Detailed information about the course

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Title

Coral Reefs in the Maldives: Tropical Marine Ecology and Sedimentology

Dates

1-8 September 2018

Organizer(s)

Dr. Silvia Spezzaferri, UNIFR Prof. Anneleen Foubert, UNIFR

Speakers

Dr. Andres Rüggeberg, UNIFR Prof. Daniela Basso, University of Milano-Bicocca Dr. Annalisa Caragnano, University of Milan-Bicocca Prof. Pamela Hallock, University of Florida, Tampa Dr. Robert Muller, University of Florida, Tampa

Description

The course will address coral reef ecosystems in the Maldives. Their remote location, combined with a fishery that has not been historically based on reef fish, place them among the reefs across the world with relatively low local anthropogenic disturbances. However, clear differences exist among reefs and islands undergoing different management regimes: community islands are permanently habited, diving and fishing is permitted and waste are generally discharged into the sea. Resort islands support a high touristic influx but wastes are treated and/or removed, diving is permitted but fishing is not allowed. Uninhabited islands are without permanent human settlements but fishing and diving is permitted. In this course we will visit at least one island per type (community, resort and uninhabited) to document the differences in coral reef ecosystems. Standard techiniques for coral monitoring will be explained and applied as well as the more used techniques for sampling and monitoring the health of these ecosystems using benthic organisms (e.g., benthic foraminifera, coralinacean algae, sea cucumber, crown-of-thorn stars).

Location

North Ari Atoll, Maldives

Credits

3

Information
Expenses

The students will be asked to pay for their flight to Malé Airport (different companies have different rates). Meeting point Malé airport the 1st September in the morning.

Places

17

Deadline for registration 15.04.2018
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