INGLESE

Basic knowledge of marine biology and ecology

The course consists in theoretical lectures along with case study analysis

The course provides key concepts of ecology and policy relevant to marine conservation issues at the population to ecosystems level, principles and approaches for marine conservation from both the biology and policy perspectives, strategies and tools for the sustainable use of marine biological resources, including emerging approaches such as ecosystem based management and ocean planning.

The student will acquire the following skills: ability to identify strategies and tools for the conservation and management of marine biodiversity, propose actions and measures for the reduction and mitigation of human pressure on marine ecosystems and for the sustainable use of marine resources.

The student will acquire skills useful for interfacing with agencies and institutional bodies involved in the management of the marine environment and its resources.

History of marine conservation. Marine biodiversity. Threats to marine biodiversity: loss of biodiversity, vulnerability, extinction, biological invasions. Endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic and priority species. Ecology and conservation of long-lived marine animals. Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relationships. Consequences of species loss on the provisioning of ecosystem's goods and services for human wellbeing. Ecosystem based management for sustainable use of marine resources. Political, legal and ethical issues of concern in marine conservation biology.

The student will demonstrate his/her expertise by an oral examination on at least three questions.

During the oral exam students must demonstrate that they have acquired knowledge about key concepts of ecology and policy relevant to marine conservation issues, threatened and vulnerable marine species and habitats, consequences of biodiversity loss on the provisioning of marine ecosystems' goods and services, strategies and tools for the sustainable management of marine resources. The questions will allow assessing the student's ability to communicate clearly the information gained during the course.

The final vote is awarded out of thirty. The exam is passed when the vote is greater than or equal to 18. It is expected to attribute the highest score with honors (30 cum laude).

The final vote is attributed following the oral test. Praise is given if the student demonstrates full mastery of the subject.

PowerPoint slides and scientific articles presented during the course.

Elliott A. Norse and Larry B. Crowder (2005) Marine Conservation Biology. The Science of Maintaining the Sea’s Biodiversity. Island Press, Washington.