Course in marine biology under way

Nature Trust (Malta) is currently conducting the sixth edition of its annual marine biology course in collaboration with Watercolours Dive Centre. The short course, run by marine biologist Alan Deidun, is aimed at creating more awareness about marine ecology and the problems marine habitats face.

The course comprises four lectures and two scuba dives. The topics being covered include Mediterranean marine ecosystems and the sea’s importance as a marine biodiversity hotpot, the area’s complex paleogeographical history, an overview of different marine taxonomic groups, plankton dynamics, marine sampling techniques, major physical processes in the sea, human impacts on its marine ecosystems, an overview of marine environmental legislation framework, and marine conservation efforts.

The two recently produced documentaries by the Panacea project on Dwejra and Rdum Majjiesa are also being screened during the course.