Marine Conservation and Restoration unit (KSM718)

Introduction

This unit introduces systematic methods of field and laboratory-based data collection, analysis, and reporting for practical applications in marine conservation. Lectures outline the quantitative nature of marine conservation research, the value of robust sampling strategies and experimental methods, assessment of cumulative historic and contemporary impacts (human development, invasive species, habitat degradation, climate change) on biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems, and design and implementation of practical management solutions. Management and conservation principles are considered against a framework of environmental planning policy and legislation intended to manage and restore biodiversity, with highlight on threatened species recovery. Practical work will complement methods introduced in lectures and involve use of software in addition to field data collection at local sites, as well as collation of existing datasets and information in working towards feasible solutions for marine conservation challenges. Workshops will be used to provide specialised expertise in marine wildlife conservation techniques. You’ll gain the skills needed to implement habitat and species restoration strategies involving multidisciplinary methods, and other relevant skills to research and manage threatened species and ecological communities, with particular focus understanding and minimising human impacts in the marine realm.

Summary

Unit name	Marine Conservation and Restoration
Unit code	KSM718
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Doctor Jemina Stuart-Smith
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the threats, conservation priorities and management tools/options for different marine habitats and threatened species
• Apply multidisciplinary approaches for implementing threatened species recovery programs
• Design practical solutions for wildlife monitoring, and developing restoration and management of species/habitats
• Develop and communicate foundational skills and an understanding of the terms used in the field of marine wildlife conservation
• Critically evaluate conservation approaches applied to problems and questions in threatened species management and restoration ecology

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Assessment	Field Diary (20%)|Lecture quizzes (20%)|Species/ecosystem recovery essay (20%)|Conservation management strategy design and implementation assignment (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.