Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Reef and Ecosystem Conservation Course
This course provides you with the essential tools to understand and protect these valuable marine environments. Learn about the biology and ecology of reefs, the threats they face (climate change, pollution, overfishing), and the…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Reef and Ecosystem Conservation Course?
The Reef and Ecosystem Conservation Course
This course provides you with the essential tools to understand and protect these valuable marine environments. Learn about the biology and ecology of reefs, the threats they face (climate change, pollution, overfishing), and the most effective conservation strategies. This program combines theory and practice, including case studies, data analysis, and applied conservation projects, so you can become a agent of change in protecting our oceans.
Reef and Ecosystem Conservation Course
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, environmental policy, and resource management.
- Leading Experts: Learn from researchers and professionals with experience in reef conservation at a global level.
- Practical Tools: Acquire skills in reef monitoring, ecological restoration, and communication for conservation.
- Real-World Projects: Participate in conservation initiatives in collaboration with local and international organizations.
- Active Community: Join a network of professionals and enthusiasts committed to reef protection.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Conservation Fundamentals: Learn the key ecological principles for protecting reefs.
- Restoration Techniques: Master the most effective tools and methodologies for restoring damaged ecosystems.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Acquire skills for monitoring reef health and measuring the success of interventions.
- Human Impact and Solutions: Analyze threats to reefs and explore mitigation strategies and sustainable management.
- Certification: Gain official recognition of your knowledge and skills in marine conservation.
- Apply your knowledge to real-world projects and contribute to the protection of these valuable ecosystems.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of reef conservation, marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystem functioning
- Reef concept and differences between coral reefs, rocky, artificial, sea grasslands, mangroves and associated ecosystems
- Ecological importance of reefs as habitat, shelter, breeding area, natural barrier and biodiversity support
- Key organisms: corals, algae, reef fish, invertebrates, sponges, crustaceans, molluscs and microorganisms
- Relationship between reefs, water quality, light, temperature, currents, sediments and ecological connectivity
- Main Threats: Warming, Acidification, Pollution, Overfishing, Unregulated Tourism, Illness and Physical Damage
02
Ecological diagnosis, reef monitoring and environmental status assessment
- Basic monitoring methods: transects, quadrants, visual censuses, photography, video, photomosaics and direct observation
- Ecological Indicators: Coral Coverage, Fish Diversity, Invertebrate Abundance, Whitening, Mortality and Recruitment
- Water quality assessment: turbidity, nutrients, temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and presence of contaminants
- Identification of impacts by anchoring, trampling, fishing, waste, dredging, runoff, sedimentation and tourist activity
- Registration, organisation and basic analysis of environmental data for temporary monitoring of the ecosystem
03
Threats, climate change, pollution and human impact management in reefs
- Coral bleaching, heat stress, diseases, ocean acidification and loss of ecological resilience
- Contamination by wastewater, plastics, hydrocarbons, nutrients, pesticides, sediments and emerging contaminants
- Overfishing, loss of herbivorous species, alteration of trophic networks and decrease of key ecological functions
- Tourism, diving, snorkeling, boats, anchoring, coastal construction and physical damage on sensitive habitats
- Invasive species, algae proliferation, habitat degradation and changes in the composition of communities
04
Ecological restoration, adaptive management and recovery techniques for reef ecosystems
- Fundamentals of Reef Restoration and Differences between Passive Conservation, Active Restoration, Rehabilitation and Mitigation
- Coral gardening, nurseries, controlled fragmentation, transplantation, fixing, monitoring and maintenance of colonies
- Restoration of associated habitats: seagrass, mangroves, dunes, rock bottoms and ecological refuge areas
- Artificial reefs, support structures, design criteria, ecological risks and compatibility with the environment
- Adaptive management through continuous evaluation, learning, adjustment of techniques and response to extreme events
05
Applied Reef and Ecosystem Conservation Project
- Case Definition: Coral Reef, Rocky Reef, Sea Meadow, Mangrove, Tourist Area, Protected Area or Degraded Coastal Ecosystem
- Ecological diagnosis of the area, main threats, actors involved, available data and intervention needs
- Design of the monitoring plan with indicators, methods, frequency, responsible and evaluation criteria
- Development of management measures, restoration, impact reduction, environmental education and community participation
- Definition of indicators of success, monitoring, communication of results, sustainability and adaptive improvement
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 biologists and biology students interested in deepening their knowledge of reef ecology, restoration techniques, and monitoring.Divers and dive guides seeking to understand the impact of diving on reefs, learn about sustainable practices, and become conservation ambassadors.Managers of marine protected areas and environmental authorities who need tools for effective management, conserva
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
- 01Implement ecological restoration strategies
- 02Monitoring and assessing reef health
- 03Educating and raising awareness in the community about the importance of reefs
- 04Promote sustainable tourism practices
- 05Establish and manage marine protected areas
- 06Promote scientific research to understand and mitigate threats
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Conservation Field Technician: Monitoring reef health, habitat restoration, and invasive species control.
02Environmental Educator: Designing and implementing educational programs on the importance of reefs and marine conservation.
03Environmental Consultant: Assessing the environmental impact of coastal projects and developing mitigation strategies.
04Research Scientist: Studying reef ecology, the impact of climate change, and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
05Marine Protected Area Manager: Planning and managing protected areas, enforcing legislation, and promoting sustainable tourism.
06Marine Biologist in Aquariums and Rescue Centers: Caring for marine species, educating the public, and participating in conservation programs.
07NGO Worker
08Marine Conservation Specialist: Development and implementation of conservation projects, fundraising, and community outreach.
09Scientific/Technical Diver: Underwater data collection, reef surveys, and support for research and conservation projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that support a great deal of biodiversity, protect coastlines, and provide important economic resources.
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.
Climate change.
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Ecology or related field; or accredited professional experience in marine conservation projects.Specific Knowledge:Solid knowledge of reef biology, marine ecology, sampling techniques, and monitoring of marine ecosystems.Skills:Ability to perform scientific diving (desirable), data handling and statistical software, writing technical reports, and effective communication.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, ID/Passport, cover letter highlighting ex
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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