Bocas del Toro Research Station - Smithsonian Tropical Research ...

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bocas del toro research station
The Bocas del Toro Research Station (BRS), a
field station of the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Institute (STRI) on Panama’s Western Caribbean
coast, is an ideal platform for both marine and
terrestrial research. The station hosts a diverse
group of Smithsonian scientists, their colleagues and
students.
Activities at the station contribute to the
Smithsonian Institution’s primary mission: the
increase and diffusion of knowledge. BRS visitors
are engaged in research on the biodiversity, ecology,
paleontology and archaeology of the Bocas del Toro
region. Educational and outreach activities range
from hosting K-12 school groups, to specialized
training for international graduate students.
Founded in 1998, the BRS campus has provided
field accommodation since 2002 and a fully
operational research laboratory since 2003.
Subsequent development of a running seawater
system, a new dock, boat ramp, and additional
support facilities, as well as two houses to
accommodate visiting researchers, soon followed.
The BRS now boasts the most up-to-date research
facilities among the preeminent field stations in the
Caribbean.
table of contents
bocas del toro research station 3
research highlights 11
outreach, education and training 23
BRS visitors and usage 29
5 - year bibliography 44
equipment 52
staff 53
financial contributions 54