OVERVIEW

Biodiversity conservation is the first indicator of a good environmental state (Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the European Union). Currently, many international protocols indicate a number of marine organisms that require levels of protection as subject to intense exploitation periods or structuring/indicators species of significant environments. For a correct management of the marine environment, the knowledge of the taxonomy and of the biology of these species is a priority.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main national, European and international agreements about marine fauna will be discussed. The most important Mediterranean marine species protected under these agreements will be described both at morphological and ecological level. The criteria used to determine the conservation status of the different species will be elucidated.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Attendance and participation in the planned training activities will enable the student to acquire knowledge on protected Mediterranean species from a taxonomic, biological and population-based point of view.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• Know the main international protocols concerning marine protected species with particular regard to EU actions.

• Know the taxonomy of the main species subject to protection.

• To know the ecology of the main protected species.

• Know the methods to determine the status of populations of different species and evaluate specific protection programs.

PREREQUISITES

In order to effectively address the teaching content, basic knowledge is needed regarding: 1) General biology, 2) General and systematic zoology, 3) Ecology.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and workshops. Attendance at lessons and workshops is strongly recommended. Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. During the workshops will be dedicated to the recognition of the main species subject to protection.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

International protocols on the protection of marine species

• Methods for assessing the status of marine species

• Main hazards to which marine species are subject

• Charismatic species and flag species

• Structuring species.

• Overview of systematic zoology

• Taxonomy of the main species subject to protection (Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelidae, Molluscs, Echinoderms, Chordates).

• Strategies in the conservation of marine species.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle.

The following book is suggested as an example, but students can still use other university level texts. The recommended text is available and can be consulted at the M.F.N. School of Science Library

Alcock J., (All the editions). Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo. Edizione. Zanichelli, Bologna

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO BERTOLINO (President)

GIORGIO BAVESTRELLO

MARZIA BO (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

MARINE PROTECTED FAUNA

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and consists of the presentation of a topic chosen by the student and the answer to questions asked by the teacher on topics covered during the course. A part of the examination will focus on the practical recognition of species subject to protection.Three calls will be available in the winter session (January-February) and 3 calls in the summer session (June, July, September).

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Detailed information on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each covered topic will be provided during the lessons. The oral examination will focus on the topics covered in class and will have the purpose to evaluate not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to recall the theoretical notions by applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated. During the exam the student will have to recognize and discuss some preparations studied during the laboratory course.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.