Explore Sicily’s Marine Ecosystems: Join Our Summer School in Marine Ecology
The Mediterranean Biodiversity in Sicily
Ahoy future marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts! Join us for a thrilling summer filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and endless fun. Our Marine Ecology Program is designed to immerse you in the wonders of marine life, past geological events, and the variety of climatic and hydrologic conditions that make the Mediterranean Sea one of the most complex marine ecosystems in the world!
Explore the Mediterranean’s Rich Biodiversity
The Mediterranean Basin is one of the world’s major reservoirs of coastal and marine biodiversity, and it is home to 18% of aquatic flora and 7.5% of the world’s marine fauna.
Due to its abundant number of islands, and well placement, the Mediterranean Sea is a major area for migration, reproduction, and wintering for many species. In this course, students will learn about the origins of the Mediterranean Sea, alongside the biggest threats to its biodiversity such as coastal urbanization, pollution, overfishing, and exploitation of natural resources. We welcome our students to Siracusa, a gem city in Eastern Sicily, your home for the next 2 to 4 weeks, where they will participate in excursions to archaeological sites, visit the city ruins.
Hands-On Learning with Marine Conservation Experts
Our students will participate in 2 to 4 weeks of class, learning on an on-site study case of the Mediterranean Basin situation.
They’ll learn about the origin of the Mediterranean Sea and of its rich and diverse biota, the main threats to Mediterranean biodiversity such as climate change among the main drivers of the ongoing changes in biodiversity, biological invasion, and the introduction of alien species into the Mediterranean environment, and the effective policies for sustainable management of fisheries and marine areas, and future outlooks in the field. All classes are assured by specialists, and researchers on the topic, to ensure our students are provided with the best teaching available.
Field Trips to Plemmirio Marine Reserve and Beyond
Led by expert professionals and researchers for the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, our students will engage in a mix of theoretical work backed by experiential learning in visits to the Plemmirio Consortium Research Facilities, laboratories, and classes carried out in coastal and marine environments throughout Sicily. Our students will participate in activities of census and control in the Protected Area, investigating its effect on marine biodiversity, and training in observation and sampling methods as well as data analysis. They’ll have the opportunity to dive on a snorkeling trip to appreciate the wonders of the Mediterranean Oceanography while diving at a Marine Protected Area, participate in turtle nest monitoring activities with WWF Sicily experts, and go on whale and dolphin monitoring activities on a sailing boat with our team.
Join Us This Year – Apply Now for an Unforgettable Marine Ecology Experience!
Our Academy is here to offer you a unique opportunity to delve into a sea of knowledge, different from everything you’ve done before. Through a cultural immersion journey, a blend of classes, on-site activities, and marvelous excursions, our goal is to give you the tools to fulfill your potential ensuring an unforgettable experience. Our course is available for students all around the globe, so don’t waste any time and save your spot for your Sicilian Adventure! We hope to see you soon, enroll now and guarantee your next spring or summer adventure!
