Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Marine Invasive Species Management
The Diploma in Marine Invasive Species Management Prepares you to prevent, detect and manage invasive non-native species in the marine environment, one of the main threats to coastal biodiversity. You will study introduction pathw
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Invasive Species Management?
The Diploma in Marine Invasive Species Management
Prepares you to prevent, detect and manage invasive non-native species in the marine environment, one of the main threats to coastal biodiversity. You will study introduction pathways such as ballast water and ship biofouling, risk assessment, early detection using techniques such as environmental DNA, and the realistic options for control and eradication, together with the international and European regulatory framework that governs their management.
Key advantages
- Prevention first: Pathways, risk analysis and biosecurity.
- The maritime sector: Ballast water, hulls, ports and aquaculture.
- Early detection: Surveillance, environmental DNA and citizen science.
- Realistic management: What can and cannot be controlled at sea.
- Case study: A management plan for a specific species or port.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Identify pathways: Analyse ballast water and biofouling.
- Assess risk: Apply invasion risk assessment.
- Detect early: Design early warning surveillance networks.
- Manage impacts: Plan control and eradication where feasible.
- Boost your profile: Work for ports, public bodies, consultancies and shipping companies.
- Train to halt the spread of invasive species and protect coastal ecosystems.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Marine Bioinvasions
- Non-native and invasive species
- Stages of the invasion process
- Factors that favour invasions
- Impacts on biodiversity
- Economic impacts
- Health impacts
- Invasions and climate change
- Well-known marine examples
02
Introduction Pathways
- Ballast water
- Hull biofouling
- Aquaculture and hitchhiker species
- The aquarium trade
- Interoceanic canals
- Platforms and floating structures
- Recreational boating
- Floating marine litter
03
Prevention and Biosecurity
- The IMO BWM Convention
- Ballast water treatment systems
- IMO biofouling guidelines
- Hull cleaning and its control
- Biosecurity in aquaculture
- Biosecurity in ports
- Biosecurity plans
- Communicating with sea users
04
Risk Analysis and Prioritisation
- Foundations of risk analysis
- Priority species lists
- Pathway analysis
- Habitat suitability models
- Horizon scanning
- Uncertainty in risk
- Prioritising resources
- Impact assessment
05
Early Detection and Surveillance
- Designing surveillance networks
- Port sampling
- Settlement plates
- Environmental DNA
- Taxonomic identification
- Citizen science
- Databases and alerts
- Rapid response
06
Control, Containment and Eradication
- When eradication is possible
- Manual and mechanical removal
- Physical and chemical control methods
- Biological control and its risks
- Targeted fishing and use
- Containing populations
- Animal welfare and ethics
- Evaluating results
07
Regulatory Framework and Governance
- The Convention on Biological Diversity
- IMO regulations
- The EU regulation on invasive alien species
- The Marine Strategy Framework Directive
- National regulations and species lists
- Responsibilities of ports and shipowners
- Regional cooperation
- Management plans
08
Case Study: Management Plan for an Invasive Species
- Choosing the species or port
- Pathway analysis
- Risk assessment
- Surveillance design
- Prevention measures
- Control options
- Indicators and monitoring
- Presenting the plan
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Biologists and marine science graduates: who want to specialise in biological invasions Port and harbour authority staff: who manage environmental risks Shipping and shipyard professionals: who apply ballast water and biofouling rules Environmental agency officers: who manage invasive non-native species Aquaculture professionals: who need to control introduction risks
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 marine bioinvasions
- 02Identify introduction pathways
- 03Assess risk
- 04Design surveillance
- 05Plan the response
- 06Apply the regulations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Invasive species officer: Management and control in environmental agencies.
02Port environmental officer: Biosecurity and surveillance in ports.
03Ballast water specialist: Regulatory compliance for shipping companies and shipyards.
04Environmental consultant: Risk analysis and management plans.
05Molecular surveillance technician: Detection using environmental DNA.
06Aquaculture biosecurity officer: Preventing introductions in aquaculture.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Only in specific cases and when detected very early; that is why the programme prioritises prevention and early detection.
Yes. The IMO BWM Convention and how it is applied in practice on ships and in ports are analysed.
Yes. It is relevant to shipping companies, shipyards and ports that manage ballast water and biofouling.
No. The programme does not replace official inspection training or authorisations.
A management plan for an invasive species or a port, with risk assessment, surveillance and measures.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 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 Diploma in Marine Invasive Species Management 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: A degree in biology, marine science, environmental science, nautical science or a related field; or professional experience in ports, shipping or environmental management. 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
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