BI1457, Ecology for fish management and conservation, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2023-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course aims at training students in fish ecology and its applications in aquatic resource management and conservation in freshwater, coastal and marine environments. This course gives students both theoretical and practical skills for working with national and international management issues.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe essential ecological terms and theory as well as legislation and management goals relevant for aquatic resource management and conservation with emphasis on fish

2. Identify and apply ecological knowledge to current real-life issues in fish management and conservation

3. Evaluate fish management and conservation plans or measures from a fish ecological perspective

4. Communicate relevant ecological knowledge on aquatic resource management to stakeholders and fish management and conservation organisations

Content

Subject-related content

In a series of lectures students gain a deeper understanding of essential aspects of fish ecology and fish management perspectives such as the role of fish in aquatic food webs, fish life cycles, restoration ecology, and population genetics, which subsequently and where suitable will be implemented in their project work.

The course also covers climate change impacts on fishes and their environment, we well as fisheries resource aspects, including both commercial and recreational fisheries, which are the main driving forces for most fish management and conservation activities. The course encompass current European and national legislation regarding nature and the aquatic environment. Field trips and hand-on training concerning test-fishing methods are included and will be organized as day and overnight trips from Ultuna.

**Teaching formats **

The course consists of lectures, exercises, group work and excursions.

The course has a student-centred and participatory learning approach, based on case studies and group work to stimulate independent studies. Thus, a major part of the course consists of a project work with case studies regarding actual fish management and conservation projects. Students work in groups with representatives of on-going management projects.

The students’ task is to formulate the management problem, and based on knowledge on ecology and management practice, presenting proposals for management improvement.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

Students will also develop oral and written skills, and receive training in efficiently communicating ecological knowledge and information in applied management settings, including production of short movies and posters.

Compulsory components

Compulsory components are excursions, study visits and certain exercises.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

To pass the student needs to achieve at least grade 3 on a written examination, an approved written case study report (groupwise), poster, and actively taking part in the oral presentation of the report and poster. Grade 4 and 5 is based on the written examination. - If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so. - If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment. - If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course. - For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Aquatic Resources

Supplementary information

Included in program

• EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Ecology for fish management and conservation	15.0	0001

The Course Replaces

BI1340

Other Information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook