Nature Trust (Malta) and Watercolours Diving Centre are organising, for the fifth year running, a short coastal and marine biology course in July and August. The course consists of three two-hour lectures, spanning aspects of local marine biodiversity and conservation issues, and a snorkeling session or two scuba-diving sessions.

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

The course is an excellent foundation for those aiming to delve deeper into marine biology later on or for those who simply wish to get acquainted with the Mediterranean marine biodiversity. The lectures will take place at Nature Trust’s premises in Wied Għollieqa (parking in the University’s Car Park 1) on Wednesday evenings, as from July 13, while diving sessions will be held during weekends.

Some of the species and habitats dealt with in the lectures will undoubtedly be encountered during the diving sessions.

The course caters for both established and budding divers as the scuba-dives will be conducted at different depths depending on the participants’ prior experience. Participants can opt to attend the lectures only, for the diving session only or for both. No prior knowledge of scuba-diving is necessary and participants can opt for snorkeling only instead of diving.

All applicants will be asked to complete a medical statement prior to starting the course. Those attending will be receiving a certificate of attendance as well as digital course synoptic notes.

Lectures will be conducted by marine biologist Alan Deidun and the scuba dives will be led by Jason Fabri, a diving instructor with over 20 years experience in the sector.

Those interested should contact Vince Attard on e-mail info@naturetrustmalta.org or ceo@naturetrustmalta.org, or Dr Deidun on alan.deidun@gmail.com.

The deadline for registration is June 30.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.