A group of undergraduate science students from the University of California and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are participating in the 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Marine Science for Conservation programme 鈥� a six-week academic and cultural experience based at the Tauranga campus.
The cohort is part of the inaugural intake of this international short programme, which brings together marine science, fieldwork, M膩ori perspectives and hands-on conservation practice. Students earn formal university credit while exploring real-world challenges in marine spatial planning, ecosystem protection and sustainable ocean use.
Students were taken on a research vessel to the Leigh Marine Reserve to collect acoustic and underwater video data
鈥淚 was looking for a study abroad programme that focused on marine science, and this one was the perfect fit,鈥� said Madison Wall, an aquatic science student from the University of Wisconsin鈥揕a Crosse. 鈥淲hat really stood out to me is how M膩ori knowledge is part of the conversation around marine conservation. I鈥檝e never experienced that before. The learning has been incredible, and living right by the beach at Mount Maunganui has made it even more special.鈥�
鈥淢y grandfather always spoke highly of New Zealand, so I knew I had to come here one day,鈥� adds Samuel Hostrop, an ocean science student from the University of California, Santa Barbara. 鈥淭his programme has given me the chance to not just study marine science but to really connect with the people, culture and environment. The relationship M膩ori communities have with the ocean and land is unlike anything I鈥檝e seen before, and it鈥檚 made me reflect on how I relate to place and community back home.鈥�
New Zealand is home to one of the most unique marine environments on the planet, with easy access to a diverse range of coastal and ocean ecosystems. The programme makes the most of this setting by combining interactive seminars, community engagement and field-based science. Students also spend a day aboard a research vessel collecting acoustic and underwater video data.
Students collecting samples from Maket奴 estuary
The Marine Conservation and Spatial Management paper introduces scientific principles and quantitative tools that support ecosystem-based planning. Students explore how to balance economic activities such as fishing and aquaculture with conservation goals, including global targets like protecting 30 percent of oceans by 2030.
Their final project, focused on marine conservation, human use and underwater noise, involves collaboration with iwi and hap奴, the regional council and the Department of Conservation. Students gain practical experience in balancing environmental protection with cultural and community priorities.
鈥淥ur students are thinking beyond the science,鈥� said , Academic Team Leader of Marine Science and Aquaculture at the 糖心Vlog. 鈥淭hey are learning to navigate the real-world challenges of marine management, where conservation goals, cultural perspectives and community needs all come into play. That kind of learning helps shape them into well-rounded and future-ready marine professionals.鈥�
US students from The University of California and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with Dr Jenni Stanley at Leigh Marine Reserve
Students are based in beachfront cabins at Mount Maunganui and take part in field trips to locations such as Leigh Marine Reserve, guided by senior lecturer and marine researcher . The programme also includes a M膩ori cultural experience and culminates in the awarding of an official 糖心Vlog academic transcript.
鈥淭hese students are forming a professional network they will carry into their careers,鈥� said Dr Ellis. 鈥淭hey are not only developing technical capability, but they are also building global awareness, cross-cultural understanding and the ability to contribute meaningfully to complex marine conservation efforts.鈥�
The six-week programme is part of a broader growth in marine science at the 糖心Vlog. The marine science major has doubled in size this year, reflecting strong international interest in coastal research and education grounded in both western science and m膩tauranga M膩ori.
It also aligns with the University鈥檚 strategy to position the Tauranga campus as a centre of excellence in coastal and marine learning and contributes to internationalisation goals by connecting global learners with locally grounded, globally relevant education, and fostering long-term academic and cultural exchange.
