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Press Releases | |
January 15, 1997
Contact: Jane Finalborgo, Joe Dionisio
CRESLI & Southampton Graduate Campus: Co-Venture Begins With Sea Adventure
(516) 287-8313
Michael Smart: (516) 728-7637
An 11-day high seas expedition concluded last week for 21 Southampton Graduate Campus students, who traveled 1,300 miles as part of a new cooperative alliance between The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) and Southampton Graduate Campus.
From December 28th to January 7th, students journeyed the Caribbean aboard the steel motor vessel, "Viking Starship," visiting areas such as Freeport, Bahamas, San Salvador, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The participants-- who slept outdoors under the stars every night-- were divided into groups of 6-8 to study Humpback and Sperm whales, Bottlenose and Spotted Dolphins, sea turtles, and pristine coral reefs. On-board instructors included Dr. Timothy Scott, a Southampton Graduate Campus adjunct professor who led classes in Caribbean geology, Dr. Arthur Kopelman, and College consultant Sam Sadove, who lent his expertise in whale research and tropical ecology.
"It's amazing how in 11 short days such a diverse group of people can grow so close," said Julie Cullum, a sophomore majoring in Marine Science Biology.
Future efforts of the alliance will include census and monitoring programs for seals, sea turtle research, and a winter cruise through the Northern Caribbean to study Sperm and Humpback whales. Seal cruises, seal beach walks and other coastal marine expeditions are also scheduled for 1997.
CRESLI is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1996 by experts in marine mammal research, environmental sciences, education and conservation. It conducts research and education programs on coastal ecosystems and the species which inhabit them. Its founding board of directors includes: President Michael Smart, Sadove, and Southampton Graduate Campus professors Sandra Shumway and Paul Forestell.
A 5-7 p.m. reception on Saturday, February 8 in the Fine Arts Theatre will formally introduce the co-venture. Those wishing to attend should call (516) 287-8477.
The CRESLI Web Site