SSI Invasive Species Management eLearning

SSI Invasive Species Management — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Become an active defender of marine ecosystems with the SSI Invasive Species Management specialty. This online course allows you to master the theory behind invasive species—how they arrive, establish, and impact native biodiversity—and the strategies used to monitor, manage, and remove them. Completing the digital modules grants you the **SSI Invasive Species Management certification (academic credit only)**.

What you’ll learn online

• Definition and ecology of invasive species in marine and aquatic systems
• Mechanisms of invasion, dispersal pathways, and establishment processes
• Impacts on native species, ecosystems, and ecosystem services
• Regulatory frameworks, biosecurity protocols, and risk assessment strategies
• Monitoring and detection methods, data recording, and mapping techniques
• Removal and control techniques (mechanical, manual, biological, chemical) with safety and environmental considerations
• Best practices for non-target protection, restoration after removal, and long-term prevention

Optional practical training (booked separately)

To put your learning into action, you can choose to complete **in-water removal dives or management operations** under the supervision of an SSI Professional. These practical sessions typically include:

• Dryland briefings on protocols, gear preparation, safety, and removal plans
• In-water dives where you safely remove invasive organisms (e.g. lionfish, macroalgae, or other target species), using appropriate tools or techniques under controlled conditions
• Tender / surface support coordination, diver safety, and non-target protection measures
• Recording data on species removed, effort, location, depth, and post-removal monitoring
• Post-dive protocols: cleaning, disposal or quarantine, site assessments, and restoration follow-up

These hands-on training sessions are not included in the eLearning product and must be arranged separately with Dorset Diving Services or another SSI Dive Centre that offers the Invasive Species Management specialty.

Important prerequisites & notes

• Most dive centres will require you to already hold a recreational scuba certification (e.g. SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent) before participating in removal dives. Be sure to check with your chosen centre what prerequisites they have.
• Confirm in advance that the dive centre you intend to use offers the Invasive Species Management programme and can facilitate the practical removal / monitoring sessions before booking.
• Safety is critical. You may be required to complete a diving medical questionnaire or obtain physician clearance depending on local regulations or the dive centre’s policy.

Free registration

To begin, you can register for a free SSI account and affiliate with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving Services.

What’s next?

After completing the Invasive Species Management specialty, you might expand your conservation skills by exploring **Coral Reef Restoration**, **Marine Ecology**, or **Shark / Ray Ecology** to build a comprehensive ecological toolkit.