This course will introduce students to the types, sources, and effects of pollutants in coastal and marine ecosystems. We will study the cycle of pollutants such as oil, plastics, pesticides, fertilizers, and wastewater, from initial input in the marine environment, through biological and chemical processes occurring in the ecosystem, to final disposition or disposal. As an interdisciplinary seminar, we will explore course topics by applying a range of legal, policy and socio-economic disciplines. Classes will combine lectures, discussion, small group activities, guest speakers, and field trips as possible.

How do we manage our access to the ocean and marine resources within U.S. waters? This class will introduce students to essential principles of governance within U.S. waters. We will study the history of coastal and ocean governance throughout U.S.history, how our government manages human access to marine resources such as fish and offshore oil, and the unique boundaries and jurisdictions that apply to ocean governance. We will explore how our current ocean governance system can better respond to increasing human demands for marine resources, and support healthy coastal and marine ecosystems. Classes will combine lectures, discussion, small group activities, guest speakers, and field trips as possible.

How is climate change impacting the marine and coastal environment and related human communities, and how can law be used to respond to the effects? This course will examine the impacts of climate change on ocean and coastal environments and human communities that depend on coastal and marine resources. We will focus specifically on the role of law and policy in responding to these impacts. Specific impacts on the marine environment include ocean acidification, sea level rise, increased water temperature, and related changes to ocean circulation, ecosystem structure, and many, many organisms. Human communities are facing unprecedented decisions as islands and coastlines are inundated and eroded by sea level rise and changing storm patterns. Current law that manages marine resources and human access to them was never designed to respond to the changes we are seeing from climate change; management decisions are increasingly complex as a result, and will become even more so in the future.

How do we use the legal system to manage our activities on the coasts and in the ocean? In this class, you will learn how the U.S. legal system applies to ocean and coastal issues, such as coastal zone management, endangered species and maritime commerce. Students will read historic as well as current cases, to gain a full perspective on the sources and evolution of ocean and coastal law. We will explore the state of the law in these areas in-depth, considering legislative history, the course of disputes through the legal system, and the implications of policy and politics. The course will utilize ongoing local and regional debates as case studies, such as public rights beach access, fisheries management disputes, and other timely issues as they arise. As schedules and logistics allow, we will also take selected field trips to management venues to observe first-hand the development of law, and hear from invited expert guest speakers to provide a variety of perspectives.

How do we manage aquaculture activities in the United States? This class will introduce students to essential principles of marine aquaculture policy and management in the United States. We will study the overall landscape of marine aquaculture activities, including fish, shellfish, and sea vegetable aquaculture in land-based as well as water-based systems. We will explore the rapidly changing regulatory environment for aquaculture industries, and consider how policy and regulation can support sustainable, economically successful, productive ocean food systems and healthy human communities. Selected U.S. and international case studies will provide opportunities to assess the essential elements of effective aquaculture policy and management. Aquaculture regulation will also be considered in the broad context of evolving use of ocean space and marine resources, in a rapidly evolving ocean ecosystem. Classes will combine lectures, discussion, small group activities, guest speakers, and other external events as possible.

An internship is a high impact learning experience where knowledge and theory from students’ program of study are integrated with shadowing, volunteering, or paid employment with a private company, not-for-profit organization or government agency toward the intentional development of transferable knowledge, skills and abilities and practical application of professional competencies. The semester prior to the internship, Academic and Career Advising Center staff assist students with preparing their application materials and searching and applying for Marine Affairs related internships within the local community, stateside or abroad, as well as in defining learning objectives, educational and career goals, and professional deliverables to be met throughout the course of training and practice. During the semester of the internship course, under the mentorship of a dedicated professional who has the education and/or background and expertise of the students’ discipline of study, students immerse in a remote, hybrid or in-person professional setting. Through guidance, support and regular feedback from the mentor and internship course instructor, students strive to satisfactorily learn and practice their internship position and achieve their learning objectives. Students follow a course curriculum including: 40 contact hours at the host site per credit hour registered; participation in classes, meetings or workshops as scheduled by the course instructor; timely completion of homework assignments in support of student learning outcomes, professional readiness and career exploration; and end of semester evaluations. Internships culminate in a letter grade determined by the above criteria. Written pre-approval of the internship by the course instructor and Academic Director is required.

This course is designed for and restricted to Seniors in the Marine Affairs Major. The capstone experience provides students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the suite of skills needed to be a successful marine affairs professional. Students select, research and analyze a marine resource management topic in depth, applying interdisciplinary approaches and concepts from a previous coursework. Additionally, students hone process skills such as leading and facilitating discussions, organizing projects and developing effective communication strategies. Research, short papers, and class exercises will culminate in a final paper and presentation.