This module provides a global overview of the exploitation of living marine resources and marine biological approaches to conservation. This includes marine biodiversity, critical habitats, environmental threats, fisheries exploitation, coastal zone management, and marine protected areas. The module will take a holistic approach to marine and coastal conservation, considering the economic, environmental, political, and cultural influences on marine resource management.
Students will learn about the current state of marine ecosystems and the major threats that they face, which include fisheries, pollution, diseases, and habitat loss. Students will critically review national and international marine and coastal conservation strategies and evaluate their effectiveness.