Nature Trust (Malta) and Watercolours Diving Centre are organising, for the fourth consecutive year, a short coastal and marine biology course in July and August.

The course will consist of three short lectures covering aspects of local marine biodiversity and conservation issues, a coastal walk, a snorkelling session and two scuba diving sessions.

Topics to be covered within the lectures include an overview of major marine habitats and species in the Mediterranean, an introduction to planktonic communities and important physical processes shaping our seas, and an overview of major threats facing the conservation of living marine resources.

The course is a good foundation for those aiming to delve deeper into marine biology later, or for those who wish to get acquainted with Mediterranean marine biodiversity.

The course caters for both established and beginner divers and will be conducted at different depths depending on the participant's experience. Participants can opt to attend the lectures, the diving sessions, or both. No prior knowledge of scuba diving is necessary and participants can opt for snorkelling only instead of diving.

All potential participants will be asked to complete a medical statement prior to starting the course. Those attending will receive a certificate of attendance as well as synoptic notes, and participants following the Discover Scuba Diving course will also receive the relevant Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-endorsed certification.

Lectures will be conducted by Alan Deidun, while the coastal walk and the dives will be led by Annalise Falzon and Jason Fabri respectively.

Those interested should contact Vince Attard on info@nature trustmalta.org, Dr Deidun on alan.deidun@um.edu.mt and alan.deidun@gmail.com or call 2340 2843. Deadline for registration is June 30.

The lectures will take place at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana on Wednesday evenings from July 28; diving sessions will be held at weekends.