Marine environmental history explores the intersection of humans and island ecosystems from mountain tops to coral reefs and across coastal exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Historical study begins at the time of indigenous peoples’ migrations and continues through tumultuous centuries of European conquest and colonization, leading to the contemporary era of island independence and the rise of mass tourism, especially as enabled by cruise ships. SEA students investigate the role of ships, sailors and ideas as agents of environmental, cultural, social and economic change in island nations.
Land use change and conservation
Student projects focus on efforts to diversify economies and conserve the remaining resources to build or maintain food security and sustainable market crop production.
Colonial Legacies
Many of the areas visited by SEA vessels are former colonies, now either fully independent or autonomous. The impacts of resource extraction and cultural mixing are key elements of their modern maritime infrastructure and culture. Student research focuses on histories of natural and human resource exploitation, and the visible and otherwise discernable evidence of such activities’ lasting impacts.