“Imagine the World without…”: Research, Writing, Speaking and Collaboration Regarding Conservation Issues in a Fisheries Biology Course

This work describes the evolution of a research project in a Fisheries Biology course at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Students are tasked to write a paper, present a speech, and create a display or a film as part of a contest and an outreach project.  They research a species of finfish or an aquatic habitat that is threatened or endangered and “imagine the world without” it.  Topics chosen by students have included “Imagine the world without…” coral reefs, the Arctic, Pacific salmon, bluefin tuna, and mangroves. Rubrics are used to assess projects as their audience appeal, strength of argument, content, support and quality of references, style, structure, and creativity. Results of this project have been positive with successful participation of students in the final rounds of a speech and writing competition.  The change in theme/stance from a simple “discuss the decline in biodiversity” from previous years to “imagine the world without…” prompted students to increase the sense of urgency and passion for the topic. Most importantly, this project has raised awareness and knowledge in conservation issues, and has improved students’ ability to research, think critically, and communicate effectively about ways in which to protect our aquatic ecosystems.