Marine mammals play a vital role in the ecology, economies, and cultures of coastal and ocean systems. Whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions have long shaped human understanding of the marine environment, influencing both scientific inquiry and societal values.
This graduate-level course examines the science and governance of marine mammal conservation through an interdisciplinary lens that integrates ecology, policy, and history. Core themes include marine mammal biology and ecology; population assessment and conservation strategies; U.S. and international management frameworks such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act; Indigenous rights and Traditional Ecological Knowledge; and the science-policy interface in decision-making contexts.
Students will analyze contemporary conservation issues—including fisheries interactions, ocean noise, vessel strikes, habitat degradation, and climate change—while critically evaluating the effectiveness of current management approaches. The course will also incorporate discussion of emerging issues highlighted in current research and media coverage to connect scientific and policy theory with real-world challenges in marine mammal conservation.
Course Structure and Assignments: The course will explore topics through lectures, guest speakers, and seminars. The work for the course will include: weekly reading and writing (short 1-2 paragraphs) assignments, seminar discussions, co-leading one seminar, and a final individual presentation to the class.
In-person Class Format: This course is offered fully in-person. Students should expect to attend in-person for all class periods. We cannot promise to offer remote attendance options due to illness or other absences. Students should strategize methods for getting notes from class when attendance is not possible.
Class Schedule: Wednesday nights, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm, PST
Qualified undergraduates may be enrolled in an undergraduate CRN for this course with faculty signature approval.
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environmental studies