Høst 2020

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

Knowledge:

Has advanced knowledge of international fisheries and how they integrate into supply chains
Has advanced knowledge of the biology of exploited organisms and the relation to their environment
Has advanced knowledge of different estimates of production potential of fish population
Has advanced knowledge of gear and vessel technology used for different species and environments
Has advanced knowledge of fish behavior and gear operation for increased efficiency and catch quality
Has advanced knowledge of how to monitor and control different technical regulations in fisheries

Skills:

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

General competences:

Is acquainted with diverse fisheries and aquatic supply chains worldwide
Has familiarity with research methods and advice given by fishery scientists

Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, practical labs, short excursions and research cruise. A major component of learning in this course is self-study of basic concepts. Each student holds up to two presentations on given topics or articles and discusses them in class.

The learning outcomes can only be fully achieved through active student participation. Students are expected to prepare before every session.

Assessment

Student evaluation relies on two projects:

The first exam is a field report of the observations performed during the research cruise. This report is written by teams of three-five students, and accounts for 25% of the final mark. This report is submitted latest one week after the end of the cruise.
The second exam is a report that requires solution to questions and numerical exercises about a specific fishery or fisheries, and combines much of the learning and training performed during the semester. The report is written individually and accounts for 75%of the final mark. The duration of the assignment is three days and submission takes place at the end of the semester (date to be announced).

A graded scale of 5 marks from A - E for pass, and F for fail.

Re-Sit: A re-sit is offered the following semester. The student(s) must retake the part(s) of the exams he/she failed (improved version of the field report and/or the individual report).

Date for examination

Field report 1 hand out date 26.10.2020 hand in date 09.11.2020;Report 2 hand out date 02.12.2020 hand in date 16.12.2020

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.