This course will be done in collaboration with Freestyle Divers that are working on creation of artificial coral reef in Dibba. After completion of the course we will be able to help them in this cause. Learn how you can participate in protection of your ocean. Increase your awareness and understanding of the environment you are spending your weekends in.
This course is adopted for certified freedivers (at least AIDA 2), so no scuba certification required.
It consists of 2 parts:
Part 1
First part of this conservation course offers you a unique opportunity to learn all about the ocean environment. We will cover the following topics:
The Blue Planet: Why are the oceans important and how do they help the whole planet to sustain life? What are the chemical and physical limitations of the oceans and how does this affect marine species?
Marine Ecosystems: A look at how the previously identified physical factors affect distribution of marine life and an examination of the different ecosystems throughout the Earth’s oceans.
Marine Biodiversity: An introduction to the range of species found throughout the planet’s ocean ecosystems and how the ocean environment drives speciation.
The State of the Reefs: What are the threats posed to the earth’s marine ecosystems and particularly the coral reefs throughout the tropical regions? Whether caused naturally or by man, the health of the oceans is declining and we identify and examine the threats in this section.
Marine Conservation: What techniques and actions can be taken to mitigate these threats? Is marine conservation just a drop in the ocean?
Learn more about Marine Conservation.
Part 2
Second part is called Coral Propagation Course.
It’s a more practical course where we will learn to “garden” corals. It includes coral reef ecology theory and then practical in-water skills such as fragment collection, transplantation and securing of corals to the new home.
Learn more about Coral Propagation.
Instructor: James Campbell
Originating from the Bleak Peak District in the UK, as far from the ocean as you can get in the British isles, James studied Marine Biology at the University of Newcastle in the UK before deciding to move to warmer climates to focus on his passion for marine conservation, coral reef ecology and scuba diving. He spent six years in South East Asia developing and managing Marine conservation internship programs to help students develop their diving and ecological skill sets, ready for future careers. Currently, James is leading the development of our Marine Science activity in the UAE and Oman with a mission to spread enthusiasm about any forms of marine life!
Schedule
Saturday, 5th of February 2022
Marine conservation course
3 hours video lectures (any time before the course)
2 PM – 6 PM – Theory
Sunday, 6th of February 2022
Coral Propagation Course
9 AM – 11 AM – Theory
12 PM – 5 PM – 2 Open water sessions.
