Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Coral reefs are vital organisms for the health of marine ecosystems; the good state of the food chain depends on them and, therefore, the marine resources on which millions of families in the world depend; Despite this, too little or nothing is known about them in everyday life. In addition to this, this year (2023) the largest coral bleaching event in recent years has occurred in Costa Rica, this terrible event gives added value to the course, since education is the only way to prevent these events are repeated. This ignorance about these ecosystems means that people are unaware of the basic measures to help in their conservation. Learning about them is not only knowing about their ecology and taxonomy, but also understanding the impact of our actions and the ways to help in the preservation of this ecosystems. In this course you will learn about the origin of corals, their biology and ecology, as well as the species associated with them. The identification of the main species that make it up will also be covered; the characteristics to measure their health status, sampling and monitoring methods, and the ecological and social importance of reefs. The main purpose of this course is to generate knowledge about coral reefs, to understand their importance, and the ways we have to collaborate in it wellbeing.

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES Students must have basic swimming skills.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR REQUIREMENTS For the field trips, students will need water shoes to walk on the rocky shore (do not use crocs), and a long-sleeve rash guard shirt to protect their skin from the sun. Students will require a snorkeling set (mask and snorkel, optionally fins)

CONTENT
Unit I. Introduction to coral reefs.
o Evolutionary origin of coral reefs
o Natural history of coral reefs
o Main groups of corals in tropical seas
Unit II. Coral reef biology
o Anatomy and physiology of corals
o Symbiotic relationships
o Reproduction of corals
Unit III. Characterization of the coral reefs of Costa Rica
o Differences between the Caribbean Sea and the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean
o Taxonomy and identification of Costa Rican corals
o Main species associated with coral reefs: Caribbean and Pacific
Unit IV. Sampling techniques and research methodology
o Biodiversity indexes
o Grid method to calculate cover, composition, and dominance
o Chain method to measure complexity and growth
o Method of observation and counting of associated species
Unit V. Coral problematics and threads. 
o Over-fishing and destructive fishing methods
o El Niño Phenomenon and Climate Change
o Pollution and use of the seas
Unit VI. Conservation and regeneration of coral reefs
o Coral cultivation and reforestation
o Monitoring of water and solid pollution
o Individual actions to protect corals

LEARNING ASSESSMENT
ASSIGNMENTS PERCENTAGE VALUE 
Practices 15%
Field journal 25%
Field trip 10%
Final reports (15% Pacific 35% Caribbean) 50%
Total 100%