Fishes of the Mediterranean Sea

 
           

Since 2003 we are successfully offering the course on this important vertebrate group within our program

 


Our course director is Matthias Schneider

Matthias studied zoology and biological oceanography in Kiel, Germany. He has a sound knowledge of marine biology and is excited about the Mediterranean Sea. He is a certified German Research Diver, diving instructor and currently finishing his PhD on deep sea fishes at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt a.M., Germany. His expeditions led him to the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

 

 

 

Andrea Werner is the responsible diving instructor for this course.

Andrea holds a degree in marine biology from the University of Oldenburg with a thesis on meiofauna in different sands. She is a certified German Research Diver, diving instructor (VDST/CMAS) and instructor trainer (VDTL/CEDIP). Andrea is head of our dive center.

 
     

The friendly cooperation with the Elba Aquarium at Marina di Campo and local fishermen is a fruitful enrichment for the course.

  
     

 

Contents of the course

In this course you learn the basics of evolution and systematics, zoogeography, morphology, ecology, and behaviour of the largest group of vertebrates.

During SCUBA dives, snorkeling trips and in the course room you get insight into the basics of identification and observation of fish species in their natural habitat. Besides the most important fish families you also get to know exotic species and their characteristics.
   

Results from research projects conducted at the field station complement the lectures (P. Polakovic, 1999)

Through the analysis of external characteristics such as body shape or fins, but also skin, scales and the otolithes you study the adaptations to the habitat conditions.

Field observations and aquarium experiments on intra- and interspecific behavior of the animals are an important part of the course.

Aspects of fishery as well as a barbecue event underline the importance of the sea as a source of nutrition for mankind.

  
       

Field observation by means of SCUBA diving is an important tool for behavioral studies.

(Graph from: Muth, 1994)
   

Main topics

  • Evolution, systematics and zoography of fishes
  • Functional morphology and special adaptations
  • Nutrition, sensory systems and reproduction
  • Ecology of marine fish
  • Intra- and interspecific behaviour
  • Aspects of fisheries
       

Methods

  • Observations and documentation of different fish families during scuba diving and snorkelling (day and night) using writing boards and cameras.
  • Boat-based sampling of plankton.
  • Classification of organisms under water, on the shore, and in the lab with microscopes (ZEISS) and special literature.
  • Observation, measurements and experiments in aquaria (own samples and by-catch from local fishermen).
  • External analysis and dissection of selected fish species from the fish market and from by-catch (Please bring your dissection instruments).
  • Oral, photo and video presentations about systematics, morphology, zoogeography and ecology of the organisms.
  • Identification and more in-depth observations in the exhibition tanks in the public aquarium at Marina di Campo.
  • Visit the fishermen in the harbor, explanations of their fishing devices and different techniques.
  • Documentation (drawings, photos and video).
  • Discussions based on video and foto documentation.
   

Prerequisites

  • Current dive medical certificate, not older than 3 years (one year for under 18 and over 40 year old, respectively).

  • Recognized SCUBA diving certificate, at least 1 star (VDTL*, VDST*, CMAS* or similar, PADI OWD or comparable) or booking for the integrated SCUBA dive course.

 

Credits

  • After successful completion of the course a graded certificate will be issued, given the participants fullfilment of the following requirements:

  • Regular attendance of all course hours, successful completion and examns for practical and theoretical units of the SCUBA diving course (if applicable), or preparation of a report of underwater observations, a short presentation during the course, and a written report on the course.

  • Each course is recommended to be rated with 3 ETCS credit points. With additional work (e.g. more detailled course report, presentation at home university) some universities give up to 5 credit points for the participation in the course.
     

Fee

EUR 785,- *
*(summer), additional EUR 30,- examination fees only for dive course participants

Included services

10 overnight stays in a shared accommodation, dormitory-style (self-catering), eight days of biology class including accompanied diving respectively SCUBA diving course including complete renting equipment

Date

01 - 11 August  2012 *

 

To our registration site Elba 2012