[Coral-List] courses in Applied Tropical Marine Biology in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

Sean.Lema at noaa.gov Sean.Lema at noaa.gov
Wed Apr 18 19:38:46 EDT 2007


ANNOUNCEMENT 

The University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) and CARMABI (Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity) Foundation is offering a summer program in Tropical Marine Studies from July 1 to July 29, 2007, in Curaçao, The Netherlands Antilles.  Details of this summer program are as follows: 

Summer 2007 and Winter 2007/08 Program (OPEN FOR ADMISSION)

Course:			APPLIED TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Location:  		Curaçao, The Netherlands Antilles

Schedule: 		Summer - July 1 to July 29, 2007
                                      Winter - December 26, 2007 to January 16, 2008
                                       
Transfer Credit Points: 	ECTS by the University of the Netherlands Antilles: 9 (nine)

Program Price:		Summer 2007- US $4,250.-
                                       Winter 2007/2008 - US $3,500.-

Admission fee:		US $150.- (non-refundable)

Price Includes: 		Open Water Dive Certification (PADI)
			All the courses’ required textbooks
			Field guides to Caribbean marine fishes and corals
			Reading materials
                                       Flight (up to US$ 670.-)
			Accommodation in single or double room with internet access + 3 meals / day

Required by Students: 	Heath certificate approving scuba diving ability
                                      Laptop computer /notebooks
                                      Field walking shoes

Registration and info: 	http://www.una.an/carmabi

Course Descriptions
This new course is an intensive 4 week program (July 1st to 29th 2007), introducing the beginning student to the biology and diversity of tropical marine ecosystems, basic field sampling and data analysis, as well as modern methods of sustainable intensive production of fish and crustaceans, all in a unique, safe, and interesting tropical island setting.
The subjects are instructed by international experts in:
•	Tropical Marine Biology 
•	Marine Ecological Field Sampling Methods 
•	Mariculture
•	Natural Resource Development and Management
Classroom lectures and laboratory discussions are enhanced by frequent field excursions using snorkel and scuba to explore and study the coral reef and related ecosystems, to gain experience in conducting applied scientific research, and to learn the latest methods and approaches applied in the sustainable exploitation of the marine environment and its resources. 
The course will provide the participant with a basic, yet up-to-date understanding of tropical ecosystems and some of the latest developments in applied marine sciences and natural resource management will be discussed. The course is particularly suited to help the beginning student to get a hands-on taste of the field of marine sciences and evaluate it as a potential career choice.
The topics covered include 
•	Open Water Dive Course (PADI)
•	Physical properties of tropical marine environments
•	Coastal ecosystems – coral reefs, sea-grass habitats and mangroves
•	Reef fishes – ecology and behavior
•	Man’s environmental impact on tropical marine systems and conservation
•	Hands-on data collection, analysis and presentation
•	Principles of island ecology
•	Sustainable mariculture of fish and crustaceans

The course is open to all participants and students that are interested in this subject. Background in natural or life sciences is NOT required, but beneficial. The course can be taken for academic credit (University of the Netherlands Antilles) or non-credit.
Participants will have to bring their own laptop PC, writing materials, and field attire.
For further details please contact: Mr. Stanley Criens at the Carmabi Foundation:
Telephone ++5999 462 4786  *  e-mail carmabi.edu at gmail.com 

Tropical Marine Biology 
This introductory level, four-week course examines the biological diversity and ecology of coral reefs and associated mangrove, sea grass and intertidal habitats of tropical marine ecosystems.  In classroom lectures, students will learn about the physical processes that shape tropical marine communities, the connectivity of coral reef habitats, the behavior of coral reef species, and new challenges in tropical marine conservation for the 21st century.  These lectures will be enhanced by field excursions where students will use snorkel and scuba to discover and study the coral reefs, invertebrates, fishes and other vertebrates that inhabit Curaçao’s diverse coastal marine environment. 
 
Coastal and Marine Ecological Sampling Methods 
This four-week field course will introduce students to basic survey and sampling methods for studies in island and tropical marine ecology.  Classroom lectures will examine the design of field experiments, methods for unbiased sampling, pseudoreplication, the application of parametric and non-parametric statistical methods, and the design and use of field protocols.  These lectures will be complemented by hands-on field excursions where students will use techniques for quantitative sampling and monitoring of reef fish, corals, sea grasses, mangrove communities, and beach vegetation in a variety of marine and coastal habitats. 
 
Sustainable Mariculture of Fish and Crustaceans 
This intensive, one-week course examines the interactions between tropical marine aquaculture and the ocean environment with a focus on ways to protect tropical marine ecosystems while enabling the commercial aquaculture production of fish and crustaceans.  Workshop participants will learn methods for sustainable mariculture including how to balance feed inputs and proper feed utilization and examine the challenge of balancing profit maximization with the negative impacts of mariculture. 
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2007 and 2008 Workshop: Sustainable Mariculture of Fish and Crustaceans

Location: 		Curaçao, The Netherlands Antilles

Schedule:		July 9, 2007 to July 15, 2007
                                        and 
                                      January 7, 2008 to January 13, 2008
                                          
Cost per participant:	US $1,160.-
Admission fee:		US $150.-

Registration info: 	http://www.una.an/carmabi/



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