Fish and wildlife management

Last changed: 13 November 2023
Salmon swimming in water. Photo.

What are the success stories of fish and wildlife management? What are the current challenges? After finishing the course, you will be able to plan the sustainable management of selected fish and wildlife species.

This course introduces the sustainable management and harvest of fish and wildlife. We will learn about different management approaches and philosophies, focusing on adaptive wildlife management and evidence-based conservation. In the course, we use case studies to guide learning and students will be trained how to synthesize and apply knowledge from fundamental animal population biology (e.g., habitat needs, predation and foraging, reproduction), animal monitoring and management (e.g., harvesting strategies, techniques, equipment), while also considering human dimensions (e.g., stakeholder conflicts, legislative frameworks, international perspectives) to make decisions and recommendations for managing fish and wildlife.

This course trains students on assessing data quality and science communication, two important skills for wildlife managers. We learn how to effectively find information in the scientific and grey literature and best practices for critically evaluating data. We train your communication skills so that you can communicate management recommendations at a level appropriate for professional managers, scientists, and the public at the end of the course.

The course is taught by researchers and wildlife managers working on these topics today! When possible, we take excursions to see examples of wildlife management in action. Not only does this help bring you in contact with potential employers, but it ensures that all our students continue to be in demand because of your up-to-date knowledge and skills.

The course is part of our international masters' programme Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife.