Module Information

The course introduces the basic principles of fish ecology, with an emphasis on quantitative rather that descriptive ecology. These principles then provide a basis for introductory discussions of aquaculture and fisheries management including a brief introduction to fisheries legislation.

The first half of the course will describe the basic principles of fish ecology including the following topics: the ecomorphology of locomotion and feeding, foraging ecology, bioenergetics of fishes and the use of bioenergetics as a predictive tool, ageing, growth and production, ecology of reproduction, population dynamics and life histories of fishes, inter-specific interactions and the structure of fish assemblages.

The second part of the course covers more applied aspects and introduces the basic principles of the aquaculture of fin and shell fish including the use of genetic markers as tools in stock discrimination.

Lectures on the principles of fisheries management begin with a consideration of aims of management of commercial fisheries and the role of the fisheries manager. Methods of exploitation of fin and shellfish are considered with particular emphasis on `pressure stocks?. The causes of over fishing are considered in detail and discussed in relation to some of the major commercial fisheries. Fisheries management techniques, including quota management (TAC) and a wide range of technical measures are discussed critically in the light of the decline of major fisheries. The future needs of management are examined in relation to proposals to reduce effort (including the use of permit schemes for shellfisheries), and the introduction of closed areas. United Kingdom and European fisheries legislation is introduced with particular reference to inshore waters. The environmental responsibilities of fisheries managers are considered in relation to recent legislation and the future plans for the integrated management of coastal waters.