Glover's Reef Research Station

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FOR RESEARCHERS
All persons interested in conducting research at the Glover's Reef Research Station are asked to submit a proposal for review using the GRRS Research Proposal Form. All student groups are required to submit a curriculum plan which will be reviewed by WCS (see section on educational groups).   

Use of the station is based solely on approval by the Wildlife Conservation Society. All proposals should be emailed as an attached document in Microsoft Word format to the Operations Manager at grmrs@wcs.org. The Principal Investigator will be considered responsible for the project, scientifically and administratively, and will be the main contact for GRRS staff unless a qualified alternate has been designated. Investigators will be notified by email of successful project proposals and applications. Research proposals will be vetted to ensure they fit within the station’s mission and complies with the GRRS Research Guidelines.

Process to be able to conduct research at GRRS:
1) Submit research proposal that is in compliance with GRRS Research Guidelines, and have proposal approved by WCS
2) Acquire scientific research permit from the Belize Fisheries Department (WCS can help, if needed)
3) Sign a Visitor Release Form, and Dive Release Form if you intend to SCUBA dive
4) Submit a progress/final report to the Belize Fisheries Department and GRRS upon completion of research
Research Proposal Format (downloadable pdf)
GRRS Research Guidelines (downloadable pdf)

SCUBA Policy (link)

Scientific Research Permit
Following acceptance of a research proposal by WCS, the Principal Investigator will be responsible for submitting the research proposal to the Belize Fisheries Department in order to obtain the necessary Scientific Research permit. No researcher will be allowed to use the station without first obtaining the necessary Belizean permits or letters of authorization.  WCS can facilitate the process by submitting the proposal on the researcher’s behalf. The Belize Fisheries Department charges a non-refundable 250 USD fee, which WCS is able to pay and add to the final station costs. Additional information and details regarding research permits can be obtained by contacting the Fisheries Administrator directly at the following address: Fisheries Administrator, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 148 Belize City, Belize 501-224-4552

The Operations Manager must inform the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve manager of all visiting researchers prior to arrival at the station. Visiting researchers are also expected to introduce themselves to the reserve staff and provide a briefing on their permitted research including methodologies and study sites before initiating work. The Marine Reserve staff will assist in facilitation of the research projects as agreed between the researcher(s) and introduce the research projects to the Glover’s Reef Atoll stakeholders.

Progress Reports and Renewals
As part of the scientific research permit conditions, a progress/final report is required for all projects and should be submitted to the Belize Fisheries Department upon completion. Permit renewals will not granted without a progress report. WCS requests a copy of the report, which should be sent to the GRRS Operation Manager.

FOR STUDENT AND EDUCATIONAL GROUPS
 All student groups interested in visiting the Glover's Reef station as part of their curriculum are asked to submit a lesson/curriculum plan for review. All plans should be emailed as an attached document in Microsoft Word format to the Operations Manager at grmrs@wcs.org.  It is advised to contact the Operations Manager before submitting to make sure activities are feasible. Once vetted by WCS, group leaders will be notified by email of successful applications.  
Lesson/curriculum plans should include:
TITLE: This should reflect the topic which is being taught
COURSE INSTRUCTORS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
STUDENTS LEVEL: For universities, please designate whether this is an upper- or lower-classmen course. For secondary schools, please designate grade level.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ACTIVITIES AND MATERIALS: This should include a detailed description of daily plans.   
GRRS promotes the training and capacity building of local students from Belizean universities with international schools. If your group would be interested in sponsoring two local students to accompany your group, please let the Operations Manager know well in advance to help facilitate this arrangement.