ECOLOGY OF COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

The "Ecology of coastal environments" is one of the characterizing courses of the "Natural capital and ecosystem services" curriculum. The course constitutes a primer to the study of coastal aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on transitional waters. The course provides basic knowledge on the functioning of estuarine and lagoon ecosystems, examining in particular elements necessary to:
- evaluate anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem functions, processes and services;
- conserve and protect the biodiversity of coastal marine ecosystems;
- scientifically based management of transitional waters, with particular attention to the ecological restoration of these important environmental systems.

The course aims to provide the basic elements for the management and protection of transitional waters and coastal marine environments, with a view to the conservation and ecological restoration of these peculiar ecosystems. The main ecological values of coastal environments that must be safeguarded to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem goods and services over time The main ecological values of coastal environments that must be safeguarded to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem goods and services over time are described and explained.. In particular, the course develops issues relating to the assessment of the ecological state of transitional waters and the management of transitional aquatic ecosystems, also through the analysis of case studies. In particular, the course allows you to acquire the basic skills to carry out the ecological assessment of coastal aquatic ecosystems in order to plan and implement adequate management measures.

Basic knowledge of general and applied ecology.

Introduction and definitions.
Elements of geomorphology, circulation and mixing of water.
Elements of chemistry of coastal aquatic environments.
Primary producers: phytoplankton.
Primary producers: benthic microalgae and macroalgae.
Primary producers: seagrass meadows.
Consumers: zooplankton.
Consumers: zoobenthos.
Consumers: nekton.
Food webs of transitional waters.
Functions and processes of transitional aquatic ecosystems.
The biodiversity of transitional waters.
Fisheries and aquaculture.
Effects of global climate change on transitional waters and coastal marine environments.
Management and environmental recovery of coastal aquatic ecosystems.

Lecture slides and other teaching materials provided by the teacher on the moodle platform.

Reference texts:
- Crump B.C., Testa J.M., Denton K.H. (eds.) (2023): Estuarine Ecology. Wiley
- McLusky D.S,, Elliott M. (2004): The Estuarine Ecosystem: Ecology, Threats and Management. Oxford University Press.

The verification of learning will be carried out through an oral exam. The student has the opportunity to carry out part of the exam in seminar form illustrating a case study.

The course is organized into lectures and seminars aimed at examining both basic and applied features in depth or illustrating specific case studies.

Italian

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion.
Accommodations and Support Services for students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities:
Ca 'Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities. In case of motor, visual, hearing or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and you need support (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or individualized exams, material in accessible format, recovery of notes, specialized tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other), please contact the Disability and SLD office. Disability@unive.it.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development