Marine Mammal Ecology

Connect with the Ocean’s Most Intelligent Inhabitants

Description: From the playful splash of a dolphin to the gentle grazing of a manatee, marine mammals capture our hearts like no other creatures. But what does it take for a warm-blooded, air-breathing mammal to survive in the deep ocean?

The SSI Marine Mammal Ecology program takes you into the world of whales, dolphins, seals, and sirenians (manatees and dugongs). You will explore their fascinating evolutionary journey from land to sea, learn how they communicate across vast distances, and understand the critical threats they face in a modern ocean. This course is a must for anyone who feels a special connection to these charismatic animals.

Why Choose the SSI Marine Mammal Ecology Course?

• The Florida Connection: Living in Florida gives us unique access to Manatees and Dolphins. This course provides the scientific background to truly appreciate these local encounters.

• Flexible Learning: As an SSI Ecology program, this certification is knowledge-based. It can be completed as a "dry" specialty (classroom/digital only) or combined with a snorkeling or diving excursion.

• Digital Access: Complete the fun and engaging materials on the MySSI App at your own pace—perfect for a rainy afternoon or before a trip.

• Career Progress: This specialty counts toward your SSI Advanced Open Water recognition and brings you one step closer to the elite SSI Master Diver rating.

What You Will Learn:

• Meet the Families: How to distinguish between Cetaceans (whales/dolphins), Pinnipeds (seals/sea lions), and Sirenians (manatees/dugongs).

• Super Senses: Understanding echolocation, deep-diving physiology, and how these animals "see" with sound.

• Biology & Behavior: Feeding strategies, migration patterns, and social structures of pods and herds.

• Conservation: The impact of noise pollution, entanglement, and habitat loss, and what regulations protect these mammals today.

Course Prerequisites:

• Minimum Age: 10 Years Old

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