Class Marine resources and environment

The course takes a balanced approach to living and non-living marine resources, analyzing their exploitation, assessment, and management from a sustainability perspective. In the context of living resources, the main exploited groups, the situation of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as basic principles of assessment, regulation, and conservation are presented. With regard to non-living resources, the study of marine minerals is introduced, including their genesis, prospecting, exploitation, and legal framework. The challenges, risks, and environmental impacts associated with the use of these resources are also analyzed. The course provides an integrated view of the use of the marine environment, combining scientific knowledge, management, and environmental responsibility.  

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THEORETICAL: Marine Living Resources: Main living resources exploited: Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and algae. Current state of world fisheries. Evaluation of fishery resources. Biological parameters (reproduction, growth, and recruitment). Regulation and management of fisheries. The sustainability of fisheries. Aquaculture production. Conservation and management of aquaculture resources: sustainable aquaculture. Non-Living Marine Resources: Introduction to the study of marine mineral resources (description, genesis, study methods), in continental margins and ocean basins. Aspects of exploration and exploitation. Ocean mineral domain. Marine minerals projects. Environmental impact of marine minerals. Exploration of marine mineral resources.   PRACTICE: Practical exercises

Theoretical concepts are presented in classes simultaneously with the resolution of small illustrative exercises. Students also need to develop 2 group assignments. The evaluation results from the weighted average of 3 group assignments (40%) and a final exam (60%). The minimum grade in each component is 8 values. Final grade minimum of 9,5. The student has the possibility to take an exam with all the material taught in the theoretical and theoretical-practical classes if he does not comply with the above requirements in the continuous assessment or at his option. In each test or exam the student can be called for an oral exam, under any circumstances and without restrictions, to confirm the grade with the professor.

Beckman D. 2012. Marine Environmental Biology and Conservation. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Inc. USA. Claudet J. (ed.) 2011. Marine Protected Areas: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation). Cambridge University Press, UK.