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Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Seamounts: Science, Fisheries and Protection
Introduces you to the study of seamounts, volcanic features that concentrate biodiversity and attract pelagic and deep-sea species. You will learn about their geological origin, the oceanographic processes that make them hotspots…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Seamounts: Science, Fisheries and Protection?
The Course in Seamounts: Science, Fisheries and Protection
Introduces you to the study of seamounts, volcanic features that concentrate biodiversity and attract pelagic and deep-sea species. You will learn about their geological origin, the oceanographic processes that make them hotspots of life, their coral and sponge communities, the history of deep-sea fisheries and their vulnerability to overfishing, and the international management and protection tools, from regional fisheries organisations to marine protected areas.
Key advantages
- An integrated view: Geology, oceanography, biology and fisheries in one course.
- Real fisheries management: Vulnerable marine ecosystems and area closures.
- Conservation: Protected areas and high-seas governance.
- Flexible format: Focused, practical content.
- Case study: A management proposal for a seamount.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Know their origin: Understand the geology of seamounts.
- Understand their productivity: Analyse the associated oceanographic processes.
- Discover their fauna: Study corals, sponges and deep-sea fishes.
- Manage fisheries: Apply sustainability and precautionary criteria.
- Broaden your profile: Complement your training in marine science or fisheries management.
- Learn to understand and protect the biodiversity oases of the open ocean.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Seamount Geology
- What a seamount is
- Volcanic origin and hotspots
- Guyots and drowned islands
- Global distribution
- Mapping and bathymetry
02
Oceanography and Productivity
- Interaction with currents
- Taylor columns and retention
- Local upwelling
- Prey aggregation
- Effects on pelagic species
03
Associated Biodiversity
- Cold-water corals and gorgonians
- Sponge aggregations
- Deep-sea fishes
- Pelagic visitors: tuna, sharks and cetaceans
- Endemism and connectivity
04
Deep-Sea Fisheries
- History of seamount fishing
- Long-lived, slow-growing species
- Impact of bottom trawling
- Data-poor stock assessment
- Regional fisheries management organisations
05
Management and Protection
- Vulnerable marine ecosystems
- FAO guidelines for deep-sea fisheries
- Marine protected areas on seamounts
- Monitoring and control
- Case study: a management proposal for a seamount
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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 science and biology students and graduates: who want to specialise in deep-sea ecosystems Fisheries managers: working with deep-sea fisheries NGO and conservation professionals: promoting protected areas Public administration staff: involved in ocean policy Science communicators and teachers: interested in the open ocean
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
- 01Understand seamount geology
- 02Analyse their oceanography
- 03Describe their biodiversity
- 04Know deep-sea fisheries
- 05Apply management tools
- 06Plan protection
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Fisheries management officer: Assessing and managing deep-sea fisheries.
02Marine conservation officer: Designing and monitoring protected areas.
03Ocean policy analyst: High-seas governance.
04Science communicator: Communicating deep-sea ecosystems.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Because many of their species grow very slowly and reproduce late, and their seabed communities take a long time to recover.
No. It depends on the area; the course looks at closures, management measures and protected areas.
No; the basic concepts are explained.
Yes, including regional fisheries management organisations and the UNCLOS framework.
Drawing up a management and protection proposal for a seamount.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Seamounts: Science, Fisheries and Protection qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: Students or graduates in marine science, biology, environmental science or related fields, and fisheries and conservation professionals. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.