Shark Life Apparel Opens Scholarship Applications to Attend Coastal Marine Education Research Academy

Shark Life Apparel is proud to announce the opening of scholarship applications for aspiring marine researchers to attend the Coastal Marine Education Research Academy (CMERA) in Clearwater, Florida, this summer. Two students, aged 18 years or older, will be selected to receive a one-week scholarship to participate in this immersive program. Applications are open from February 14 to February 28 on the Shark Life Apparel website, and the scholarship recipients will be announced on March 1.

United States, 25th Jan 2025 – Shark Life Apparel is proud to announce the opening of scholarship applications for aspiring marine researchers to attend the Coastal Marine Education Research Academy (CMERA) in Clearwater, Florida, this summer. Two students, aged 18 years or older, will be selected to receive a one-week scholarship to participate in this immersive program. Applications are open from February 14 to February 28 on the Shark Life Apparel website, and the scholarship recipients will be announced on March 1.

The scholarship covers all program fees, including classroom instruction and fieldwork activities conducted at CMERA. However, recipients will be responsible for arranging their own travel to either Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Once in Clearwater, local transportation, including travel to research sites, the classroom, and other group activities, will be provided.

CMERA offers a unique blend of hands-on fieldwork and classroom education, giving students invaluable experience in marine science and conservation. From Monday to Friday, participants will engage in fieldwork on research boats, collecting and recording data on marine species such as sharks and stingrays. Tasks include baiting hooks, setting longlines and nets, tagging animals, and processing the data collected.

A cornerstone of CMERA’s research involves tagging sharks and rays with identification markers, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and acoustic tags to study their geographic distribution. Over the past 13 years, the program has documented species diversity in Florida’s waters, monitored population sizes, analyzed age and sex ratios, and examined site fidelity and interactions between different species. This ongoing research provides critical data that supports conservation efforts in collaboration with organizations such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), NOAA, and the Florida Division of Parks and Recreation.

Participants will also contribute to sea turtle monitoring efforts in partnership with the FWC. This work adds to the broad scope of conservation activities students experience during their time in the program, equipping them with the skills needed to pursue careers in marine biology and environmental science.

Clearwater, Florida, located just north of Tampa Bay, serves as the ideal base for these activities. Its proximity to marine habitats provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to engage in meaningful research while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Students staying in CMERA housing will benefit from fully coordinated local transportation, ensuring a seamless experience.

The structured program schedule is designed to maximize learning and fieldwork opportunities. The weekday itinerary includes classroom sessions and field activities on research boats, while weekends are free for participants to explore Clearwater and its surroundings.

• Monday: Classroom session from 8:00 AM followed by research boat activities from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Tuesday: Classroom session begins at 2:00 PM, with fieldwork conducted from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM to observe marine life during evening hours.
• Wednesday: A breakfast social at 9:00 AM allows for networking and camaraderie among participants. This is followed by either a manatee observation trip or additional research boat activities from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Thursday and Friday: The schedule mirrors Monday, with an 8:00 AM classroom start and fieldwork on research boats from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

All activities are subject to change based on weather or other circumstances, but the program ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of marine research and conservation.

By offering this scholarship, Shark Life Apparel reaffirms its commitment to supporting education and environmental stewardship. This opportunity not only provides students with hands-on experience but also contributes to vital research aimed at preserving marine ecosystems.

Interested students are encouraged to apply on Shark Life Apparel’s website between February 14 and February 28. For more information about the program, visit www.coastalmera.com.

This scholarship reflects Shark Life Apparel’s mission to inspire the next generation of marine researchers. By facilitating participation in CMERA’s impactful program, the company aims to empower students to make meaningful contributions to the field of marine science and conservation.

Media Contact

Organization: Shark Life Apparel

Contact Person: MJ Fleischhauer

Website: http://www.coastalmera.com

Email: Send Email

Country: United States

Release Id: 25012522989