Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 413 D100

Fisheries Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2422

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 9:30–11:20 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:

We will explore the ecological dimensions of fisheries, however, your view depends on whether fish are a one component of the national or global food production system or whether they are wildlife. We will begin with an assessment of the state of the world’s marine and freshwater fisheries according to the media and UN Food & Agriculture Organization. Then we will examine the quantitative methods used to assess the status of fish stocks. Finally, we will apply these viewpoints and principles to several case studies, and consider wider environmental and impacts of fisheries, including issues ranging from decision-making under uncertainty, through to bycatches. Fisheries models will be taught in the programing language in R.

Outline of Topics: Global patterns of fisheries, biodiversity of fishes, diversity of fisheries, review of population dynamics, intro to R, and use of R to calculate maximum sustainable yield, yield-per-recruit, and estimate spawner-recruit relationships. Overview of some or all of multi-species ecosystem approaches, risk and uncertainty, salmon ecology and fisheries, aquaculture controversies, reef fisheries, biology of extinction risk, sharks and rays, penguin bycatch, legislation including endangered species, salmon fisheries, whaling science and politics, marine protected areas, climate change, the future of fisheries.

Grading

  • Coding team pop quiz 5%
  • Coding midterm 20%
  • Essay 25%
  • Stakeholder debate 15%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Final Exam 25%

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.