Upon completion of the workshop, learners will be able to:

• Define and classify marine heatwaves using a standardized scientific framework that incorporates specific metrics for intensity, duration, and spatial extent.
• Execute near-real-time detection workflows using tools such as Python or MATLAB to identify MHW onset and classification according to internationally recognized methodologies.
• Process and visualize satellite Sea Surface Temperature (SST) datasets to generate anomaly maps that detect emerging warming events relative to climatological baselines.
• Train and implement machine learning models, specifically neural network architectures like LSTMs and CNNs, to forecast extreme warming events and evaluate their predictive skill against traditional models.
• Develop sectoral application strategies that utilize MHW forecasts to inform management decisions in fisheries, aquaculture adjustments, habitat protection, and public health risk mitigation.

Course content 

Scientific Foundations and Regional Context

• MHW Identification: Training on the standardized scientific framework to define and classify marine heatwaves using metrics such as intensity, duration, and spatial extent.
• Basin Dynamics: Exploration of unique regional drivers in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, including stratification, restricted circulation, and high evaporation rates.
• Impact Analysis: Review of case studies (2021–2025) detailing ecological and socio-economic consequences, such as coral bleaching, mass fish mortality, and disruptions to coastal tourism 

Observation and Detection Techniques 

• Satellite Remote Sensing: Practical guidance on accessing and processing sea surface temperature (SST) datasets from major providers like NOAA, Copernicus Marine Service, and ESA.
• Anomaly Mapping: Activities focused on generating anomaly maps relative to climatological baselines to detect emerging warming events.
• Detection Workflows: Hands-on application of near-real-time detection and classification methodologies using open-source tools, Python, or MATLAB.
• In-Situ Data Integration: Protocols for quality control and calibration of data from buoys, Argo floats, and tide gauges, and blending these field measurements with satellite products to analyze subsurface thermal structures 

Advanced Forecasting and Computational Tools 

• Ocean–Atmosphere Modelling: Introduction to coupled models and high-resolution Earth system modelling (10 km ocean / 25 km atmosphere) to improve prediction of MHW onset.
• Regional Downscaling: Techniques to tailor global models for localized forecasting in sensitive coastal zones.
• Machine Learning (ML): Training ML models using historical SST time-series and introducing neural network architectures like LSTMs and CNNs for event prediction.
• Predictive Skill Assessment: Hands-on workflows to compare the accuracy of ML-based anomaly detection against traditional forecasting models 

Sectoral Applications and Strategic Roadmap 

• Science to Action: Applying forecasts to inform decision-making in fisheries management, aquaculture adjustments, and the protection of sensitive habitats like seagrass and coral reefs.
• Public Health Mitigation: Addressing the links between MHWs, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and waterborne health hazards.
• Institutional Gap Analysis: Facilitated discussions to identify technical and monitoring gaps across IOC-Africa Member States.
• Regional Roadmap Development: Collaborative drafting of a strategic roadmap for a coordinated regional Marine Heatwave Early Warning Mechanism (MHW-EWM) 

Target audience and prerequisites

Mid and top-career scientists from IOCAFRICA member states adjacent to the Mediterranean and Red Sea basins. Applications from other IOCAFRICA member states will be considered on a special basis, and subject to availability of slot.

Language of instruction: English

Instructors

Prof. Suzan M. El-Gharabawy 

Prof. Yang Gao 

Additional invited trainers from Portugal and NIOF (names to be confirmed)

Format & Duration

This course is face-to-face with synchrounous onsite continuous activities for 5 days, with a total of 37 hours.

Organizers

This course is organized by National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO through the IOC Sub Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA) in collaboration with the Decade Capacity Development Facility and the OceanTeacher Global Academy.

Assessment & Certificate

This course has theoretical and practical tests.

To receive a Certificate of Completion, for each part of the training course, participants shall: 

• Fully attend to the in-person sessions
• Engage and complete every proposed training activity
• Successfully complete the tests
• Complete the mandatory pre- and post-assessment.
• Submit the required feedback form is mandatory. 

Technology requirements/computer skills and pre-requisites

To follow this course, participants shall have:

• Access to a notebook computer/laptop, and should bring it to the course;
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers, with JavaScript and cookies enabled;
• Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
• Audio speakers or headphones
• Basic computer skills, such as finding resources through search engines and the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills) 
• Good knowledge in computer use. Data manipulation using Python, R or MATLAB desirable.

Application & Selection criteria

Application was managed by IOCAFRICA through their digital platforms, and was open from 19 May to 9 June 2026.

Participants were asked to submit a motivation letter, their resume and recommendation from their employer. This enabled us to assess the relevance and importance of the course to their routine work and institution / country. We also assessed the gender of the applicants, country they are domiciled in, and challenges they wish to address in the short and long term.

Approximately 26 seat were available for participation.

UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Registration from minority or underrepresented groups is strongly encouraged.

Costs

This course has no tuition fees.

Finantial support is available for the participants.

Contacts

For additional questions, please contact the course coordinators Prof. Suzan M. El-Gharabawy (suzymooo@yahoo.com) and John Ngatia (Jn.ndarathi@unesco.org ), or OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.