Course on Species of Marine Fauna and Flora
Why this course?
In the Marine Fauna and Flora Species course you will discover
Through this comprehensive course, learn to identify, classify, and understand marine biodiversity, from planktonic microorganisms to large mammals. Explore the unique adaptations of each species to its environment and its fundamental role in ocean ecosystems. Delve into the current threats these species face, such as pollution and climate change, and discover the most effective conservation strategies. This course will provide you with a solid foundation to contribute to the protection of our oceans.
Differential Advantages
- Species Identification: Learn to recognize the main species of marine fauna and flora.
- Marine Ecosystems: Understand the interdependence between species and their environment.
- Marine Conservation: Discover strategies to protect ocean biodiversity.
- Human Impact: Analyze the threats faced by marine species.
- Flexibility: Online course with access to materials and experts in the field.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Marine biologists and biology students who wish to deepen their knowledge of marine biodiversity and its conservation.
- Environmental management professionals who need to understand key species identification for environmental impact assessment and sustainable project planning.
- Science educators and communicators seeking up-to-date and educational resources to communicate the importance of marine flora and fauna to the general public.
- Divers and sea lovers interested in learning to recognize the species they observe on their dives and contributing to their protection.
- Fisheries policymakers and regulators who require technical knowledge for the sustainable management of resources marine.
Connection with nature
Designed for flexible learning: self-guided asynchronous modules, interactive discussion forums and downloadable material for offline reference.
Objectives and competencies

Identify and classify the main marine species:
“To morphologically recognize key species, differentiating taxonomic groups by habitat and behavior.”

Understanding the ecological interdependence between marine species:
“Analyze the food webs and ecological roles of different species to predict the effects of altering a component in the ecosystem.”

Assess the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems:
Analyze the bioaccumulation of pollutants and propose mitigation measures based on scientific data.

Apply conservation and restoration techniques to degraded marine habitats:
“Evaluate ecological viability, design intervention strategies and implement restoration actions (transplanting, stabilization, invasive species control) with subsequent monitoring.”

Develop sustainable marine resource management strategies:
“Implement environmental and social impact assessments in marine projects, promoting the participation of local communities and transparency in decision-making.”

Analyze the distribution and abundance of marine populations:
“Identify biotic and abiotic factors that influence population dynamics, using oceanographic data and distribution models.”
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 Marine Biodiversity: Definition, Importance, and Threats
- Identification of Key Species: Sampling Methodologies and Visual and Molecular Identification Techniques
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, and Deep-Sea Environments
- In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation: Marine Protected Areas, Germplasm Banks, and Aquariums
- International and National Legislation: International Conventions, Species Protection Laws, and Coastal Management
- Impact of Marine Pollution: Plastics, Oil Spills, Eutrophication, and Emerging Contaminants
- Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Effects on Marine Biodiversity and Mitigation Strategies
- Sustainable Fishing and Responsible Aquaculture: Certifications, fishing quotas, and sustainable aquaculture practices
- Environmental Education and Public Awareness: Educational programs, awareness campaigns, and citizen participation
- Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment: Biodiversity indicators, population monitoring, and environmental impact assessment
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key concepts, importance, and threats.
- Identification of Marine Species: Sampling techniques, taxonomic classification, and field guides.
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and upwelling zones.
- Impact of Pollution: Sources of pollution, effects on marine life, and mitigation strategies.
- Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Responsible practices, stock management, and seafood certification.
- Invasive Alien Species: Introduction mechanisms, ecological impact, and control strategies.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, management, effectiveness, and connectivity Ecological.
- National and International Legislation: Conventions, treaties, and regulations for marine conservation.
- Climate Change and Oceans: Acidification, temperature increase, extreme events, and their effects on biodiversity.
- Restoration of Marine Ecosystems: Rehabilitation techniques, monitoring, and project evaluation.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Concepts, Importance, and Threats
- Identification of Key Species: Sampling Methodologies and Visual Identification Techniques
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Beds, and their Conservation
- Threatened and Endangered Species: Causes, Impact, and Recovery Strategies
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, Management, and Conservation Effectiveness
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
- Climate Change and Oceans: Acidification, Temperature Increase, and their Effects on the Biodiversity
International and National Legislation: Conventions, Agreements, and Laws for Marine Protection
Sustainable Fisheries Management: Quotas, Selective Fishing Gear, and Certification
Environmental Education and Community Participation: Tools for Marine Conservation‘
- Introduction to marine biodiversity: Definition, importance, and threats.
- Identification techniques: Dichotomous keys, field guides, and molecular tools.
- Marine ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, sandy bottoms, and pelagic areas.
- Key taxonomic groups: Fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, seabirds, and algae.
- Invasive species: Identification, impact, and control strategies.
- Biodiversity monitoring: Sampling methods, data analysis, and conservation status assessment.
- Marine conservation legislation and policies: International conventions, national laws, and protected areas protected areas.
- Marine resource management: Sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and responsible tourism.
- Restoration of marine ecosystems: Techniques for rehabilitating degraded habitats.
- Environmental education and community participation: Strategies to promote marine conservation.
‘
- 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 Marine Biodiversity: Definition, Importance, and Threats
- Identification of Key Species: Sampling Methodologies and Visual and Molecular Identification Techniques
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, and Deep-Sea Environments
- In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation: Marine Protected Areas, Germplasm Banks, and Aquariums
- International and National Legislation: International Conventions, Species Protection Laws, and Coastal Management
- Impact of Marine Pollution: Plastics, Oil Spills, Eutrophication, and Emerging Contaminants
- Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Effects on Marine Biodiversity and Mitigation Strategies
- Sustainable Fishing and Responsible Aquaculture: Certifications, fishing quotas, and sustainable aquaculture practices
- Environmental Education and Public Awareness: Educational programs, awareness campaigns, and citizen participation
- Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment: Biodiversity indicators, population monitoring, and environmental impact assessment
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key concepts, importance, and threats.
- Identification of Marine Species: Sampling techniques, taxonomic classification, and field guides.
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and upwelling zones.
- Impact of Pollution: Sources of pollution, effects on marine life, and mitigation strategies.
- Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Responsible practices, stock management, and seafood certification.
- Invasive Alien Species: Introduction mechanisms, ecological impact, and control strategies.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, management, effectiveness, and connectivity Ecological.
- National and International Legislation: Conventions, treaties, and regulations for marine conservation.
- Climate Change and Oceans: Acidification, temperature increase, extreme events, and their effects on biodiversity.
- Restoration of Marine Ecosystems: Rehabilitation techniques, monitoring, and project evaluation.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Concepts, Importance, and Threats
- Identification of Key Species: Sampling Methodologies and Visual Identification Techniques
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Beds, and their Conservation
- Threatened and Endangered Species: Causes, Impact, and Recovery Strategies
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, Management, and Conservation Effectiveness
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
- Climate Change and Oceans: Acidification, Temperature Increase, and their Effects on the Biodiversity
International and National Legislation: Conventions, Agreements, and Laws for Marine Protection
Sustainable Fisheries Management: Quotas, Selective Fishing Gear, and Certification
Environmental Education and Community Participation: Tools for Marine Conservation‘
- Introduction to marine biodiversity: Definition, importance, and threats.
- Identification techniques: Dichotomous keys, field guides, and molecular tools.
- Marine ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, sandy bottoms, and pelagic areas.
- Key taxonomic groups: Fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, seabirds, and algae.
- Invasive species: Identification, impact, and control strategies.
- Biodiversity monitoring: Sampling methods, data analysis, and conservation status assessment.
- Marine conservation legislation and policies: International conventions, national laws, and protected areas protected areas.
- Marine resource management: Sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and responsible tourism.
- Restoration of marine ecosystems: Techniques for rehabilitating degraded habitats.
- Environmental education and community participation: Strategies to promote marine conservation.
‘
- 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 Marine Biodiversity: Definition, Importance, and Value
- Key Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, ocean floor
- Identification of Marine Species: Sampling techniques, taxonomy, dichotomous keys
- Threats to Marine Biodiversity: Pollution, overfishing, climate change, invasive species
- Marine Conservation Legislation and Policies: International agreements, national laws, protected areas
- Sustainable Management of Marine Resources: Responsible fishing, sustainable tourism, sustainable aquaculture
- Restoration of Marine Ecosystems: Repopulation of species, restoration of degraded habitats
- Environmental Education and Awareness: Educational programs, scientific outreach, citizen participation
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Marine Biodiversity: Ecosystem health indicators, species tracking, data analysis
- Technological Tools for Conservation: GIS, remote sensing, environmental DNA, underwater acoustics
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Concepts, Importance, and Threats
- Identification of Marine Species: Taxonomy, Classification, and Study Methods
- Key Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Beds, and Deep Waters
- Monitoring and Evaluation Techniques: Visual Censuses, Environmental DNA Sampling, and Remote Sensing
- Marine Conservation: Marine Protected Areas, Habitat Restoration, and Threatened Species
- Sustainable Management of Marine Resources: Responsible Fishing, Sustainable Aquaculture, and Ecotourism
- Marine Environmental Legislation and Policies: International Conventions, National Laws and Marine Spatial Planning
Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity: Impacts, Vulnerability, and Adaptation Strategies
Environmental Education and Community Participation: Awareness, Outreach, and Citizen Science
Case Studies: Successful Conservation and Sustainable Management Projects in Different Regions
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biology: basic concepts and marine ecosystems.
- Marine Biodiversity: taxonomy, phylogeny, and adaptations.
- Identification Techniques: dichotomous keys, microscopy, and DNA.
- Coastal Ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs.
- Deep-Sea Ecosystems: hydrothermal vents and abyssal zones.
- Marine Pollution: types, sources, effects, and bioaccumulation.
- Marine Conservation Legislation and Policies: international and national agreements.
- Marine Protected Areas: design, management, and effectiveness.
- Restoration of Marine Ecosystems: techniques and projects.
- Marine Environmental Education and community participation.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key Concepts, Importance, and Threats.
- Identification of Marine Species: Sampling Techniques, Dichotomous Keys, and Molecular Tools.
- Key Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, Deep Sea Floors, and Their Biodiversity.
- Threatened and Endangered Species: Conservation Status Assessment and Recovery Plans.
- In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation: Marine Protected Areas, Aquariums, and Genebanks.
- Impact of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity: Ocean Acidification, Rising Temperatures, and Extreme Events.
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Effects on Biodiversity, and Strategies for Mitigation.
- International and national legislation for the conservation of marine biodiversity: Conventions, treaties, and laws.
- Sustainable fisheries management: Quotas, selective fishing gear, and an ecosystem approach.
- Citizen participation and environmental education: The role of society in marine conservation.
‘
Career opportunities
- Marine Conservation Technician: Implementation of protection and recovery programs for marine species and habitats.
- Marine Biologist: Study of the ecology, behavior, and physiology of marine fauna and flora.
- Marine Resource Manager: Sustainable planning and management of marine natural resources.
- Marine Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment of coastal and marine projects.
- Marine Environmental Educator: Design and development of educational programs to raise awareness about marine conservation.
- Aquarist: Maintenance and care of marine species in aquariums and exhibit centers.
- Marine Ecotourism Guide: Leading tours and activities for the responsible observation of marine fauna and flora.
- Sustainable Fisheries Technician: Implementation of sustainable fishing practices and assessment of the status of fish stocks.
“`
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
- Accurate Identification: Learn to recognize the main species of marine fauna and flora, including key characteristics and habitats.
- Marine Conservation: Discover the importance of marine biodiversity and strategies for its conservation and protection.
- Environmental Impact: Analyze the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems and possible solutions.
- Legislation: Familiarize yourself with marine environmental legislation and regulations relevant to the sustainable management of resources.
- Practical Applications: Acquire applicable knowledge in research, environmental management, ecotourism, and education.
Testimonials
During my marine fauna and flora training, I demonstrated an excellent ability to identify and classify diverse species, including corals, algae, bony and cartilaginous fish, and invertebrates. My knowledge of marine ecosystems and interspecies interactions was praised by the instructors. Furthermore, I excelled in the practical application of sampling and identification techniques in the field, contributing significantly to the success of the group research project on coastal biodiversity.
During my Marine Biology and Conservation course, I developed a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, from species identification to comprehending the complex interactions between them. I applied this knowledge to a research project on the impact of plastic pollution on sea turtle populations, which received top marks and was selected for presentation at a national conference. This experience allowed me to refine my research and data analysis skills and solidified my passion for ocean conservation.
During my training on marine flora and fauna, I acquired a solid understanding of the identification, classification, and ecology of various species. I applied this knowledge to a research project on the biodiversity of a coral reef, correctly identifying more than 50 species and proposing effective conservation measures. My work was praised for the accuracy of the data and the depth of the analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training I received.
I mastered the identification of key species of marine flora and fauna in the North Atlantic, including their life cycles and ecological roles. I applied this knowledge to design a coral reef health monitoring program, which detected an early decline in an indicator species and allowed for timely intervention that mitigated damage to the ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Marine fauna and flora.
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.
Marine fauna refers to the animals that live in the ocean, while marine flora refers to the plants and algae that live in the ocean.
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 Marine Biodiversity: Key Concepts, Importance, and Threats.
- Identification of Marine Species: Sampling Techniques, Dichotomous Keys, and Molecular Tools.
- Key Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, Deep Sea Floors, and Their Biodiversity.
- Threatened and Endangered Species: Conservation Status Assessment and Recovery Plans.
- In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation: Marine Protected Areas, Aquariums, and Genebanks.
- Impact of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity: Ocean Acidification, Rising Temperatures, and Extreme Events.
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Effects on Biodiversity, and Strategies for Mitigation.
- International and national legislation for the conservation of marine biodiversity: Conventions, treaties, and laws.
- Sustainable fisheries management: Quotas, selective fishing gear, and an ecosystem approach.
- Citizen participation and environmental education: The role of society in marine conservation.
‘
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
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor