Ben Alleger, College of the Ozarks senior, spent six weeks this summer interning with the Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy (C.M.E.R.A.) in Clearwater, Florida.

Ben Alleger, senior conservation and wildlife management and ecology and field biology double major at College of the Ozarks, spent six weeks interning with the Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy (C.M.E.R.A.) in Clearwater, Florida. This six-week program provided hands-on experience with marine research, including catching, tagging, and releasing sharks and stingrays to better understand their populations and distributions in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the internship, Alleger worked on a research vessel, gaining valuable skills in setting and retrieving various fishing equipment. The team ensured the health and safety of captured animals by following state and federal regulations.

“The purpose of this research is to determine what species of shark and stingray are present in this region of the Gulf of Mexico and to better understand the number and distribution of these species throughout the summer months,” Alleger said. “This information has helped lay the groundwork for C.M.E.R.A. to pursue other research endeavors that investigate specific questions about a particular shark or ray species, or more complex inquiries at the habitat and ecological level.”

Ben Alleger participated in a six-week program where he gained hands-on experience in marine research including measuring and tagging sharks and stingrays.

Alleger is part of the Conservation and Wildlife Management Program at College of the Ozarks. Dr. Nathan Roberts, professor of Conservation and Wildlife Management and chair of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, oversees the program. Alleger is a student worker in the program and leads the shark dissection lab for the general zoology course.

“Internships are fantastic opportunities for students to enrich their academic and work experiences while also exploring vocational callings,” Roberts said. “These opportunities allow students to get hands-on experience and to network with other professionals in their field.”

To foster a better understanding of sharks and promote safe beach practices, Alleger suggests education through aquariums, documentaries, and books. By following safety guidelines and respecting these magnificent creatures, we can share our beaches with sharks without fear.

"One thing people often don’t realize is how vital sharks are to the health of our oceans," Alleger explains. "They play a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and even benefit terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems indirectly."

Despite an early fascination with sharks and stingrays, this internship opportunity only came on Alleger’s radar last fall.

“Even though my main interest and career focus will be in coral reef ecology and restoration, sharks play an important part in the success of healthy reef ecosystems,” Alleger said. “They will undoubtedly be an integral part of my studies and future career endeavors.”