MAR 624: Marine Conserv Sci & Action - fall

Examination of the use of scientific evidence to solve real-world marine conservation challenges. Students will be introduced to the history of marine conservation theory and basic scientific concepts in conservation biology including biodiversity, island biogeography, and conservation prioritization. They will then study a broad toolkit of marine conservation interventions, including biological and ecological strategies like invasive species eradications, fisheries management tools, marine spatial planning, behavioral norm interventions, market- and finance-based solutions, subsidies, and policy instruments. They will learn how to quantitatively evaluate conservation success and compare the strengths and limitations of different conservation action approaches across ecological and social contexts. Students will design and propose new, evidence-based marine conservation actions that can be quantitatively measured, and present this work to their peers for peer and instructor evaluation. The course also develops practical skills in assessing impacts, measuring conservation outcomes, and communicating scientific evidence to support effective conservation decisions.