BIOL8752 Fisheries Biology, Science and Management GE

This topic will provide students with advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills in fish biology, fisheries management, and the critical parameters used by fisheries scientists to assess stock levels and manage populations of marine organisms. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the scientific principles, conflicts, and methodologies relating to the use and management of fisheries resources, which will be outlined using South Australian and international examples. This will include various fisheries from crustaceans and cephalopods to large predators such as sharks. Students will also be taught some of the ideas and assumptions underlying the models used in various fisheries management as well as their application. Finally, the topic also addresses environmental impacts of fisheries and the sustainable management and protection of fisheries resources.

This topic aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of how small- and large-scale fisheries are managed nationally and internationally, and what are the critical life history parameters needed to enable stock assessments and fisheries modelling. After completing this topic, students will have a fundamental understanding of the methods and techniques used to undertake stock assessments as well as the related mathematical models. Through this topic, students will gain advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills through the additional assessment, which will require the ability to critically analyse data, solve a complex sustainability issue, and to generate a written report to transmit the solution to the complex problem presented. Finally, thanks to the contribution of guest speakers from various background, agencies and organisations, this topic also exposes the students to different scientists, managers, modellers, and industry representatives providing the students with an introduction to the type of agencies they could work for following their degree.

1. Have an advanced understanding of the biological parameters required to undertake stock assessments and population modelling
2. Undertake stock assessment and population models
3. Understand the principles behind fisheries management and the various conflicts between stakeholders
4. Identify and solve practical issues with the advanced knowledge from literature
5. Communicate (orally and in writing) the results of fisheries models, and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others