Marine Invertebrate Ecology

Discover the "Aliens" of the Underwater World

Description: Did you know that invertebrates make up over 90% of all animal life in the ocean? While fish often steal the spotlight, the true weird and wonderful diversity of the reef lies with the invertebrates. From the color-changing Octopus to the tiny, brilliant Nudibranch, this course exposes the hidden lives of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.

The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology program is essential for divers who want to understand the complex food webs and symbiotic relationships that keep the reef alive. You will learn to spot creatures you previously overlooked and understand the bizarre survival strategies—like chemical warfare and advanced camouflage—that these animals use every day.

Why Choose the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course?

• See More on Every Dive: Once you know what to look for, you will realize the reef is teeming with life you used to swim right past.

• Flexible Learning: As an SSI Ecology program, this is a knowledge-based certification. It can be completed entirely as a "dry" course (classroom/digital) or enhanced with open water observation dives.

• Digital Access: Start reading immediately with the MySSI App. The materials are engaging, mobile-friendly, and perfect for learning at home.

• Path to Excellence: This specialty counts as one of the required certifications for SSI Advanced Open Water and helps you progress toward the SSI Master Diver rating.

What You Will Learn:

• Taxonomy 101: How to classify the major groups of invertebrates (Cnidarians, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Echinoderms, and more).

• Life Cycles: Understanding how these animals reproduce and grow, from floating plankton to reef dwellers.

• Survival Skills: How invertebrates defend themselves, feed, and interact with other species (like the cleaner shrimp and the eel).

• Human Impact: The economic importance of invertebrates (such as lobsters and conch) and how we can ensure sustainable populations.

Course Prerequisites:

• Minimum Age: 10 Years Old

• Certification: None required for the academic portion (Open to snorkelers and non-divers!).