[Teacher Name] presents: Shark Conservation in Belize

1. EarthwatchStudent Expeditions [Name of High School] [Teacher Name] presents: Shark Conservation in Belize

2. What is earthwatch? Since 1971, Earthwatch has made it possible for people from all walks of life to join leading scientists around the world to help with crucial environmental research.

3. The Mission of Student Expeditions To engage students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

4. Earthwatch Around the Globe Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

5. Earthwatch Research Pillars Earthwatch offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conserve and explore our planet while delving into one of four research areas.

6. Earthwatch By The Numbers Last year, Earthwatch: • Sent 3,150 participants aged 10 to 80 on research expeditions. • Supported 141,520 hours of research done by volunteers across our whole portfolio of expeditions. Research teams are typically composed of three to five staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones—so your teen is in excellent hands! 

7. Benefits of an Earthwatch expedition • Learn experientially through scientific field research. • Work directly with environmental science experts. • Get a boost for university applications and résumés. • Explore career paths in the sciences. • Support local communities and local educational initiatives. • Grow personally and gain confidence.

8. Benefits of International Travel Students who travel internationally before the age of 18 do better. • In high school: more than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. • In college: more than 88% received a college degree. • At work: half of travelers surveyed reported a household income of more than $75,000 as adults. Source: The Student Youth & Travel Association, The Impact of Early Travel Experiences (2010 survey). 

9. A Typical Earthwatch Experience • Teams for run 7 to 15 days. • Teams accommodate 7 to 20 volunteers. • Students will take on 2 to 5 research tasks per team. • Students stay in simple but comfortable accommodations in the field.

10. Overview: Shark Conservation in Belize Photo credit: Jillian Morris. Shark populations worldwide are at risk of collapse from overfishing. Join Earthwatch as we help establish protected areas for sharks along Belize’s magnificent Mesoamerican Reef.

11. The research: Shark Conservation in Belize Photo credit: Jillian Morris. • Work on research boats to help scientists bait fishing lines, then capture, measure, tag, and safely release sharks. • Take tissue samples of fish and sharks for lab analysis. • Deploy and operate remote underwater cameras to capture footage of sharks. • Hop in the Caribbean water to conduct snorkel surveys and monitor the health of the reef. • Your work will help scientists recommend better ways to protect sharks in the future.

12. Meals & Accommodations: Shark Conservation in Belize • Stay at one of two spots on the reef: SouthwaterCayeor Glover’s Reef • At SouthwaterCaye, you’ll have in single-sex, dormitory-style accommodations; at Glover’s Reef Research Station you’ll stay two-person rooms. • Enjoy Belizean food such as fresh fruit, fry bread, fish, meats, beans and rice, salads, and cooked vegetables.

13. Lead Scientist: Shark Conservation in Belize Dr. Demian ChapmanSchool of Marine & Atmospheric ScienceStony Brook University, New York, U.S.A. Dr. Chapman is an internationally recognized shark expert who has been working on shark research and conservation projects in Belize for a decade.He is a molecular ecologist and field biologist, and an expert in the integration of telemetry tracking into research on shark dispersal and reproduction. Dr. Chapman received his Ph.D. in oceanography and marine biology from the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center in Florida, USA.

14. Safety & Welfare: Shark Conservation in Belize • Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. • Project staff members are trained in first aid, and one is also certified in wilderness medicine. • A comprehensive first aid kit and oxygen set for dive-related injuries are maintained at the station. The research vessel uses VHF radios to communicate with the station. • Snorkeling is optional, and won’t happen at all if the scientists deem conditions unsafe. • All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

15. Other considerations • Passports & Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas. Minors must also have a notarized letter from all parents or legal guardians stipulating that they may travel in the presence of an adult other than their parent or guardian. • Insurance: Your contribution to Earthwatch includes insurance and medical evacuation coverage. • Flights: The teacher leading the expedition will coordinate travel. • Language: All Earthwatch expeditions are led in English. • Packing Requirements: Earthwatch will provide an expedition briefing 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring (and lots of other information).

16. Next Steps Photo credit: Jillian Morris. • Provide a $300 deposit and complete the Group Volunteer Registration Form by [Month, XX, 20XX]. • Call me with any questions or to enroll your teen. Contact info: [Ms./Mr. Teacher][Name of High School][email@schoolname.edu][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]