MASC 626 ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF HIGHER MARINE VERTEBRATES

The course will focus on the importance of higher marine vertebrates such as marine mammals, turtles and birds, and strategies for their conservation. Aspects of the course will cover Taxonomic survey of higher marine vertebrates; Ecology and their distribution; Ecophysiology of marine birds, sea turtles and mammals; Methods of data collection; Natural and human-induced mortality; Threats and conservation measures; Regulatory framework; and Impact of socio-cultural factors on marine mammals and turtles.