Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/large-marine-ecosystems

Introduction

### Course Review: Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management on Coursera In an age where the health of our oceans is increasingly under threat due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change, the course "Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management" on Coursera stands out as a critical educational opportunity for anyone interested in marine conservation and sustainable management practices. Developed with the expertise of Dr. Kenneth Sherman and a team of marine scientists and managers, this course excels in both theoretical knowledge and practical application regarding one of the world’s most vital ecological zones: Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). #### Course Overview **Course Name:** Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management **Format:** Online course via Coursera **Duration:** Approximately 5 weeks **Level:** Intermediate The course dives into the concept of ecosystem-based management (EBM) through the lens of LMEs—coastal areas that are not just ecologically significant but also indispensable for the livelihoods of billions of people. Covering aspects such as the economic value of these ecosystems (which contribute an estimated $12.6 trillion in goods and services), the course effectively stresses the urgency and importance of sustainable practices. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **What is the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach?** - The initial week lays a solid foundation by introducing the fundamental concepts of the LME approach, detailing ecosystem-based management principles, and setting the stage for the five modules that follow. This week is insightful and sets a clear trajectory for the learners with a mix of lectures, readings, and practice quizzes. 2. **The Three Natural Science Modules** - This section deepens understanding of the natural science components crucial for assessing LMEs. It’s elaborative and connects the dots between ecological health and the management strategies that need to be applied. 3. **The Two Human Dimension Modules** - Acknowledging that human activities significantly impact marine ecosystems, this module addresses the social, economic, and political facets of marine management, allowing for a holistic comprehension of the challenges and solutions involved. 4. **Tools and Actions: The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and the Strategic Action Programme** - Often regarded as the heart of the course, this week focuses on critical tools for management—the TDA and SAP. These frameworks are indispensable for addressing issues that transcend political boundaries, reinforcing the necessity of collaborative efforts. 5. **Transboundary Marine Ecosystem-Based Management** - Here, the course shifts towards real-world application by detailing how LME projects are executed and focusing on the implementation of EBM practices. This section is particularly valuable for anyone aiming to work in marine conservation or policy. 6. **Taking it Home: Examples of Best Practice** - Concluding the course, this module highlights case studies from various LMEs and features insights from experienced marine managers and scientists. This offers practical examples that make the theory tangible and encourages learners to envision how they can contribute to effective management practices. #### Why You Should Enroll - **Comprehensive Curriculum:** The course’s structure ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of both conceptual frameworks and practical applications. The blend of natural science and human dimension modules prepares learners for the complexities of marine management. - **Expert Instructors:** Learning from Dr. Kenneth Sherman and other seasoned professionals provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from leaders in the field of marine science and management. - **Flexibility and Accessibility:** Being an online course, it allows for flexibility in learning at your own pace while still engaging with a structured syllabus. - **Interactive Learning Opportunities:** The inclusion of practice quizzes and case studies fosters active learning, making it easier to retain complex information. - **Real-World Impact:** Whether you are a student, a professional in the field, or simply an ocean enthusiast, the skills and knowledge gained from this course can significantly contribute to the conservation and management of marine ecosystems. #### Conclusion The "Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management" course on Coursera is not just an educational endeavor; it's a pathway to becoming part of a global solution for sustaining marine environments. I highly recommend this course to anyone with a passion for marine biology, environmental science, or ecosystem management. The knowledge and skills acquired here can empower you to take an active role in the protection and sustainable management of our oceans, making it a worthwhile investment in your professional journey or personal interest in marine conservation. Sign up today and immerse yourself in the vital world of marine ecosystems!

Syllabus

What is the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach?

Introducing the Large Marine Ecosystem approach, ecosystem based management principles, and the five modules. There are three topics covered in this first week - ecosystem-based management, the concept of Large Marine Ecosystems, and the 5-module approach to assessment and management. As well as my lectures, there are also summaries of some key readings and links to other resources. We've included practice quizzes to help you recap and test your understanding of the key concepts as we move through the lessons. There is one graded quiz at the end of the week, which carries marks - but you may take the quiz more than once. At the end of this week, and all the other weeks, Dr Kenneth Sherman will share his insights about the topics we have covered.

In this week, we deal with the three natural science modules within the five module approach.

We move onto the two human dimensions of the five module approach.

This is the heart of the course - delving into the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP).

This week we move into the application of the approaches and the tools we have been discussing - with a description of how LME projects are implemented - focusing on marine ecosystem-based management (EBM).

We have included a number of case studies of LMEs, inviting marine ecosystem managers and scientists from across our network to describe their work in implementing EBM.