For the final field course of the semester, students spent several weeks in southern Thailand based in two very different settings. One group started in the Muslim fishing community of Baan Jao Mai in Trang province, while the other group started several hours further south in the Adang Archipelago.

While both locations provided valuable assessments of how local communities utilize marine resources, the two sites provided two very different histories and current circumstances. Students were able to compare the two sites as they became proficient at identifying a wide array of marine life as well as developed an understanding of the complex relationships between a wide array of stakeholders including locals, tourists, large scale fishing operations, and governmental agencies.

In the Adang Archipelago students camped, sea kayaked, and snorkeled in the coral reefs. By kayaking in the archipelago, students were able to gain a better understanding of the effects of currents, tides, and waves on coastal and island living and travel. Through snorkeling activities, they gained an appreciation for the diversity and fragility of coral reef ecosystems. Although this portion did not include home stays, students became acquainted with their local instructors, Pi Jaen and Pi Khan who were able to provide some insight into their native Urak Lawoi community.

Baan Jao Mai provided a very different setting as students stayed with host families and examined different ecosystems including mudflats, mangroves and seagrass. Spending a greater amount of time in the community, students were able to learn about how the community used coastal resources in the past and currently as well as how they plan to conserve and use them in the future. By spending significant time in the mangroves and mudflats near Baan Jao Mai, students observed the surprising diversity of these often ignored and neglected ecosystems.

For most students, this was their final field course followed either by a return to their home university or a January internship or research project.

Students use their activity field guides, dive slates, reef identification tablets, and the course library to complete their reef survey.

Abby dives down with her dive slate and reef guide in tow to get a closer look at the reef.

Students land their kayaks after a long kayak to Koh Adang.

Students discuss mangrove management with local instructor, Ma.

Rebecca and Mel take notes while trying not to smash the pnuematphores.

Students kayak through a mangrove channel outside of Baan Jao Mai.

Celebrating Rebecca's birthday in the field, the host moms of Baan Jao Mai made sure that there was plenty of kanome for the celebration.

Students study the seagrass near Baan Jao Mai, identifying the types of seagrass and small critters as well as searching for Dugong trails.

A school of fish near the entrance of Tam Morrakot (Emerald Cave).