Underwater Naturalist / Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver Specialty Course

Understand Marine Life. Protect the Ocean. Dive With Purpose.

Every diver sees marine life.
Not every diver truly understands it.

The Underwater Naturalist / Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver Specialty Course at Eco Dive Center in Los Angeles is designed for certified divers who want to go beyond simply observing the underwater world. This course teaches you how marine ecosystems function, how species interact, and how divers can actively protect fragile aquatic environments.

From Southern California kelp forests to tropical reefs and freshwater systems, you’ll gain the knowledge and field skills to become a more informed, environmentally responsible diver.

Why This Course Matters

Divers are ambassadors of the underwater world. The more we understand ocean ecosystems, the better we can protect them.

This specialty builds real environmental awareness by teaching you:

• How marine ecosystems function

• How food webs and nutrient cycles support aquatic life

• How temperature, salinity, light, and currents affect species distribution

• How human activity impacts marine habitats

• How divers can reduce their environmental footprint

With growing challenges like overfishing, coral bleaching, pollution, and habitat destruction, educated divers play a critical role in conservation.

At Eco Dive Center, we believe better divers protect better oceans.

Who This Course Is For

This specialty is ideal for:

• Certified divers seeking deeper knowledge of marine life

• Ocean enthusiasts passionate about conservation

• Underwater photographers and videographers

• Divers traveling to new ecosystems

• Southern California divers wanting to better understand local kelp forests and reef systems

Minimum age: 10 years old (parental consent required for minors)

What You’ll Learn

This comprehensive marine ecology course explores both scientific principles and practical dive applications.

Ocean & Aquatic Science Fundamentals

• Temperature layers and thermoclines

• Salinity and haloclines

• Dissolved gases and water chemistry

• Light penetration and photosynthesis

• Waves, tides, and current systems

• Nutrient circulation and ecosystem productivity

Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems

• Temperate kelp forest systems (like Southern California)

• Tropical reef ecosystems

• Freshwater habitats

• Habitat structure and biodiversity

Marine Life & Behavior

• Plankton and primary producers

• Aquatic plants and kelp

• Fish and invertebrates

• Food webs and predator-prey relationships

• Behavioral patterns and daily cycles

• Local Southern California marine species

Environmental Impact & Conservation

• Habitat degradation and pollution

• Climate-related ecosystem changes

• Overfishing and resource management

• Responsible marine life interaction

• Intrusive vs. non-intrusive observation techniques

Practical Diving & Observation Skills

During your training dives, you will develop:

• Excellent buoyancy control to protect fragile habitats

• Environmentally friendly finning techniques

• Passive marine life observation skills

• Grid-based marine surveys and documentation

• Marine life identification and behavior recording

• Site comparison and impact analysis

You’ll evaluate dive locations based on bottom composition, biodiversity, and signs of human influence — turning every dive into a meaningful ecological study.

Train in Real Southern California Conditions

Your dives may take place in authentic ocean environments around Los Angeles, where you can experience:

• Temperate kelp forests

• Rocky reef systems

• Marine protected areas

• Shore and boat dive ecosystems

Training locally builds practical marine awareness you can apply anywhere in the world.

What You’ll Gain

Upon successful completion, you will:

• Earn a recognized Underwater Naturalist / Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver specialty certification

• Develop a stronger understanding of marine biology and ocean science

• Improve buoyancy and non-intrusive diving techniques

• Become a more environmentally responsible diver

• Strengthen your qualifications toward advanced diver development pathways

Most importantly, you’ll gain the knowledge to dive with greater awareness and purpose.

Dive Smarter. Dive Responsibly.

The underwater world is complex, interconnected, and fragile.

Become the diver who understands it — and helps protect it.

Train with Eco Dive Center in Los Angeles and take your diving knowledge to the next level.