Report on the University of West Alabama’s Marine Biology Program at Dauphin Island Sea Lab and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A 10-week summer program at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) provided four marine biology majors from the University of West Alabama (UWA) with intensive, hands-on training in marine science. The program’s structure and content demonstrate a significant contribution to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through direct engagement with coastal ecosystems, the initiative prepares a new generation of scientists to address critical environmental challenges.

A Partnership for Quality Education and Scientific Advancement (SDG 4 & SDG 17)

The program exemplifies a successful multi-institutional partnership that delivers specialized, high-quality education, directly aligning with SDG 4 and SDG 17.

H3: Institutional Collaboration (SDG 17)

• The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, established by the Alabama Legislature in 1971, operates as a consortium of 21 colleges and universities, including the University of West Alabama.
• This partnership provides students from inland institutions like UWA with crucial access to coastal and marine research facilities, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

H3: Experiential Learning Model (SDG 4)

• The program’s curriculum is heavily weighted towards fieldwork, with approximately 80% of time spent in the field and 20% in classroom instruction.
• This pedagogical approach ensures students receive quality, hands-on education that complements theoretical knowledge, making complex scientific concepts tangible.
• Coursework included marine botany, sharks and rays, coastal wetlands ecology, and marine vertebrae zoology.

Fostering Conservation of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (SDG 14 & SDG 15)

Student activities provided direct contributions to the understanding and conservation of marine biodiversity and coastal habitats, which are central tenets of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

H3: Marine Species Research and Conservation (SDG 14)

1. Shark and Ray Studies: Students engaged in the study of elasmobranchs, participating in the capture and observation of species such as tiger, blacktip, and spinner sharks using long lines and gill nets. This work provides valuable data for understanding marine predator populations.
2. Sea Turtle Conservation: Participants were directly involved in the conservation of endangered species by witnessing a leatherback sea turtle nesting event and assisting in the release of hatchlings into the ocean, a critical activity for species survival.

H3: Coastal Habitat and Ecosystem Management (SDG 14 & SDG 15)

• Wetlands Ecology: The program included extensive exploration of salt marshes, vital coastal ecosystems that serve as nurseries for marine life and protect against erosion. This fieldwork enhances understanding of coastal resilience.
• Environmental Awareness: Students observed firsthand the impacts of coastal erosion, stimulating interest in developing conservation strategies to mitigate land degradation and protect coastal communities, directly supporting targets within SDG 14 and SDG 15.
• Marine Botany: The creation of plant presses and the study of marine flora contribute to a foundational understanding of the primary producers in the marine food web.

Developing Future Stewards and Sustainable Career Pathways (SDG 8)

The program serves as a critical pipeline for developing skilled professionals in the environmental sciences, promoting decent work and contributing to a sustainable “blue economy” as outlined in SDG 8.

H3: Inspiring Career Pathways in Conservation

• The immersive experience directly influenced students’ career aspirations, steering them towards fields such as animal behavior studies, marine conservation, and environmental management.
• By providing what one student described as “backstage access,” the program allows undergraduates to envision clear career paths in research, internships, or graduate studies at marine institutions.

H3: Skill Development for Decent Work

• The hands-on training equips students with practical, real-world skills that are essential for employment in marine science and conservation sectors.
• The presence of UWA alumni in professional roles at the Sea Lab, such as the facility’s registrar, demonstrates a tangible pathway from this educational partnership to skilled, long-term employment.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific Targets Identified

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.4: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.”
  • The article highlights a 10-week summer program where marine biology majors gain hands-on experience in their field. The text states the program allows students “to gain real-world experience while discovering where her passions might lead,” directly preparing them with relevant skills for future careers in marine science and conservation.
• Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”
  • The program educates students on topics like coastal wetlands ecology, conservation, and the impact of erosion. One student notes, “We’ve seen photos and real examples of erosion, and how little has been done to stop it,” indicating that the program provides knowledge needed to promote sustainable development.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.”
  • The students’ activities, such as “wading through salt marshes” and studying “coastal wetlands ecology,” are focused on understanding and managing coastal ecosystems. The mention of a student’s interest in addressing erosion further connects to protecting these environments.
• Target 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.”
  • The article describes activities directly related to conservation, such as releasing “baby leatherback sea turtles” and a student’s inspired interest in “conservation, particularly sea turtles.” These actions and educational goals contribute to the broader aim of conserving marine life and areas.
• Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology…”
  • The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is described as a “hub for groundbreaking oceanic and coastal research.” The program itself, where students learn to use “long lines and gill nets” and study marine species up close, is an example of developing research capacity and increasing scientific knowledge among the next generation of scientists.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
  • The article explicitly states that the Dauphin Island Sea Lab was “founded in the 1971 by the Alabama Legislature” to serve a “consortium of 21 colleges and universities in the state, including UWA.” This is a direct example of a public-academic partnership created to advance education and research.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Implied Indicator for Target 4.4: The number of students participating in and completing specialized, hands-on vocational programs. The article mentions four specific students (Will Poteet, Gracie Huver, Michael Kochensparger, and Jadyn Crews) who engaged in the 10-week program, which serves as a qualitative indicator of skill development for employment.
• Implied Indicator for Target 4.7: The existence of educational programs that incorporate principles of sustainable development. The article lists specific courses and topics like “coastal wetlands ecology,” “marine botany,” and discussions on “erosion,” which are direct indicators of education for sustainable development.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Implied Indicator for Target 14.2: The extent of research and educational activities focused on marine and coastal ecosystems. The students’ study of “salt marshes and habitats, especially at Point Aux Pines” is an indicator of efforts to monitor and understand these ecosystems for better management.
• Implied Indicator for Target 14.5: The implementation of conservation actions for threatened species and habitats. The act of “releasing baby leatherback sea turtles” and a student’s newfound interest in focusing on conservation post-graduation are tangible indicators of progress towards this target.
• Implied Indicator for Target 14.a: The number of students trained in marine research techniques and the scope of research programs. The article describes students learning how “long lines and gill nets work” and the Sea Lab’s role as a “hub for groundbreaking oceanic and coastal research,” indicating an increase in research capacity.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Mentioned Indicator for Target 17.17: The number of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development. The article explicitly mentions the “consortium of 21 colleges and universities” working with the state-founded Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which serves as a direct, quantifiable indicator of such a partnership.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: wtok.com