identification, safety protocols, and key biological facts about the animals encountered.

In addition, Research Scientists may participate in the manatee experience kayak trip, adding a unique conservation-focused adventure to their program.

Chief Scientist

Advanced Field Research Experience

(4 weeks +)

Students attending four weeks will be considered a Chief Scientist on the research project. In this advanced track, you’ll gain more time on the water, participate in deeper research, and develop advanced field skills.

As part of this experience, all Chief Scientists receive enrollment in Moore Marine College’s Shark Field Research Techniques online course, complete with a certificate of completion and digital badge to showcase your advanced training.

Chief Scientists will learn how to set and retrieve research gear, safely handle animals, and properly apply identification tags and PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags. In addition, they will collect comprehensive biological and environmental data and take a more active role in field analysis.

Chief Scientists will also be acknowledged by name on any published papers resulting from this research. Because they spend more time with us, we are also able to provide stronger, more detailed recommendation letters for graduate school, internships, or career opportunities.

For students attending six weeks or more, there is also the opportunity to step into the role of Team Leader on the boats. As a Team Leader, you’ll supervise up to four students, directing them in research procedures, processes, and data collection. You’ll be responsible for assigning daily roles, rotating your team through positions, ensuring performance meets established standards, and reviewing data collection to maintain accurate research documentation.

This is invaluable supervisory experience to strengthen your résumé and expand your professional skill set. (Note: The Team Leader role is optional and not required—offered only as an opportunity to gain supervisory skills if you choose.)

Schedule*

Monday  830am Classrooms / 10am-430pm research boats

Tuesday  3pm Classrooms / 430pm - 11pm research boats

Wednesday  9am Breakfast Social* / 1030am-5pm Manatee trip or Research boats

Thursday  830am Classrooms / 10am-430pm research boats

Friday  830 am Classrooms / 10am-430pm research boats

Weekends are free time

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES