Høst 2019

BIO-3556 Fishery Biology and Harvest Technology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Norges fiskerihøgskole

Type of course

This subject is obligatory in the Master's programme in International Fisheries Management" (IFM). The course can also be taken as a singular course

Course overlap

FSK-2020 Sustainable fisheries 10 stp

Course contents

Fishery biology deals with worldwide fisheries, value-chains and ecological research. We focus on traditional methods to investigate exploited organisms, such as determination of population parameters and field work for direct estimation of fish density. The concept of a fishery model is introduced, and we adapt this theory to widely diverse species, fisheries and level of information available. This helps us making simple quantitative predictions of the suitability of different exploitation regimes. Harvest technology deals with a general description of the most common fishing methods and a brief description of the vessel technology used in different parts of the world. We deal with fish behavior, operation methods, basics on the selective fisheries, fish detection and density estimation with hydro-acoustics during ecosystem surveys. New developments in the pursuit of energy efficient and environmentally adequate gear, by-catch reduction, and user-friendly technology, are addressed. These developments include also capture-based aquaculture. We give, in addition, a brief introduction to the monitoring, control and enforcement of technical measures in regulated capture fisheries.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester. Applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

Application code: 9371 Entrance requirements as for the M.Sc.programme in International Fishery Management.

Objective of the course

Objective of the course

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge:

Describes international fisheries and value chains
Explains biology of exploited organisms and the relation to their environment
Computes different estimates of production potential of fish population
Illustrates gear and vessel technology used for different species and environments
Considers fish behavior and gear operation for increased efficiency and catch quality
Recognizes how to monitor and control different technical regulations in fisheries

Skills:

Uses computers for basic calculations and fisheries modeling
Performs basic fieldwork and sampling in the marine environment
Rehearses presentation and reporting skills
Engages in self-study and organization

General competences:

Is acquainted with diverse fisheries and aquatic value chains worldwide
Has familiarity with simple research methods and advice given by fishery scientists
Has elementary ability to participate in multi-disciplinary teams dealing with natural resources.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, practical labs and research cruise. A major component of learning in this course is self-study of basic concepts.

Assessment

Two written exams of 3 hours and 4 hours counting 25% and 75 %, respectively, of the weighted final grade.

Work requirements: Students have to submit one field report after the research cruise as a pre-work for the last exam.

Re-sit: No re-sit in this course.