Coastal Ecosystems of Micronesia in a Changing Climate
Registration is now open to the Oceanography summer study abroad program in Micronesia!
In this 23-day course students will apply basic principles of geology, chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of Kosrae’s coastal ecosystems
A University of Washington Summer Study Abroad Course
in Kosrae, Micronesia (OCEAN 496)
Instructors: Prof. Julian Sachs and Dax Soule and Marta Wolfshorndl
School of Oceanography, University of Washington
Registration is now open to the Oceanography summer study abroad program
in Micronesia!
Kosrae is the eastern-most island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in the expansive Caroline Island chain of the western tropical North Pacific Ocean. Magnificent mangrove swamps and seagrass meadows surround much of the coastline. With a population of just over 8,000 people, and minimal tourism or industry, Kosrae’s 42 square miles of lush mountainous terrain remain largely undisturbed and stunningly beautiful. Closely connected to their land and sea, the people of Kosrae are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and traditions, while being gracious and hospitable to visitors.
In this 23-day, 5-credit course, students will apply basic principles of geology, chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of Kosrae’s coastal ecosystems, learn about the ways global climate change is impacting those ecosystems, and experience the rich Kosraean culture. The course will include units on mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and seagrasses. Most days will feature a field-based activity, during which students will conduct a rapid ecological assessment of a mangrove swamp, coral reef, or seagrass meadow. Local experts will join us for most of these activities. Our ecological assessments from pristine settings will be compared to those from locations impacted by human activities, such as runoff or logging. The final student project in Kosrae will be to develop a workshop for K-8 teachers on Kosrae on seawater and mangroves.
Logistics
Students and staff will live at the Kosrae Nautilus Resort. Lodging on Kosrae is included in the program fee of $3,975. A discounted rate of $29 has been negotiated for 3 meals/day at the Nautilus. Kosrae is accessed 4x/wk by United Airlines flights from Guam and Honolulu. For more information, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Dax Soule at daxsoule@u.washington.edu.
In this 23-day course students will apply basic principles of geology, chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of Kosrae’s coastal ecosystems
