BZ 381A4 Ecology of Marine Megafaunas

Overview of Course

Exploring the ocean while on the Semester at Sea journey is an incredible opportunity to learn about some of the most charismatic marine organisms, including whales, manatees, sharks, rays, bony fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, and invertebrates. These represent some of the most intriguing and vulnerable species on the planet. We will examine their evolution, ecology, life history, behavior, adaptations for survival, population decline, and conservation needs. Megafauna serve as keystone species, apex predators, grazers or filter feeders, often migrate extensively, and can influence ecosystem function over large geographic regions, depths, and multiple ocean basins. The long-lived nature of many marine megafauna species, coupled with their large size, make them particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic threats including climate change, habitat destruction, marine vessels, bycatch, fisheries, and direct overexploitation. Port experiences, shipboard observations, class discussions and review of primary literature will enhance our understanding of marine megafauna importance, provide opportunities to evaluate shared and unique aspects of their biology, identify tools used to study these organisms, and explore the threats, conservation strategies, and cultural value of marine megafauna species.