Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Reef and Sea Conservation Course

This course gives you the essential tools to understand and protect coral reefs and the seas around them. You will study reef types, biodiversity and ecosystem services, the main threats they face, from climate change and bleaching to pollution, overfishing and invasive species, and the most effective conservation strategies, including marine protected areas, ecological restoration, community involvement and environmental education, so that you can contribute actively to the health of the ocean.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Reef and Sea Conservation Course?

This short course introduces you to the science and practice of reef and sea conservation. You will learn how reefs are formed and distributed around the world, why they matter for biodiversity and for coastal communities, how climate change, acidification, pollution, overfishing and invasive species are degrading them, how marine protected areas are designated, zoned, managed and assessed, and how restoration techniques such as coral gardening, artificial reefs and seagrass meadow restoration are planned and monitored.

What sets this course apart: a practical approach focused on monitoring, restoration and management techniques; real case studies of successful reef conservation in different parts of the world; a full module on marine protected areas and how to judge whether protection actually works; attention to local communities, responsible tourism and environmental education; and a final project in which you draw up a conservation plan for a marine ecosystem.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Reef ecology: reef types, biodiversity, ecosystem services and conservation status.
  • Threats explained: bleaching, acidification, pollution, overfishing and invasive species.
  • Marine protected areas: designations, management plans, zoning and surveillance.
  • Active restoration: coral gardening, artificial reefs and seagrass meadows.
  • People and policy: local communities, responsible tourism and international frameworks.
  • Final project: a conservation plan for a marine ecosystem.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Reef and Sea Conservation Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Reefs and marine ecosystems

  • 1.1. Types of reefs
  • 1.2. Biodiversity
  • 1.3. Ecosystem services
  • 1.4. Global distribution
  • 1.5. Conservation status
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Threats

  • 2.1. Climate change and bleaching
  • 2.2. Acidification
  • 2.3. Pollution
  • 2.4. Overfishing
  • 2.5. Invasive species
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Marine protected areas

  • 3.1. Protection designations
  • 3.2. Management plans
  • 3.3. Zoning
  • 3.4. Surveillance
  • 3.5. Effectiveness of protection
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Ecological restoration

  • 4.1. Coral gardening
  • 4.2. Artificial reefs
  • 4.3. Seagrass meadow restoration
  • 4.4. Monitoring restoration
  • 4.5. Success stories
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Management, education and project

  • 5.1. Involving local communities
  • 5.2. Responsible tourism
  • 5.3. Environmental education
  • 5.4. International policies
  • 5.5. Final project: conservation plan for a marine ecosystem
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Reef and Sea Conservation Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Reef and Sea Conservation Course

01Understand the types, biodiversity and ecosystem services of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
02Assess the main threats to reefs and prioritize mitigation measures.
03Monitor reef health using key indicators such as coral cover, species present and bleaching.
04Apply restoration techniques such as coral fragment cultivation and transplanting, and follow their progress.
05Contribute to the planning and management of marine protected areas.
06Involve local communities and promote sustainable fishing and responsible tourism.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Reef and Sea Conservation Course

01Marine conservation technicianreef restoration programs and ecosystem health monitoring.
02Marine protected area officerplanning, management, surveillance and environmental education.
03Environmental consultantimpact assessment of coastal projects and design of mitigation measures.
04Environmental educatormarine conservation programs, outreach and community awareness.
05Ecotourism guidesustainable diving and nature activities that promote reef conservation.
06Aquaristcare of marine species and public outreach in aquariums.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Reef and Sea Conservation Course

Climate change, which drives ocean warming, mass bleaching and acidification, although pollution, overfishing and invasive species add to the pressure. The course analyses all of them.

No. Diving experience is useful for field work, but the course can be followed fully without it.

Yes. A full module covers coral gardening, artificial reefs, seagrass meadow restoration and how to monitor results.

Yes. You study successful reef conservation and restoration initiatives from different regions of the world.

You draw up a conservation plan for a marine ecosystem, combining threats, protection measures, restoration and community involvement.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with a final project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at marine biologists and students who want to deepen their knowledge of conservation techniques, divers and tourist guides interested in sustainable diving and environmental interpretation, managers of marine protected areas, environmental educators and communicators, and committed sea lovers who want to help protect reefs; studies in marine biology, environmental sciences, oceanography or a related field, or experience in marine conservation projects, are recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $184 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

Ask us before you enroll

Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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