Marine biology course

Nature Trust (Malta) and Watercolours Diving Centre will be organising a short marine biology course in July and August.

The course consists of four two-hour lectures and a snorkeling session or two scuba diving sessions.

Topics to be covered include an overview of the 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 lectures will be held at the Nature Trust premises in Wied Għollieqa (Car Park 1, University of Malta), on Wednesday evenings, starting on July 18, while diving sessions will be held during weekends.

Participants can opt to attend the lectures only, the diving session only or both. No prior knowledge of diving is necessary and participants may opt for snorkeling only instead of diving.

All participants will be asked to complete a medical statement prior to starting the course.

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and digital course synoptic notes.

Those who follow the diving course will receive a PADI DSD certificate. The certificate will serve to further PADI courses and continue scuba diving education.

An innovative feature of the course is that participants can opt for an underwater session during which wireless communication and full-face masks are used, enabling direct interaction with the lecturer under water.

The lectures will be conducted by marine biologist Alan Deidun and the dives will be led by Jason Fabri.

Those interested should e-mail Vince Attard (info@naturetrustmalta.org or ceo@naturetrustmalta.org) or Alan Deidun on alan.deidun@gmail.com. The registration deadline is June 30.