Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - BISC 413 D100

Fisheries Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2770

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 204 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Fisheries from an ecological point of view, whereby the principles of population dynamics, behaviour, competition and predator-prey relationships are applied to conservation and management of the world's fisheries.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines fisheries from an ecological point of view, whereby the principles of population dynamics, behaviour, competition and predator-prey relationships are applied to conservation and management of the world’s fish and fisheries. We will begin with an assessment of the state of the world’s marine and freshwater fisheries. Then we will examine methods used to assess the status of fish stocks. Finally, we will apply these principles to a number of case studies, and consider wider environmental and evolutionary impacts of fisheries, including issues such as bycatches and trophic cascades. Examples of wider issues will be drawn from temperate aquaculture to coral reefs, with species ranging from salmon to aquatic snakes and mammals.

Outline of Topics: Global patterns of fisheries, biodiversity of fish and fishers, basic population dynamics, simple spreadsheet methods to calculate sustainable yields, multi-species ecosystem approaches, risk and uncertainty, salmon ecology and fisheries, aquaculture controversies, reef fisheries, biology of extinction risk, sharks and rays, fishing for snakes, evolutionary impacts, legislation including endangered species, whaling science and politics, marine protected areas, climate change, the future of fisheries.

Grading

  • One Midterm 25%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Essay 25%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jennings, S., Kaiser, M.J. & Reynolds, J.D. (2001) Marine Fisheries Ecology. Blackwell Science / Wiley, Oxford.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html