Study Abroad Library

Marine Resource Management Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands

SFS is working with the TCI government's Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the National Park Service to develop management strategies to help conserve marine biodiversity and provide economic opportunities for island residents. Student field research is helping to provide the local government, community, and tourism developers with recommendations that will help sustain the economic, social, and ecological stability of South Caicos. With so many local residents dependent upon marine resources for their livelihood, along with increasing resource consumption by tourists, finding viable options for managing fisheries and conserving critical habitats, including coral reefs, is crucial. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving in waters surrounding South Caicos, students learn field research techniques to identify a wide range of marine organisms and habitats, and learn about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems. Students grapple with the challenges of balancing the economic needs of the fishing community with fisheries management and analyze the costs and benefits of potential new fisheries. Assessing the pros and cons of resource management and habitat conservation options, and their associated social and economic implications, brings students face-to-face with the real-life dilemmas for governmental regulators and the residents of South Caicos.