Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Marine Protected Area Management
This program equips you to lead the conservation of our oceans. You will learn to design and implement effective strategies for the protection of marine ecosystems, considering biological, socioeconomic, and political aspects…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Marine Protected Area Management?
The Master's in Marine Protected Area Management
This program equips you to lead the conservation of our oceans. You will learn to design and implement effective strategies for the protection of marine ecosystems, considering biological, socioeconomic, and political aspects. This program will provide you with the necessary tools to address the challenges of integrated coastal management, marine spatial planning, and environmental impact assessment. You will develop skills in scientific research, effective communication, and collaboration with stakeholders to promote the sustainability of marine resources.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Combines marine science, environmental management, law, and economics.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analyzes examples of success and failure in MPA management globally.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: Uses GIS software and technologies for planning and monitoring.
- Professional Networking: Connect with experts and leaders in marine conservation.
- Professional Internships: Gain real-world experience in marine conservation organizations.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Conservation Strategies: Learn to design and implement effective management plans for the protection of marine biodiversity.
- Legal Framework and Policies: Master the international and national legislation relevant to the governance of marine protected areas.
- Sustainable Resource Management: Acquire skills to balance conservation with the sustainable use of marine resources.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Learn advanced techniques for monitoring the state of ecosystems and the effectiveness of management measures.
- Community Engagement: Learn to involve local communities in management, fostering collaboration and sustainable development.
- Boost your career in marine conservation and contribute to the protection of our oceans.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation for the effective conservation of marine protected areas
- Fundamentals of Strategic Planning in Marine Protected Areas: Theory, Principles and Conceptual Frameworks Applied to Marine Conservation
- Situational analysis and environmental diagnosis: Evaluation of ecosystems, biodiversity, anthropic threats and conservation status through scientific indicators
- Design and formulation of strategic objectives: Development of SMART targets oriented to the protection, restoration and sustainable use of marine resources
- Evidence-based planning tools: Participatory methodologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial modelling for zoning and marine ordering
- Environmental and Socioeconomic Monitoring: Protocol Establishment, Selection of Key Variables, Sampling Techniques and International Standards for Reliable Data Collection
- Evaluation of effectiveness in marine protected areas: indicators of ecological, social and economic performance; Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Information systems and emerging technologies: use of drones, satellites, and remote sensors for real-time monitoring and monitoring
- Adaptive Management: Feedback Cycles, Reviews, and Continuous Adjustments Based on Monitoring Results to Optimise Conservation Strategies
- Integration of stakeholders and collabourative governance: community participation mechanisms, public-private partnerships and knowledge transfer for institutional strengthening
- Environmental and social impact assessment: methodologies to anticipate and mitigate possible negative effects of interventions in marine protected areas
02
Advanced instrumentation and innovative techniques for sustainable management and restoration of protected marine ecosystems
- Advanced Instrumentation Basics: Types of Oceanographic Sensors, Calibration, Accuracy and Data Validation for Marine Environmental Monitoring.
- Innovative techniques in remote sensing: application of satellites, drones and autonomous vehicles for data collection in marine protected areas.
- Integrated Monitoring Systems: On-site sensor integration with remote communication platforms for real-time data.
- Environmental modelling and numerical simulation: Development and use of hydrodynamic, ecological and dispersion models for the predictive management of marine ecosystems.
- Implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Advanced mapping, spatial analysis and visualisation of data applied to the management of marine protected areas.
- Technologies for ecological restoration: Biotechnological and robotic tools used in the rehabilitation of degraded habitats, including coral reefs and sea grasses.
- Bioacoustic monitoring and environmental analysis: Application of acoustic techniques for the monitoring of biodiversity and evaluation of anthropogenic impacts.
- Advanced sampling and evaluation protocols: Statistical and technical methods for the collection and analysis of physical, chemical and biological parametres in protected marine environments.
- Data management and big data in marine conservation: storage, processing and analysis of large volumes of information for evidence-based decision-making.
- Success stories and applied studies: Critical review of innovative projects in management and restoration with advanced instrumentation at a global level, with a focus on sustainability and replicability.
03
Integrated strategies for planning, monitoring and evaluation for the conservation and sustainable recovery of protected marine ecosystems
- Fundamentals of Integrated Planning for Marine Protected Areas: Defining Objectives, Scope and Stakeholders Involved
- Advanced Ecosystem Diagnostic Methodologies: Habitat Assessment, Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystem Services
- Strategic design of management plans: zoning, regulation of activities and establishment of precautionary and restorative measures
- Spatial and temporal simulation models for predicting anthropogenic impacts and climate change
- Technical and regulatory instruments for the effective implementation of conservation and recovery strategies
- Ecological and socioeconomic monitoring protocols: selection of biophysical and social indicators, frequency and sampling methods
- Remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) applied to the monitoring and evaluation of marine protected areas
- Advanced statistical analysis for the interpretation of environmental and social data in decision-making
- Adaptive performance evaluation: Metric design, critical threshold setting, and feedback mechanisms
- Integration of monitoring results for updating and continuous improvement of management plans
04
Governance, zoning, control and restoration: operational tools and advanced technologies for the comprehensive management of marine protected areas
- Fundamentals of environmental governance in marine protected areas: international, regional and national legal frameworks
- Collabourative Governance Models: Key Actors, Co-management and Community Participation
- Spatial zoning: biological, ecological and socioeconomic criteria for the delimitation of functional areas
- Advanced Marine Mapping Techniques: Use of GIS, remote sensing and bathymetric data for precise planning
- Control and surveillance systems: satellite technologies, drones and acoustic sensors for real-time monitoring
- Protocols for patrol and coastal surveillance: standard operating procedures, regulations and inter-institutional coordination
- Implementation of automated technologies and artificial intelligence in the detection of illicit activities and environmental changes
- Advanced Strategies and Techniques for Marine Ecological Restoration: Rehabilitation of Critical Habitats and Adaptive Management
- Environmental impact assessment and post-restoration monitoring: relevant biological, chemical and physical indicators
- Integration of zoning and control in adaptive management plans: analysis of cases and proposals for continuous improvement
05
Advanced techniques of surveillance, control and adaptive management for the comprehensive protection of marine areas
- Fundamentals and principles of surveillance in marine protected areas: objectives, scope and applicable international regulations
- Remote monitoring technologies: satellite systems, drones, acoustic and optical sensors for continuous surveillance and early detection of illicit activities
- Control and patrol systems: integration of maritime, air and ground platforms for efficient and coordinated coverage
- Adaptive management: Dynamic processes for scientific evidence-based management and rapid response to emerging threats
- Protocols and strategies for the control of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), and other anthropogenic activities that compromise biodiversity
- Impact assessment methodologies: Use of ecological and social indicators to measure the effectiveness of real-time protection and adjustment actions
- Design and execution of operational plans based on GIS data and spatial analysis to optimise resources and maximise results in protection
- Training in inspection and assurance techniques: equipment, safe operation and legal procedures for intervention in the field
- Conflict management and effective communication with local communities, fishing actors and security forces to promote participatory governance
- Technical reports and legal documentation: Preparation of detailed reports, registration of evidence and procedures for presentation to regulatory and judicial bodies
06
Innovative strategies for planning, monitoring and evaluation for sustainable conservation and recovery of protected marine ecosystems
- Fundamentals and principles of strategic planning in marine protected areas: definition of objectives, scope, temporal and spatial scales.
- Advanced methodologies for the identification and prioritisation of anthropogenic and natural threats to marine ecosystems.
- Participatory and inclusive design: Incorporation of key actors, local communities, government agencies and scientists for effective co-management.
- Preparation of adaptive management plans: integration of ecosystem-based approaches, climate and socioeconomic change scenarios.
- Ecological monitoring systems: design of observation station networks, biological and physical-chemical indicators, and use of remote technologies (drones, satellite sensors, acoustic systems).
- Analytical tools for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented strategies: indicators of biodiversity, environmental quality, connectivity and ecosystem resilience.
- Predictive modelling for the recovery of degraded habitats: Use of specialised software and simulations based on historical and real-time data.
- Community and scientific monitoring: standardised protocols for the collection, analysis and validation of data in the field.
- Implementation of innovative technologies for real-time monitoring and remote management: advanced GIS systems, mobile applications and collabourative platforms.
- Comprehensive evaluation of environmental and social impact: legal frameworks, international regulations and sustainability criteria for decision-making.
07
Strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation for effective conservation and restoration of protected marine ecosystems
- Fundamentals of Strategic Planning Applied to Marine Protected Areas (AMP): Ecological Objectives, Scope and Baselines
- Advanced methodologies for scientific and socioeconomic diagnosis in AMP: SWOT analysis, stakeholder matrix and risk assessment
- Design and formulation of adaptive management plans: criteria for zoning, establishment of core areas, buffer and compatible uses
- Geospatial and GIS tools for planning: space modelling, thematic mapping and remote satellite monitoring
- Ecological monitoring protocols in marine ecosystems: Biological, physicochemical and socioeconomic indicators for effective conservation
- Implementation of monitoring systems based on innovative technologies: autonomous sensors, aquatic drones and collabourative platforms
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of MPAs: quantitative methods for measuring conservation status and recovery of degraded habitats
- Instruments for monitoring and participatory evaluation: Integration of local communities, NGOs and authorities in co-management processes
- Predictive models for the restoration of marine ecosystems: Assisted restoration, reef rehabilitation and recovery of critical populations
- Regulatory aspects and international legal framework for planning and monitoring in AMP: UN Conventions, Regional Treaties and National Legislation
08
Innovation and technology in the dynamic management of marine protected areas for conservation and sustainable use
- Fundamentals of technological innovation in the management of marine protected areas: definition, scope and current relevance
- Remote sensing tools and geographic information systems (GIS) applied to environmental and spatial monitoring
- Integration of remote sensors and oceanographic stations for continuous collection of hydrographic, oceanographic and biological data
- Dynamic predictive models: current simulation, nutrient flows, and climate change scenarios to support decision-making
- Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in complex data analysis for early threat detection and environmental impact assessment
- Development and use of collabourative digital platforms for participatory management and the exchange of information between key players
- Implementation of Autonomous Submarine Drones and Vehicles (AUVs) for remote monitoring, surveillance and control of illegal activities
- Innovations in coastal surveillance technologies: coastal radar, thermal cameras and early warning systems
- Evaluation of the efficiency of intelligent technologies for adaptive management and regulatory compliance in real time
- Success stories and applied studies on technological innovation in the conservation and sustainable use of marine protected areas at a global level
09
Integrated strategies, advanced technologies and operational tools for conservation, monitoring and sustainable restoration of protected marine ecosystems
- Fundamentals of marine conservation: ecological and biological principles in coastal and ocean ecosystems
- Design and development of integrated strategies for marine protected areas: Adaptive planning and ecosystem-based management (EBM)
- Advanced technologies for environmental monitoring: Use of remote sensors, drones, acoustic and satellite systems for real-time data collection
- Modelling and simulation of ecological dynamics: computational tools to anticipate anthropogenic and climatic impacts
- Implementation of specific geographic information systems (GIS) for the management of marine protected areas: spatial analysis and decision-making based on georeferenced data
- Operational tools for the restoration of marine ecosystems: coral rehabilitation techniques, seagrass reforestation and critical habitat management
- Biodiversity Monitoring and Ecosystem Health Assessment: Biological, Chemical and Physical Indicators for Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment
- Threat mitigation methodologies in marine protected areas: pollution control, illegal fishing, and unregulated tourism
- Protocols for community participation and collabourative governance: integration of local and scientific actors in decision-making processes
- Regulatory framework and legal compliance: Detailed analysis of international agreements (UNCLOS, CBD) and national regulations applicable to marine conservation
10
Public use, financing and social participation in marine protected areas
- Management of public use and visitors
- Sustainable tourism in protected areas
- regulated recreational activities
- Artisanal fishing and marine reserves
- Sustainable financing mechanisms
- Payments for ecosystem services
- Participation of local communities
- Volunteering and citizen science
- Education and environmental interpretation
- Evaluation of management effectiveness
11
Master’s Final Project in Marine Protected Area Management
- Fundamentals and Principles of Integrated Management of Marine Protected Areas (AMP): Definition, objectives, scope and international regulatory frameworks
- Environmental and socioeconomic diagnosis: Advanced tools for marine biodiversity analysis, essential habitat assessment, and economic assessment of ecosystem services
- Marine Spatial Planning Models (MSP): Methodology, Dynamic Zoning, and Multi-Criteria Evaluation for AMP Sustainability
- Innovative technologies for monitoring and conservation: satellite surveillance systems, aquatic drones, remote sensors, and remote sensing techniques applied to marine management
- Advanced GIS and Mapping Tools: Geospatial Data Integration, 3D Marine Ecosystem Modelling, and Decision Making Applications
- Participatory Strategies and Collabourative Governance: Design and application of inclusive processes involving local communities, fishermen, authorities and scientists in adaptive management
- Development of performance indicators and continuous monitoring: standardised protocols for monitoring biological, chemical and social variables, with emphasis on adaptability and resilience
- Evaluation of environmental and social impact: quantitative and qualitative techniques to identify risks and opportunities for conservation, mitigation and ecological restoration
- Integrated management scenario modelling: Use of predictive approaches and simulations to anticipate effects of anthropogenic pressures, climate change and management policies
- Design of the restoration and conservation master plan: setting goals, objectives, priority actions and schedules aligned with recognized international standards
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Marine biologists, ecologists, and oceanographers seeking specialization in the planning and management of sensitive marine ecosystems.Conservation and environmental professionals wishing to lead projects for the protection of marine biodiversity and ecological restoration.Public administration and NGO officials involved in the implementation of marine conservation and sustainable development
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Design and implement effective marine conservation strategies
- 02Assess and mitigate the impacts of human activities on vulnerable marine ecosystems
- 03To sustainably manage natural resources within marine protected areas
- 04Promote the participation of local communities in marine management and conservation
- 05Develop leadership and governance skills for the effective management of AMPs
- 06Establish and monitor scientific research programs applied to the management of MPAs
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Marine Protected Area (MPA) Manager: Planning, implementation, and management of MPAs, coordinating with different stakeholders (government agencies, local communities, NGOs).
03Marine Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment, development of sustainable management plans for marine and coastal resources.
04Marine Conservation Technician: Research and monitoring of marine ecosystems, implementation of conservation and restoration measures.
05Environmental Educator: Design and implementation of educational and awareness programs on the importance of marine conservation.
06Research Scientist: Development of research projects in marine ecology, conservation biology, and marine natural resource management.
07NGO Project Manager: Design, management, and evaluation of marine conservation projects.
08and sustainable development in the marine-coastal environment.
09Marine Natural Resources Manager: Working in public administrations in the management and regulation of activities that impact marine ecosystems.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems and their resources, through the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies for marine protected areas.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
In the management of marine protected areas, encompassing both the administration and conservation of these areas, regardless of their specific location.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Environmental Law, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in marine natural resource management, marine conservation, or protected areas.Specific Knowledge:Desirable knowledge of maritime and environmental legislation, marine ecology, fisheries management, and/or the socioeconomics of coastal communities.Language Proficiency:Spanish (native or C1). English (B2 level) is recommended for accessing scientific literature and particip
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Frequently Asked Questions
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