Course on Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
Why this course?
The Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating marine world, exploring the biodiversity, ecological functions, and challenges that these valuable environments face. Learn about coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and open ocean areas, understanding their importance to life on Earth and human well-being. This program offers a comprehensive view of marine conservation, sustainable management, and innovative solutions to protect our oceans.
Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Biology, ecology, oceanography, politics, and economics intertwine for a comprehensive understanding.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of successful projects and challenges in marine ecosystem management at a global level.
- Management Tools: Learn to apply GIS, ecological modeling, and environmental impact assessment.
- International Experts: Leading professors and professionals in marine research and conservation.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals passionate about ocean protection.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Students and recent graduates in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental sciences seeking a solid foundation in the ecology of marine ecosystems.
- Professionals in the fishing and aquaculture sectors who wish to understand the impact of their activities and promote sustainable practices.
- Environmental consultants and public administration technicians interested in the management and conservation of coastal and oceanic areas.
- Science educators and communicators seeking up-to-date materials and tools to communicate the importance of marine ecosystems.
- Anyone with an interest in marine life and environmental conservation who wishes to expand their knowledge.
Flexibility of Learning
Access the content at your own pace, with discussion forums to resolve doubts and practical activities to consolidate your knowledge.
Objectives and competencies
Assessing the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems:
“Analyze key biological, chemical, and physical indicators to determine the integrity and resilience of these ecosystems.”
Implement effective marine conservation strategies:
Establish and monitor marine protected areas, regulate fishing activities and promote sustainable tourism to preserve biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
Develop predictive models for the sustainable management of marine resources:
“Implementing Machine Learning techniques to optimize fishing quotas and predict the impact of climate change on marine biomass, integrating oceanographic and fisheries data into robust models.”
Promoting community participation in ocean protection:
“Organize beach clean-up days and environmental awareness campaigns with volunteers and local NGOs.”
Promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices:
Implement selective fishing gear, minimize discards and protect spawning areas.
Restoring degraded marine habitats using innovative techniques:
“Implement biocompatible artificial reef structures and monitor their colonization.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (ICOM): Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International Conventions, National Legislation, and Regional Agreements
- Marine Spatial Planning: Zoning, Protected Areas, and Multiple Uses of the Ocean
- Coastal Zone Management: Erosion, Flooding, Coastal Infrastructure, and Sustainable Tourism
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Prevention and Control Strategies
- Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Stock Management, Fishing Gear, and Good Aquaculture Practices
- Climate Change and the Ocean: Acidification, Sea Level Rise, and Adaptation
- Marine Biodiversity and Conservation: Vulnerable ecosystems, threatened species, and marine protected areas
Citizen Participation and Governance: Stakeholder engagement, decision-making, and transparency
Indicators and Evaluation of the GICO: Monitoring, tracking, and adaptation of strategies
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Oceanic Zone Management (ICZM): Key concepts and historical evolution.
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International agreements, national and regional legislation relevant to ICZM.
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity: Coastal and oceanic ecosystems, protected species, and conservation.
- Coastal and Oceanographic Processes: Coastal dynamics, ocean currents, tides, and climate change.
- Environmental Impacts: Marine pollution, eutrophication, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
- Human Uses and Activities: Fishing, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, energy, and mining.
- Planning and Management Tools: Environmental assessment Strategic planning, maritime spatial planning, indicators, and monitoring systems.
Citizen Participation and Governance: Stakeholder involvement, conflict resolution, and participatory decision-making.
Adaptation to Climate Change: Vulnerability of coastal zones, adaptation and mitigation measures.
Case Studies: Examples of good practices in integrated coastal zone and ocean management.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Zone Management: Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: International Conventions, National and Regional Legislation
- Marine Spatial Planning: Tools and Methodologies for Zoning and Activity Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Methodologies, Impact Identification and Mitigation
- Coastal Ecosystem Management: Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Restoration
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Responsible Practices, Minimizing Environmental Impacts
- Sustainable Coastal Tourism: Planning, Resource Management, and Community Participation
- Adaptation to Climate Change: Coastal Risks, Mitigation Strategies, and Adaptation.
Governance and Public Participation: Institutional Framework, Stakeholders, and Consultation Processes.
Sustainability Indicators: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM)
- International and National Legal Framework: Conventions, Treaties, and Relevant Legislation
- Coastal and Oceanographic Dynamics: Key Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes
- Marine and Coastal Biodiversity: Vulnerable Ecosystems, Protected Species, and Ecosystem Services
- Impacts of Climate Change: Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, and Extreme Events
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Types of Pollutants, and Mitigation Strategies
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Tools and Methodologies for Sustainable Management
- Sustainable Tourism in Areas Coastal Areas: Good Practices, Certification, and Ecotourism
Sustainable Aquaculture: Responsible Practices, Environmental Impacts, and Food Security
Governance and Citizen Participation: Involvement of Key Stakeholders, Public Consultation, and Transparency
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (ICOM): Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International Conventions, National Legislation, and Regional Agreements
- Marine Spatial Planning: Zoning, Protected Areas, and Multiple Uses of the Ocean
- Coastal Zone Management: Erosion, Flooding, Coastal Infrastructure, and Sustainable Tourism
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Prevention and Control Strategies
- Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Stock Management, Fishing Gear, and Good Aquaculture Practices
- Climate Change and the Ocean: Acidification, Sea Level Rise, and Adaptation
- Marine Biodiversity and Conservation: Vulnerable ecosystems, threatened species, and marine protected areas
Citizen Participation and Governance: Stakeholder engagement, decision-making, and transparency
Indicators and Evaluation of the GICO: Monitoring, tracking, and adaptation of strategies
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Oceanic Zone Management (ICZM): Key concepts and historical evolution.
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International agreements, national and regional legislation relevant to ICZM.
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity: Coastal and oceanic ecosystems, protected species, and conservation.
- Coastal and Oceanographic Processes: Coastal dynamics, ocean currents, tides, and climate change.
- Environmental Impacts: Marine pollution, eutrophication, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
- Human Uses and Activities: Fishing, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, energy, and mining.
- Planning and Management Tools: Environmental assessment Strategic planning, maritime spatial planning, indicators, and monitoring systems.
Citizen Participation and Governance: Stakeholder involvement, conflict resolution, and participatory decision-making.
Adaptation to Climate Change: Vulnerability of coastal zones, adaptation and mitigation measures.
Case Studies: Examples of good practices in integrated coastal zone and ocean management.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Zone Management: Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: International Conventions, National and Regional Legislation
- Marine Spatial Planning: Tools and Methodologies for Zoning and Activity Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Methodologies, Impact Identification and Mitigation
- Coastal Ecosystem Management: Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Restoration
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Responsible Practices, Minimizing Environmental Impacts
- Sustainable Coastal Tourism: Planning, Resource Management, and Community Participation
- Adaptation to Climate Change: Coastal Risks, Mitigation Strategies, and Adaptation.
Governance and Public Participation: Institutional Framework, Stakeholders, and Consultation Processes.
Sustainability Indicators: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM)
- International and National Legal Framework: Conventions, Treaties, and Relevant Legislation
- Coastal and Oceanographic Dynamics: Key Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes
- Marine and Coastal Biodiversity: Vulnerable Ecosystems, Protected Species, and Ecosystem Services
- Impacts of Climate Change: Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, and Extreme Events
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Types of Pollutants, and Mitigation Strategies
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Tools and Methodologies for Sustainable Management
- Sustainable Tourism in Areas Coastal Areas: Good Practices, Certification, and Ecotourism
Sustainable Aquaculture: Responsible Practices, Environmental Impacts, and Food Security
Governance and Citizen Participation: Involvement of Key Stakeholders, Public Consultation, and Transparency
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management: Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International Conventions, National Legislation, and Regional Agreements
- Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Ecological Functions, and Ecosystem Services
- Pressures and Threats: Pollution, Overfishing, Climate Change, Coastal Urbanization
- Marine Spatial Planning: Objectives, Principles, Methodologies, and Tools
- Strategic Environmental Assessment: Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
- Citizen Participation: Consultation, Involvement, and Empowerment Mechanisms
- Coastal Governance: Models Management, inter-institutional coordination, and public-private collaboration.
Sustainability Indicators: Monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of management strategies.
Case Studies: Good practices and lessons learned in coastal and ocean management.
‘
- Introduction to marine biodiversity: definition, importance, and global distribution.
- Key marine ecosystems: coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, ocean floor.
- Flagship marine species: cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds, reef fish.
- Climate change and its effects on the oceans: acidification, warming, sea level rise.
- Impact of climate change on marine biodiversity: displacements, extinctions, changes in food webs.
- Marine pollution: plastics, spills, heavy metals, and their effect on ecosystems.
- Overfishing and destructive fishing practices: impact on fish populations and in ecosystems.
- Marine Protected Areas: types, management, and effectiveness in biodiversity conservation.
- Conservation Strategies: ecosystem restoration, fisheries management, pollution reduction.
- Legal and Institutional Framework for marine conservation: international agreements, national and regional legislation.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management: Key Concepts and Challenges
- Legal and Political Framework: National and International Legislation, Conventions, and Treaties
- Oceanography and Coastal Dynamics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes of the Coastline
- Coastal Ecology: Coastal Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services
- Natural Resource Management: Fisheries, Aquaculture, Tourism, and Renewable Energies
- Land Use Planning and Management: Management Instruments, Zoning, and Land Uses
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Methodologies, Case Studies, and Mitigation
- Climate Change and Risks
Coastal Areas: Adaptation, Mitigation, and Resilience.
Citizen Participation and Governance: Participatory Management Models and Decision-Making.
Sustainability Indicators and Monitoring: Tools for Evaluation and Monitoring.
‘
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Marine Zone Management (ICZM): concepts, evolution, and principles.
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International agreements, national and regional legislation.
- Analysis of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem: Biological, physical, and chemical components.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in coastal and marine projects.
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Methodologies, tools, and case studies.
- Natural Resource Management: Sustainable fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
- Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Protected areas, threatened species, and ecological restoration.
- Risk Management and Disasters: Climate change, extreme events, and coastal adaptation.
Community Participation and Governance: Involvement of local actors in decision-making.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the ICZM: Indicators, information systems, and continuous adaptation.
‘
Career opportunities
- Coastal Natural Resource Manager: Sustainable planning and management of coastal areas, environmental impact assessment.
- Marine Environmental Consultant: Advising on coastal development projects, marine environmental risk assessment.
- Scientific Researcher: Studies on marine biodiversity, climate change, and its effects on ocean ecosystems.
- Marine Laboratory Technician: Analysis of water and sediment samples, marine environmental quality control.
- Environmental Educator: Design and delivery of awareness and education programs on marine ecosystems.
- Aquaculturist: Sustainable production of marine species in aquaculture systems.
- Oceanographer: Modeling and study of ocean processes, ocean currents, and ocean climate.
- Marine Protected Area Manager: Conservation and management of marine protected natural areas.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Discover the richness: Explore the biodiversity and vital importance of coastal and ocean ecosystems.
- Understand the challenges: Analyze current threats, from pollution to climate change, and their impact on these environments.
- Learn how to protect them: Acquire tools and strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.
- Get involved: Train to contribute to research, environmental education, and informed decision-making.
- Become an expert: Gain a comprehensive understanding to drive innovative solutions and protect the future of our oceans.
Testimonials
During my training in Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems, I applied the knowledge I gained about nutrient dynamics in mangroves to design a sustainable aquaculture system that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes shrimp production, receiving praise for the project’s viability and ecological approach.
During my Marine Biology and Conservation course, I developed a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and the threats they face. I applied this knowledge to design a research project on ocean acidification and its impact on corals, which received top marks and was selected for presentation at a regional symposium. The experience strengthened my research and data analysis skills, confirmed my passion for marine conservation, and inspired me to continue studying this field.
During my training in Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems, I developed a deep understanding of the complex interactions between species and their environment. I applied this knowledge to design a mangrove restoration plan, considering both biotic and abiotic factors, which was subsequently implemented successfully by a local NGO, resulting in a 30% increase in the juvenile crab population within six months.
During my training in Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems, I developed a deep understanding of the complex interactions between species and their environment. I applied this knowledge to design a mangrove restoration plan, considering key biotic and abiotic factors, which was subsequently implemented successfully by a local NGO, resulting in a 20% increase in the juvenile crab population within six months and a visible improvement in water quality.
Frequently asked questions
Oceans and freshwater bodies.
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.
A mangrove
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal and Marine Zone Management (ICZM): concepts, evolution, and principles.
- Legal and Institutional Framework: International agreements, national and regional legislation.
- Analysis of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem: Biological, physical, and chemical components.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in coastal and marine projects.
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Methodologies, tools, and case studies.
- Natural Resource Management: Sustainable fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
- Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Protected areas, threatened species, and ecological restoration.
- Risk Management and Disasters: Climate change, extreme events, and coastal adaptation.
Community Participation and Governance: Involvement of local actors in decision-making.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the ICZM: Indicators, information systems, and continuous adaptation.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.