High school approves Bahamas shark-research trip for 14 students

The Berkshire Hills Regional School District School Committee unanimously approved a proposed weeklong student research trip to a shark-research station in the Bahamas, following a presentation by two high-school science teachers.

"It's kind of a nursery spot in the Caribbean," said Elsa Harasses, a high school science teacher, describing the islands near Florida where the station operates. Harasses and fellow teacher Lucas Kle said the program combines daily lectures with field research, giving students hands-on exposure to marine ecology, coral research and shark behavior.

The teachers said the plan is to take 14 students for roughly a week in April, to coincide with seasonal hammerhead shark passages. Students would attend two daily lectures and participate in water-based fieldwork with working scientists. "We would do two things: one is lectures and taking notes; the other part every day we go to water," Kle said.

Selection would require a completed student application and parental form, teacher recommendations and short essays; parents must vouch for students' swimming ability. Harasses said organizers expect to require that students be strong swimmers and that the committee may require a swim test in light of recent local safety concerns.

The projected student cost is about $2,500, the teachers said. They also said students will document findings through photos, video and presentations for school and community audiences and may contribute to ongoing conservation research.

Committee members praised the proposal’s educational value and thanked the teachers for organizing the trip. A motion to approve the trip was moved and seconded; the committee voted unanimously to approve it.

The committee asked that trip organizers follow up with any required swim-testing plans and safety protocols; presenters agreed to return with finalized logistics and participant requirements before travel.