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SFS Croatia: Sea Turtles and Marine Mammals of the Adriatic

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1980Year established

Program Overview

The Center for the Conservation of Marine Megafauna program takes place in the Croatian archipelagos of the Eastern Adriatic coast. Consisting of 1,244 islands, islets, and reefs, the Croatian coast is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The Adriatic Sea is a hotspot for biodiversity, and one of the regions of the Mediterranean most affected by climate change.

Alongside marine conservation professionals, students survey bottlenose dolphins, satellite track turtles, and monitor seagrass, while analyzing how shipping, tourism, and bycatch threaten fragile populations. A dolphin breach beside the research boat becomes a moment of wonder, as students log the data into conservation records. They also help rehabilitate injured turtles and interpret stranding data for policy.

Each encounter underscores Croatia’s dilemma: a coast famed for beauty but pressured by unsustainable growth. Students not only contribute data but also grapple with how science and society must recalibrate to keep the Adriatic alive.

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Program Highlights

Survey bottlenose dolphins during daily research cruises, recording behavior, group composition, and individual IDs for long-term population tracking
Satellite track loggerhead turtles and assess post-release success from rehabilitation centers, linking individual journeys to regional conservation outcomes.
Monitor Adriatic seagrass meadows for structure and health while documenting associations with fish, turtles, and invertebrates.
Record cetacean acoustic behavior with hydrophones, analyzing whistles, clicks, and calls as part of population communication studies.
Conduct Directed Research: frame a stakeholder-driven question, collect and analyze field data with faculty guidance, and present actionable findings to local partners.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel Insurance
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Academic Credit

Program Details

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Locations

  • Croatia

Types & Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Animal Science
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Marine Biology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Science
  • Sustainable Development
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Transcript

Age Requirement

18-30

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