(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 10, 2003) – Phoenix College and Paradise Valley Community College team up to offer a unique tropical marine biology class, which focuses on more than examining the exotic maze of more than 2,900 individual coral reefs and thousands of underwater species of the Great Barrier Reef. This community college duo offers students an opportunity to actually protect the Great Barrier Reef.

That’s right! Imagine a class that allows students to experience first-hand the world’s greatest coral and associated species, while in a classroom setting of the white sandy beaches and underwater marinescapes of Australia. Aside from the unusual, yet tempting classroom setting, this class allows students to obtain real-world experience and college credit while making a substantial contribution to the environment.

"By 2010, 40 percent of the world’s coral reefs will be lost," said Phoenix College marine biology instructor and program coordinator, Dr. Philip Pepe. "Urgent action is essential to conserve these coral reefs which are home to more than 25 percent of all marine species. This project gives students a chance to learn as well as be proactive in protecting the world’s natural ecosystems."

Whether a full-time biology student or someone just interested in this adventure for the summer, the tropical marine biology class in Australia attracts those who love to snorkel to the advanced scuba diver. However, one commonality runs from one extreme to the other – all participants are interested in protecting the Great Barrier Reef and its wildlife.

While spending approximately two weeks from June 14 to July 4, students will explore the coast of the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel or scuba dive and discuss the fascinating coral reef topics in their natural habitat and on nature walks. A three day/three night live aboard, dive cruise on the Great Barrier Reef is included as part of the itinerary.

During these two weeks, the group will volunteer for the Australian government’s, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, for the international monitoring group, Reef Check, and for the local citizen’s volunteer organization, Order of Underwater Coral Heroes (OUCH). By working with these organizations, students will have an opportunity to maintain marker buoys to keep people from anchoring on coral reefs, protect ecosystems that provide food for endangered dugongs, turtles and seabirds and prepare and submit a zoning plan to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

"I’ve organized a number of programs of this nature and I must say that this one rates among the best," said Pepe. "Participants in this program will be exposed to tropical marine environments that are unavailable to them in the United States. They will experience the high biodiversity found on the Great Barrier Reef: one of the most developed coral systems in the world, while protecting it. This is truly an experience of a lifetime."

Applications are now being accepted and space is limited. For more information, please call (602) 285-7106 or visit www.phoenixcollege.edu/biology.

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