BL6016 Marine Ecology & Conservation

The main characteristics, key biological processes and biodiversity of key benthic and pelagic marine biomes on a global scale including temperate, polar and tropical. This will include both hard and soft sediments e.g. coral reefs, mangroves, temperate rocky shores, estuaries, open water and deep sea habitats. Conservation in the broad sense at all levels including goods and ecological services, sustainability, protected areas, natural and anthropogenic threats, invasive species and ecotourism.The module will also include two workshops on scientific writing and statistics as well seminar presentation techniques. On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Describe the characteristics, processes and biodiversity of the major marine biomes
2. Comprehend the totality of the relationships that govern the natural working of marine biomes
3. Comprehend the actions of human use on natural marine biomes
4. Suggest conservation solutions to case studies of marine biome exploitation
5. Appraise the complexity and interconnectedness of marine biomes and their sustainable use and the relevant skills so as to be able to recommend workable solutions for their conservation