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
Course on local marine flora and fauna
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world hidden beneath the waves. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of nearby marine ecosystems, from the most common species to the hidden gems of our coast. You will learn about…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on local marine flora and fauna?
Discover the Local Marine Flora and Fauna course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world hidden beneath the waves. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of nearby marine ecosystems, from the most common species to the hidden gems of our coast. You will learn about their identification, behavior, and ecological role, with a practical and participatory approach.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world hidden beneath the waves. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of nearby marine ecosystems, from the most common species to the hidden gems of our coastline.
Key Benefits
- Accurate Identification: Master the techniques to recognize the main species of marine flora and fauna.
- In-depth Knowledge: Understand the ecological interactions and challenges these ecosystems face.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in field trips and workshops to apply your knowledge in the real environment.
- Marine Conservation: Acquire tools to contribute to the protection and sustainability of local marine life.
- Connection with Nature: Strengthen your connection with the sea and its biodiversity through learning and exploration.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Discover marine biodiversity: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the species that inhabit our coasts.
- Species identification: Learn to recognize the main species of local marine flora and fauna.
- Environmental impact: Understand the threats these ecosystems face and how we can protect them.
- Field trips: Hands-on experience with guided visits to key marine environments.
- Marine conservation: Acquire knowledge and tools to contribute to the sustainability of our seas.
- Learn, explore, and protect the natural wealth of our coastline.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Introduction to Ocean Biodiversity and Coastal Ecosystems of the Nearby Environment
- General analysis of local sea currents and their direct influence on the biological wealth of the coastal zone.
- Classification of the different local marine habitats: from rocky reefs to phanerogam meadows and intertidal zones.
- Study of the physicochemical variables of local water, such as salinity and temperature, that determine the presence of specific species.
- Ecological importance of local biodiversity in the maintenance of environmental balance and ecosystem services.
- Geological evolution of the coastline and how the formation of bays and cliffs has conditioned current marine life.
02
Marine Botany: study of the meadows, algae and coastal vegetation
- Identification and biology of the main green, brown and red algae present in the rocks and shallow bottoms.
- The fundamental role of the sea grasses as ocean lungs and their role in the protection of the coastline.
- Reproduction cycles and growth of the submerged flora and their adaptation to variations of light according to depth.
- Analysis of the halophilic vegetation of the dunes and marshes that serves as a transition between the terrestrial and the marine environment.
- Main threats to the local marine flora: pollution, invasive species and the impact of the anchoring of boats.
03
Zoology of marine invertebrates: molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms
- Detailed catalogue of local molluscs: identification of bivalves, gastropods and cephalopods typical of the region.
- Biology and behaviour of decapod crustaceans and their importance in the food chain of local seabed.
- Observation and study of echinoderms, with special attention to sea urchins and starfish, and their role as bioindicators.
- Local Cnidarians: Identification of anemones, soft corals and security protocols before the jellyfish sighting.
- Marine microfauna and zooplankton: the invisible but essential base that supports the life of the larger species.
04
Regional ichthyology: diversity, habits and life cycles of local fish
- Classification of the most representative bone and cartilaginous fish that inhabit local territorial waters.
- Study of the strategies of camouflage, defence and hunting of the species that populate the reefs and regional sandy bottoms.
- Analysis of the seasonal migratory patterns of certain fish species and their relationship with the reproduction periods.
- Identification of species of commercial importance against protected or endangered species in the area.
- Behaviour of fish in human presence: Guidelines for respectful and non-invasive underwater observation.
05
Conservation, environmental education and good practices in the marine environment
- Principles of the interpretation of natural heritage applied to guides and promoters of maritime excursions.
- Design of environmental education dynamics to make visitors aware of the fragility of the local ecosystem.
- Participation in local citizen science projects: Census of species and cleaning of microplastics on the coast.
- Current local and national environmental regulations for the protection of protected natural spaces and marine sanctuaries.
- Good practices for sustainable navigation and responsible anchoring in order to minimise mechanical damage to the bottom.
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
Nature and diving enthusiasts who wish to deepen their knowledge of local marine species and their ecological importance.Marine biology and environmental science students who seek to complement their studies with a practical perspective on the identification and conservation of the region's flora and fauna.Tour guides and water activity operators who need accurate and engaging information to e
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
- 01Identify and characterize key species
- 02Understanding ecological interactions
- 03Assess the current state of conservation
- 04Promote environmental awareness and respect
- 05Promoting citizen participation in science
- 06Documenting regional marine biodiversity
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Tour/Ecotourism Guide: Ecosystem interpretation, route design, environmental outreach.
02Environmental Educator: Development of educational programs, workshops, and awareness activities about local marine flora and fauna.
03Laboratory/Aquarium Technician: Aquarium maintenance, care of marine species, water quality analysis.
04Volunteer/NGO Worker: Participation in marine conservation projects, beach cleanups, species monitoring.
05Researcher/Research Assistant: Data collection, sample analysis, support in scientific studies on marine flora and fauna.
06Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment, report writing, advising on sustainable development projects.
07Marine Protected Area Manager: Planning and Marine reserve management, activity control, environmental monitoring.
08Sustainable Fisherman/Aquaculturist: Responsible fishing practices, environmentally friendly farming of marine species.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Common seal
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.
Algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, marine mammals, corals, anemones and other invertebrates.
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:Basic knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, or environmental sciences; Demonstrable experience in activities related to the marine environment (diving, fishing, sailing, etc.).Specific knowledge:Identification of local marine species (flora and fauna), knowledge of relevant marine ecosystems in the area, understanding of threats to marine biodiversity.Documentation: Updated CV (optional), certificate of previous related courses (optional), ID card/residence permit.Physical requirements (if applicable): If practical activities at sea are included (e.
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