Isla Mar Research Expeditions Field Course Basics | Page 5
CORAL REEF BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY
FOCUSING ON MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Learn about coral reefs through
conservation and management.
Students will learn the basics of the biology
and ecology of coral reefs, with an emphasis
on the major reef building corals.
Topics will explore basic coral reef monitoring
to assess the impacts of management in
marine reserves versus fished, unprotected
reefs. Threats to reefs and conservation
initiatives will be the highlights.
This theme will involve significant in-water
exploration of the nearshore Tres Palmas
Marine Reserve, offshore Desecheo Marine
Reserve and unprotected La Parguera.
Snorkeling or scuba diving is required.
This theme would be appropriate as
exploratory- or project-based. Sampling can
involve real data collection for projects. Coral
reef restoration sites can be visited and
students can contribute to long-term
monitoring initiatives.