Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management from Coursera

Focusing on the Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) of the world, this course will introduce the concept and practice of ecosystem-based management. LMEs occupy areas of coastal ocean at least 200 000 km² or greater in size. These coastal waters produce 12.6 trillion USD in ecosystem goods and services annually and are vitally important for billions of people around the globe.

Because LMEs are bounded by ocean features and are globally linked, management of human activities needs to occur in an integrated fashion across political boundaries and economic sectors (e.g. fishing, shipping, energy, tourism, and mining). This represents a new type of management, approached by shifting from single-sector based to multi-sector assessment and management, within the spatial domain of the world's 66 Large Marine Ecosystems. There is global high-level support for this new approach and in this course, we will introduce the concepts and tools for assessing and managing LMEs.

Together, leaders and experts in a global movement to recover and sustain the goods and services of LMEs will introduce you to the mechanisms used for assessment (Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis), planning and implementation (Strategic Action Programme). Based on recent activities in implementation and practice of the LME approach projects around the globe, we will showcase examples of effective management at this scale, and highlight the challenges and issues. By the end of the online course, we hope you will be able to actively use this knowledge to advance sustainable development of the world’s oceans.

The course was created with the support and input of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), UNESCO-IOC and IW:LEARN.

What's inside

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.

The Three Natural Science Modules

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

The Two Human Dimension Modules

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

Tools and Actions: the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and the Strategic Action Programme

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

Transboundary Marine Ecosystem-Based Management

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).

Taking it Home: Examples of Best Practice

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs), which are vital for billions of people globally

Introduces the concept and practice of ecosystem-based management, a new type of management for LMEs

Provides tools and concepts for assessing and managing LMEs, which can be applied to advance sustainable development of the world’s oceans

Features insights and examples from leaders and experts in the global movement to recover and sustain the goods and services of LMEs

Requires some prior knowledge of ecosystem-based management and LMEs, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

May be particularly valuable for those working in the field of marine ecosystem management or related areas

Reviews summary

Highly rated marine ecosystem management course

Learners say that Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management is a great and comprehensive course about assessing and managing marine ecosystems. Students say that the course provides a good foundation for understanding LMEs from a systematic perspective. The course's engaging assignments and well-structured content build learners' appreciation of the subject.

Engaging assignments and quizzes help you track your progress.

"Good course, especially for the money."

"The last assignment was quite daunting."

"I redid my quizes quite a few times which aided me in working through content."

Well-structured course with detailed and easy-to-follow content.

"Very well-structured course and thought out content."

"The information was broken down into clear, disgestable chunks."

"All the topics are presented systematically and they're easy to understand even without any background knowledge."

Provides a good introduction to the prevailing approach to managing ocean ecosystems with a focus on collaborative protection.

"A general review of LME assessment and management."

"An excellent introduction to the prevailing approach to managing ocean ecosystems."

Provides access to plenty of informative resources and documents for further reading.

"Really interesting and helpful course, with rich study material for further reading."

"A fantastic course that was complete with a wealth of knowledge, resources both written and video."

"A very good course, with tools and good information by experts in the field."

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in our environment and the world we live in."

Certificate provided by the course has been criticized for not reflecting grades or effort.

"certificate provided is just too bad, first of all I have got 95% grades and did my course with honours but nothing of that sort reflected in my certificate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management with these activities:

Organize and review notes and materials

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Stay organized and improve your retention by regularly reviewing and compiling your notes, assignments, and readings.

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Use a note-taking system (e.g., Cornell notes, digital notes)
Review notes after each lecture or study session
Summarize and condense key points
Organize notes into logical categories

Review textbook chapters

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Review the chapters assigned from the textbook to familiarize yourself with the key concepts and terminology used in the course.

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Read the assigned chapters thoroughly
Highlight and make notes of important concepts
Summarize the main ideas in your own words
Draw diagrams or create concept maps to visualize relationships

Watch video tutorials on ecosystem-based management

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Deepen your understanding of ecosystem-based management by watching video tutorials that provide clear explanations and practical examples.

Browse courses on Ecosystem-Based Management

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Search for video tutorials on ecosystem-based management
Select tutorials that cover key concepts and case studies
Take notes and summarize the main points
Pause the videos and reflect on the content

Five other activities

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Participate in online discussions with classmates

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Engage with your classmates to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding of the course material.

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Join the online discussion forum
Read through the discussion topics and respond thoughtfully
Ask questions and seek clarification from classmates
Summarize key points and takeaways from the discussions

Complete practice exercises on LME assessment and management

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Reinforce your understanding of the LME approach by completing practice exercises that test your ability to assess and manage LMEs.

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Find online or textbook exercises on LME assessment and management
Work through the exercises step-by-step
Check your answers against provided solutions
Identify areas where you need further clarification

Develop a management plan for a specific LME

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Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by developing a management plan for a specific LME, outlining goals, strategies, and actions for sustainable ecosystem management.

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Select an LME of interest
Research the current status of the LME and identify key challenges
Develop a vision and goals for the LME
Outline strategies and actions to achieve the goals
Present your management plan to the class or a peer review group

Contribute to a collaborative research project on LMEs

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Engage in a hands-on research project that allows you to apply your knowledge and contribute to the scientific understanding of LMEs.

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Join a research team or propose your own research project
Conduct research using appropriate methods and data sources
Analyze and interpret your findings
Present your research findings at a conference or in a paper

Mentor junior students in the field of marine ecosystem management

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Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring junior students, helping them to develop their understanding of ecosystem-based management and LMEs.

Browse courses on Ecosystem-Based Management

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Volunteer as a mentor in a university or outreach program
Provide guidance and support to students on research projects or assignments
Share your experiences and insights in the field of marine ecosystem management
Facilitate learning and growth through one-on-one interactions

Career center

Learners who complete Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Oceanographer

An Oceanographer studies the oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. They may work in a laboratory or in the field, and they may use a variety of techniques to study the oceans. This course may be useful for Oceanographers because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Marine Biologist

A Marine Biologist studies the biology of marine organisms, including their behavior, ecology, and physiology. They may work in a laboratory or in the field, and they may use a variety of techniques to study marine life. This course may be useful for Marine Biologists because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Biologist

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager plans and implements sustainability initiatives for businesses and organizations. They may work for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy, and transportation. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Water Resources Manager

A Water Resources Manager plans and manages the use of water resources, including surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Water Resources Managers because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst studies the science of climate change and its impacts on the environment and society. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Climate Change Analysts because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant provides advice to businesses and organizations on how to manage their environmental impact. They may work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Consultants because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

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Natural Resource Manager

A Natural Resource Manager plans and manages the use of natural resources, including wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Natural Resource Managers because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Environmental Planner

An Environmental Planner plans and manages the use of land and other natural resources. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Planners because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst analyzes environmental policies and makes recommendations for how to improve them. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

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Conservation Scientist

A Conservation Scientist studies the conservation of natural resources, including wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. They may work in a laboratory or in the field, and they may use a variety of techniques to study conservation issues. This course may be useful for Conservation Scientists because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and how it affects the health of humans and wildlife. They may research the effects of pollution, climate change, or other environmental issues. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides an overview of the Large Marine Ecosystem Approach, which is a framework for managing human activities in coastal waters. The course also covers the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme, which are tools for assessing and managing environmental issues in transboundary waters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist