3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

The world’s coasts are being increasingly urbanized and coastal ecosystems are suffering as a result. Wild stocks of many shellfish and finfish are in decline. We have an opportunity to address these challenges through coastal ecosystem restoration and aquaculture. This field course will explore coastal ecosystems, ecosystem services, ecosystem restoration, and aquaculture in the context of Southern California’s Blue Economy. Participants will explore coastal ecosystems and the roles that living shoreline restoration can play in conserving, protecting, and enhancing these lands. During the course you will visit different restoration sites, document a living shoreline restoration project area, and be an active participant in restoration activities. Documentation involves mapping in quadrats and along transects, as well as using different exploratory tools, including aerial and marine drones. Restoration involves creation and deployment of oyster reefs and planting of eel grass beds. Participants will also be learning the ins and outs of shellfish aquaculture at the Carlsbad Aquafarm, a sustainable shellfish farm in North San Diego County, California. Students will be active participants in the implementation of best practices of sustainable aquaculture. You will also explore the role of aquaculture in global food security, habitat resilience and restoration. By the end of the course, participants will be able to recognize the nature and complexity of coastal ecosystems, be prepared to evaluate and execute coastal restoration projects, and will be well versed in the fundamentals of shellfish aquaculture operations. In groups, you will work to tell stories pertinent to coastal restoration efforts in Southern California, through creation of infographics as well as other media products.