The SFSSP is now the University of Miami RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program

Through the upcoming blogs focusing on the South Florida Student Shark Program (SFSSP) we will attempt to catch your eye, your interest, give you an insight and feel inclined to continue to read and want to know more. Possibly through your reading, you'll be inspired to become involved in some way or another in conserving our oceans.

What is the South Florida Student Shark Program (SFSSP)?  It is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research and education program supporting the career development for graduate, undergraduate as well as high school students. Founded in 2006, the SFSSP is a partnership among the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, The Explorers Club, the NOAA LMRCSC & the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation. Focusing on the study and conservation of Floridian shark species, mangrove fish habitat and the Florida watershed, the program encourages students to take an active role in modern scientific education & research. The SFSSP's full-immersion approach allows students to actively grow as future scientists, while supporting the important ongoing research crucial to shark conservation.

The objectives of the program are to provide practical, hands-on marine science education and self initiated research project opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate college students in the marine science field. Educational and training opportunities accruing from the proposed work will also especially be made available to underrepresented (gender, ethnicity, disability) students. Also, to conduct numerous studies that will aid in the monitoring of biological and environmental conditions of Floridian marine ecosystems. Through outreach, education and publication, the program hopes to eliminate general misconceptions about sharks and the Florida watershed by disseminating the results of this study and creating public awareness of the perils faced by sharks and the current threats to the Florida watershed.   Lastly, through field and lab work the program helps students (high school, undergraduate and graduate college) gain and develop useful skills in marine science and play an active role in creating, conducting and disseminating the program through service learning interactions.

Stay tuned for pictures and explanations on specific methods of research and education.

Leann Winn
SFSSP Lead Educator