Marine Connections: from Seagrasses to Cetaceans

Description

Key areas to be covered are recognition of common UK coastal plant species, and the different habitats in which they grow best (shingle, saltmarsh, dunes, cliffs etc) and also an understanding of adaptations used by halophytes to cope with the marine environment. We will also look at non-native, invasive plant species and the threat they pose to native biodiversity. The course will also cover the importance of seagrasses as the ‘lungs of the sea’, and also seaweeds and phytoplankton in terms of climate regulation, carbon capture and oxygen production. We will look at the complex food chain from the primary consumers up to apex predators and will also explore the importance of monitoring and recording apex predators as visible signs of ocean health. As part of this, we will look at identification, ecology and adaptations of UK seal and cetacean species and the threats that they face. Participants will also gain an understanding of the laws surrounding the marine environment.

This training is relevant to ecologists, conservation managers and biodiversity officers to understand the importance of the marine environment and the complex relationships and connections that exist within it from primary producers up to apex predators. This course is suitable for beginners and will help professional ecologists or those just starting out to identify halophytes and the specific habitats and conditions some species require. It will also help participants recognise the importance of the marine environment in supporting biodiversity and for carbon capture and climate regulation. It will also help participants gain an understanding of the importance of monitoring populations and distribution of UK marine mammal species as visible signs of ocean health and understand the threats that face them.

Knowledge Level

Beginner

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and understand adaptations of coastal plant species
• Understand the importance of the marine environment to climate regulation, carbon capture and oxygen production
• Understand the marine food chain
• Identify common UK marine mammals and recognise the importance of monitoring apex predators
• Understand laws relating to the marine environment
• Understand threats to marine biodiversity

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