This course is an introduction to marine animals and plants; their ecological relationships, structures and systematics; physical and chemical characteristics of the marine ecosystems; survey of marine environments; and utilization, exploitation, pollution, and conservation of marine resources; with special emphasis on the Hawaiian marine environment.

As part of this course you will add an article on a marine species native to Hawaiʻi to Wikipedia. Currently, only very few species common in Hawaiian waters are on Wikipedia. The writing of this Wikipedia article will be a step-wise process with several assignments throughout the semester which are all a part of your final course grade.

The Wikipedia assignment will 1) help you with digital literacy, improved understanding of plagiarism, use of references as well as improved communication skills, and 2) increase information on Wikipedia of Hawaiian marine species.