Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Marine Environmental Law

This master's gives you a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that protects the ocean. It addresses the key threats to marine ecosystems, from pollution and overfishing to climate change and biodiversity loss, and the international, regional and national legal instruments and management and conservation policies that respond to them. Through real cases you will develop the skills to solve problems in marine environmental law: advising, assessing environmental impact, enforcing compliance, litigating and seeking redress for environmental damage.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in Marine Environmental Law?

This master's covers marine environmental law across every level of governance. You will study the key conventions (UNCLOS, CBD, MARPOL, CITES, the London Convention, Ramsar) and the role of the IMO, UNEP, FAO, the IOC and regional bodies such as OSPAR and the Barcelona and Helsinki Conventions; the guiding principles of precaution, prevention and polluter pays; the legal regime of marine protected areas, integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning; environmental impact assessment of marine projects; marine genetic resources under the High Seas Treaty; enforcement, inspections, sanctions and environmental litigation; climate adaptation in coastal zones; and liability, environmental crime, compensation funds and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.

What sets this master's apart: it combines international law with comparative national legislation and real case law, so you understand not only what the rules say but how they are enforced and litigated; it covers emerging issues such as the rights of nature, payment for ecosystem services, deep-sea mining, bioprospecting and climate and ocean litigation; it addresses conflict management and public participation in marine protected areas; and it closes with a Final Project in which you develop innovative legal proposals for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

The international framework: UNCLOS, CBD, MARPOL, CITES, the London Convention, Ramsar and the High Seas Treaty.
Regional seas regimes and comparative national law: OSPAR, Barcelona, Helsinki, ACCOBAMS and leading national systems.
Marine protected areas, integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning from a legal perspective.
Enforcement, environmental impact assessment, sanctions and litigation, with real case law.
Liability, environmental crime, compensation funds, valuation of damage and ecosystem restoration.
Final Project: innovative legal strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Marine Environmental Law

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

International policy and advanced regulation for the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems

1.1. The international legal framework: key conventions (UNCLOS, CBD, MARPOL, CITES) and their specific protocols for marine protection
1.2. International organizations: functions, powers and coordination among the IMO, UNEP, FAO and OSPAR in marine environmental management
1.3. Non-binding legal instruments: critical analysis of declarations, guidelines and codes of conduct in sustainable ocean governance
1.4. Multilevel governance: the interaction between international rules, regional protocols and national legislation for the conservation of marine ecosystems
1.5. Integrated coastal and marine management policies (ICZM, MSP): advanced approaches to spatial planning and the sustainable use of marine resources
1.6. Environmental impact assessment of marine projects: methodologies, international standards and application in coastal zones and marine protected areas
1.7. Access to and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources: regulation under the High Seas Treaty and implications for marine biotechnology
1.8. Rights of indigenous peoples and local communities: protection and participation mechanisms in the sustainable management of marine protected areas
1.9. International finance and green incentive mechanisms for marine conservation: funds, subsidies and environmental bonds
1.10. Contemporary challenges in implementing international policy: illegal fishing, marine pollution and climate change in marine environmental regulation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Legal strategies for the comprehensive protection of marine biodiversity and ocean resources

2.1. The international regulatory framework for marine environmental protection: UNCLOS, the OSPAR Convention for the North-East Atlantic, the Barcelona Convention and the Madrid Protocol
2.2. Fundamental principles of marine environmental law: precaution, polluter pays, sustainable development and ecological integrity
2.3. Legal instruments for the conservation of marine biodiversity: marine protected areas (MPAs), nature reserves and marine biological corridors
2.4. Regulation and control of human activities in ocean spaces: sustainable fishing, mineral exploration and exploitation, shipping and recreational activities
2.5. Marine environmental impact assessment (EIA): methodologies, legal requirements and applicable administrative procedures
2.6. Liability and sanctions in marine environmental law: analysis of landmark cases and relevant case law
2.7. International cooperation mechanisms for ocean protection and climate change mitigation: multilateral agreements and participation in global forums
2.8. Protection of endangered marine species: CITES, the Bonn Convention and IWC guidelines for vulnerable marine species
2.9. Governance instruments and integrated coastal management (ICM): strategies to reconcile sustainable use and conservation of coastal and marine areas
2.10. Innovation and trends in marine environmental law: strategic litigation, emerging ocean law and the role of comparative law in current challenges

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

International, regional and national legal frameworks for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems

3.1. Foundations of marine environmental law: historical development and key concepts in the protection of marine ecosystems
3.2. The international legal framework: detailed analysis of the relevant treaties, conventions and multilateral agreements, including UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the London Convention
3.3. Guiding principles of marine environmental law: precaution, prevention, international responsibility and sustainable development applied to marine management
3.4. International institutions and mechanisms for marine conservation: the functions and powers of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
3.5. Regional legislation: comparative study of the legal regimes of the Barcelona Convention for the Mediterranean, the Helsinki Convention for the Baltic Sea and other agreements for the protection of sensitive marine regions
3.6. National law and its interaction with international law: analysis of domestic law in countries with jurisdiction over marine areas, including the regulation of marine protected areas and integrated coastal zone management
3.7. The legal regime of marine protected areas (MPAs): criteria for their designation, IUCN categories and rules for zoning and sustainable management
3.8. Sovereign rights and state jurisdiction versus the principle of free use: the legal limits on the exploitation of living and non-living marine resources, the extended continental shelf and exclusive economic zones
3.9. Liability and sanctions in marine environmental matters: mechanisms for preventing and repairing damage, compensation regimes and international and national sanctioning procedures
3.10. Landmark cases and international case law in marine environmental law: binding judgments and decisions of international courts and commissions that have set legal precedents

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Enforcement, compliance and litigation in marine environmental law: impact assessment, marine spatial planning, sanctions and remediation

4.1. The international and national legal framework of marine environmental law: treaties, conventions, laws and regulations applicable to the protection of the marine environment
4.2. Environmental enforcement procedures: design, implementation and follow-up of marine inspections to ensure regulatory compliance
4.3. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of maritime projects: methodologies, technical criteria, public participation and the granting of permits
4.4. Integrated maritime planning: marine spatial planning, zoning, reconciling uses and sustainable management of marine resources
4.5. Sanctioning instruments in marine environmental law: definition of offenses, penalty regimes, fines and administrative appeals
4.6. Environmental litigation in the marine sphere: competent jurisdiction, procedural strategies, technical evidence and specialist expert reports
4.7. Environmental remediation mechanisms: ecological restoration techniques, rehabilitation of damaged marine ecosystems and legal liability in pollution cases
4.8. Practical cases of enforcement and litigation: detailed analysis of landmark judgments and decisions
4.9. Technology tools for marine environmental monitoring and control: geographic information systems (GIS), telemetry and satellite surveillance
4.10. Inter-agency cooperation and public participation for effective governance in marine environmental law

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Legal and technological innovation for the integrated and adaptive management of coastal zones and marine protected areas

5.1. International legal foundations for marine environmental management: UNCLOS, CITES, the CBD and complementary protocols
5.2. Advanced technology tools: GIS, remote sensing and sensors for real-time coastal and marine monitoring
5.3. Adaptive management methodologies: design, implementation and evaluation of dynamic management plans for marine protected areas (MPAs)
5.4. National and regional legal frameworks: comparative analysis of regulations, public policy and governance in coastal zones and marine protected areas
5.5. Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to environmental modeling and the prediction of human impacts on marine ecosystems
5.6. Public participation and collaborative governance: legal and technological mechanisms to include local communities in coastal management
5.7. Innovative legal instruments: rights of nature, human rights-based conservation and payment for marine ecosystem services
5.8. Environmental and social impact assessment supported by advanced technology: drones, big data and integrated information management platforms
5.9. Climate change adaptation and resilience in coastal zones: legal and technological strategies to mitigate extreme events and protect biodiversity
5.10. Development of comprehensive public policy through legal and marine simulations and modeling supported by state-of-the-art digital technology

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

International and national legal frameworks for the conservation of marine ecosystems and ocean resources

6.1. Foundations of marine environmental law: guiding principles, the ecosystem approach and sustainable development applied to marine and coastal environments
6.2. Key international instruments: UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention
6.3. Relevant multilateral agreements and treaties: the Kyoto Protocol as it relates to the oceans, the Barcelona Convention and regional agreements for the protection of the marine environment
6.4. National marine conservation legislation: comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks in countries with significant marine biodiversity and sustainable management policies
6.5. International organizations and their role in ocean governance: the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
6.6. Legal mechanisms for the protection of marine protected areas (MPAs): categorization, designation, management and monitoring from a legal and public policy perspective
6.7. Rules on sustainable fishing and the conservation of marine species: quotas, closed seasons, catch reporting and integrated management of living resources in national waters and on the high seas
6.8. Environmental liability and sanctions in marine matters: the legal regime for damage, compensatory measures, pollution prevention and environmental court procedures in marine contexts
6.9. Environmental impact assessment of marine and coastal projects: legal requirements, strategic environmental studies and public participation under international and national standards
6.10. Updates and emerging challenges: the effects of climate change on marine legislation, rights over marine genetic resources and advances in the regulation of ocean bioprospecting

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

International regulation and policy for the sustainable conservation of marine ecosystems

7.1. Foundations of marine environmental law: key concepts, guiding principles and international scope
7.2. Principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction in maritime space: the EEZ, the continental shelf and the high seas under UNCLOS
7.3. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): structure, provisions relevant to environmental protection and compliance mechanisms
7.4. Binding and non-binding international instruments: comparative analysis of marine treaties, protocols and guidelines
7.5. International ocean governance organizations: the roles of UNEP, the IMO, the ISA and other multilateral agencies in environmental regulation
7.6. Global policy for the conservation of marine biodiversity: UN strategies and CBD agreements applied to the marine environment
7.7. Sustainable management mechanisms for marine protected areas (MPAs): technical criteria, design, zoning and governance
7.8. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of marine projects: international regulations, technical methodologies and landmark cases
7.9. Prevention, control and mitigation of marine pollution: MARPOL, clean-up protocols and incident response
7.10. Challenges and progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: ocean-related targets and marine conservation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Multilevel governance and legal mechanisms for effective conflict management in marine protected areas

8.1. Foundations of multilevel governance: analysis of structures and powers in marine environmental management at the local, regional, national and international levels
8.2. Legal principles applied to the management of marine protected areas: sovereignty, jurisdiction, conservation and sustainable use
8.3. The international regulatory framework: key conventions, treaties and protocols in marine environmental law (UNCLOS, CBD, Ramsar and others)
8.4. Legal instruments for resolving conflicts in maritime and coastal areas: negotiation, mediation, arbitration and environmental litigation
8.5. Public participation and consultation mechanisms: design, implementation and effects on the governance of marine protected areas
8.6. Inter-agency coordination and collaboration between public bodies, the private sector and civil society in the effective administration of marine resources
8.7. Environmental and social impact assessment as a preventive tool to avoid conflicts in marine protected areas
8.8. Analysis of landmark cases of conflict management in marine protected areas: lessons learned and international best practices
8.9. Technology tools for environmental monitoring and surveillance in marine protected areas and their legal implications
8.10. Development of integrated public policy that brings together different levels of government for the effective protection of marine ecosystems

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

The diversity of international, regional and national rules for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems

9.1. Conceptual framework and guiding principles: in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles of marine environmental law, including precaution, common but differentiated responsibilities and the ecosystem approach to the management and conservation of marine ecosystems
9.2. Key international conventions: detailed study of UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Barcelona Convention, the London Convention and the Ramsar Convention, with emphasis on their provisions for protecting the marine environment and biodiversity
9.3. Specific regional instruments: assessment of regional agreements governing sustainable use and conservation in different geographic areas, such as the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) and other instruments in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic
9.4. National legislation: technical comparison of leading national marine protection laws in states with long coastlines and high marine biodiversity, such as Spain, Mexico, Australia and Norway, and how national law incorporates and implements international obligations
9.5. Implementation and compliance mechanisms: monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems for marine environmental management, including inspection procedures, administrative sanctions, environmental liability and marine litigation
9.6. National and regional public policy and strategies for the conservation of marine ecosystems: design, planning and evaluation of management plans for marine protected areas, special protection areas for seabirds and marine ecological corridors, incorporating scientific and socioeconomic criteria
9.7. Economic and financial instruments: tools for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, such as payment for ecosystem services, tax incentives, catch quota markets and international cooperation funds
9.8. The relationship between marine environmental law and other branches of law: maritime law, fisheries, sustainable tourism and civil environmental liability in marine contexts
9.9. International and national case law: detailed study of landmark cases illustrating conflicts and significant judgments in marine environmental law, with a focus on dispute resolution mechanisms, international tribunals and national courts
9.10. Future outlook and emerging challenges: the impact of climate change, ocean acidification, legal frameworks for deep-sea mining and marine bioprospecting, and regulatory harmonization for sustainable ocean governance

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Environmental liability, ecological crime and redress for marine damage

10.1. Liability for marine environmental damage
10.2. The EU Environmental Liability Directive
10.3. Crimes against the marine environment
10.4. Ship-source pollution and criminal prosecution
10.5. Economic valuation of environmental damage
10.6. Restoration of damaged ecosystems
10.7. International compensation funds
10.8. Climate and ocean litigation
10.9. Access to environmental justice
10.10. Analysis of landmark cases

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. The international legal framework of marine environmental law: UNCLOS, the Paris Agreement, the Barcelona Convention and the most relevant regional treaties
11.2. Legal instruments for protecting marine biodiversity: marine protected areas (MPAs), regulation of extractive activities and control of invasive species
11.3. Rights and obligations of coastal states in the conservation of marine ecosystems: powers in the EEZ, on the continental shelf and on the high seas
11.4. Critical analysis of innovative legal strategies for integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), including marine spatial planning and strategic environmental assessment
11.5. National and international rules on marine pollution: control of discharges, dumping, plastic pollution and hazardous chemicals
11.6. Legal protection of critical habitats and endangered species: monitoring, restoration and environmental offset protocols within the current legal framework
11.7. Environmental liability and legal mechanisms for repairing damage to marine ecosystems, including liability for transboundary damage and environmental adjudication
11.8. Practical application of relevant marine environmental case law: analysis of paradigm cases and their influence on contemporary legislation
11.9. Design and preparation of the Final Project: development of innovative legal proposals for conservation and sustainable use, integrating scientific, technical and legal aspects
11.10. Advanced applied legal research methods in marine environmental law, with emphasis on sustainability strategies, ocean governance and public participation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Marine Environmental Law

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 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.

Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance

Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints

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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory

Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator

Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator

Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line

Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Marine Environmental Law

01Advise on the sustainable management of marine resources, assessing the environmental impact of fishing and other activities and proposing mitigation measures based on current law and best practices.

02Assess the environmental impact of maritime activities, identifying and mitigating the risks of pollution by oil, sewage and garbage under MARPOL and contingency plans.

03Develop strategies for the conservation of marine biodiversity, promoting sustainable fishing through quotas, closed seasons and rules that protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.

04Design policies to protect the marine environment, with monitoring and control systems for marine pollution that comply with MARPOL and national law and can adapt to new technologies and stricter rules.

05Implement rules for the prevention and control of marine pollution, including ballast water management requirements, documentation of processes and incident reporting.

06Mediate in legal disputes over the use and protection of the ocean, analyzing international treaties and national legislation to defend a client's interests through negotiated solutions or litigation.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Marine Environmental Law

01Marine environmental consultant or advisorenvironmental impact assessment, sustainability strategy and regulatory compliance.

02Lawyer specializing in marine environmental lawlegal advice, environmental litigation and compliance.

03Public administration specialistenvironmental policy, enforcement and monitoring, and natural resource management at local, regional or national level.

04Marine and coastal project managerplanning, execution and monitoring of conservation, restoration and sustainable development projects.

05Sustainability manager in maritime companiessustainable practices, reporting and environmental risk management.

06Marine environmental auditorverification of compliance with environmental legislation and preparation of audit reports.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Marine Environmental Law

Marine environmental law: the international, regional and national rules that protect the ocean, from pollution and biodiversity conservation to marine protected areas, impact assessment, liability and litigation.

No. The program is open to lawyers and also to graduates in environmental sciences, marine biology or environmental engineering, public officials and maritime professionals. The admission interview confirms that your profile fits.

Both. Specific modules cover inspections, sanctions, environmental litigation, expert evidence, remediation, environmental crime and compensation funds, always with analysis of real case law.

Among others, UNCLOS, MARPOL, the CBD, CITES, the London Convention, Ramsar, the High Seas Treaty, the Bonn Convention, regional seas conventions such as OSPAR, Barcelona and Helsinki, and the EU Environmental Liability Directive.

Online, with live and recorded classes, round-the-clock access to the learning materials and individual tutoring, designed to fit around your professional work.

Through case studies, legal analyses and assignments throughout the modules and a Final Project in which you develop an innovative legal proposal for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project with applied legal analysis that you can use as a professional portfolio.

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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: a degree in law, environmental sciences, marine biology, environmental engineering or a related field, or professional experience in the marine environmental sector.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone and a stable internet connection to access legal databases and the learning platform.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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