MR-250 Fishery Biology and Management

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Course title: MR 250 – Fisheries Biology and Management
Campus: National	Initiator: Peltin Olter-Pelep	Date: 10/29/2021
Course description: The marine fisheries are the mainstay for the economy of a number of nations. This course will provide students with a worldwide overview of the marine fishing industry. The fundamental principles in assessing and managing stocks will be covered. To this effect, fishing techniques, life histories of major exploited taxonomic groups, methods of collecting fisheries data, stock assessment techniques, and management efforts will be discussed. Estimation of population dynamics as age, growth, mortality, and abundance will be explored using basic computer programs.

COURSE HOURS/CREDITS:

	Hours per Week		No. of Weeks		Total Hours		Semester Credits
Lecture	3	x	16	x	48	=	3
Laboratory		x		x		=
Workshop		x		x		=
			Total Semester Credits				3

PURPOSE OF COURSE:

[X ] Degree requirement

[ ] Degree elective

[ ] Certificate

[ ] Other

PREREQUISITES: “C” or better in ESL 089 (Reading V)

PSLOS OF OTHER PROGRAMS THIS COURSE MEETS:

PSLO#	Program
3.4 Define and explain scientific concepts, principles, and theories of a field of science.	General Education

1) INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Check all that apply)

[ ]	1. Effective oral communication: capacity to deliver prepared, purposeful presentations designed to increase knowledge, to foster understanding, or to promote change in the listeners’ attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors.
[ ]	2. Effective written communication: development and expression of ideas in writing through work in many genres and styles, utilizing different writing technologies, and mixing texts, data, and images through iterative experiences across the curriculum.
[ ]	3. Critical thinking: a habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.
[X]	4. Problem solving: capacity to design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to answer an open-ended question or achieve a desired goal.
[ ]	5. Intercultural knowledge and competence: a set of cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
[X]	6. Information literacy: the ability to know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand.
[ ]	7. Foundations and skills for life-long learning : purposeful learning activity, undertaken on an ongoing basis with the aim of improving knowledge, skills, and competence.
[X]	8. Quantitative Reasoning: ability to reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of authentic contexts and everyday life situations; comprehends and can create sophisticated arguments supported by quantitative evidence and can clearly communicate those arguments in a variety of formats.

2) PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLOs): The student will be able to:

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geomorphological, physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
Apply fundamental knowledge of marine sciences towards identifying and critically analyzing, and outlining potential solutions for local, regional and global problems relating to marine systems.
Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts of marine science.

3) COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLOs) (General): The student will be to:

Relate the evolution of the world marine fisheries from ancient civilizations to the recent fishing trends
Demonstrate the knowledge on the limits of productivity of exploited biological resources.
Describe the various taxonomic groups of marine species exploited on a commercial basis.
Describe the major techniques and methods used in exploiting the marine resources.
Identify the principal species or taxonomic groups landed in volume and value at the world, regional and local levels.
Differentiate between a biological population, a unit-stock, and a cohort.
Compare and contrast the Holistic and Analytical stock assessment models in population dynamics.
Describe the sampling strategies used by observers on board in gathering the statistical fisheries data of the highly migratory species of the tropical Pacific and apply the methodology under simulated conditions.
Describe the major biological parameters used in stock assessment, notably: stock abundance, catch rates, fishing effort, growth, recruitment, mortality, and yield.
Describe the significance of fisheries management and management tools that can be adopted in assuring a sustainable development of the exploited resource.

4. COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLOs) (Specific): The student will be to:

CSLO (General) 1:Relate the evolution of the world marine fisheries from ancient civilizations to the recent fishing trends.
Student Learning Outcome (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
1.1 Define the field of fisheries biology.	6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student defines the field of fisheries biology. An answer key will be used.
1.2 Classify the major historical periods in the fisheries including the fisheries in ancient civilizations, the pre-industrial fisheries, the industrialization, and the control of the high seas.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student classify the major historical periods in the fisheries including the fisheries in ancient civilizations, the pre-industrial fisheries, the industrialization, and the control of the high seas. An answer key will be used.
1.3 Describe the recent trends in the state of the world fisheries.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student describe the recent trends in the state of the world fisheries. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 2: Demonstrate knowledge on the limits of productivity of exploited biological resources.
Student Learning Outcomes (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
2.1 Sketch the patterns of exploitation of a target stock.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student sketch the patterns of exploitation of a target stock. An answer key will be used.
2.2 List the species that have gone through the “boom and bust” cycle of exploitation.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student lists the species that have gone through the “boom and bust” cycle of exploitation. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 3: Describe the various taxonomic groups of marine species exploited on a commercial basis.
Student Learning Outcomes (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
3.1 List the major taxonomic groups of exploited marine species and their respective economic importance.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz, or test where student lists the major taxonomic groups of exploited species and their economic importance. An answer key will be used.
3.2 Describe the life histories of the main taxonomic groups of exploited marine species and their distribution in space and time.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student describes the life histories of the main taxonomic groups of exploited marine species and their distribution in space and time. An answer key will be used.
3.3 Distinguish the external and internal anatomical features of cartilaginous and bony fishes, plus a variety of local shellfish.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student distinguishes anatomical features of cartilaginous and bony fishes as well as various local shellfish. An answer key will be used.
3.4 Identify major local reef fish and oceanic target species along with a variety of local exploited shellfish.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student identify major local reef and oceanic species along with exploited shellfish. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 4: Describe the major techniques and methods used in exploiting the marine resources.
Student Learning Outcomes (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
4.1 List the various gears and fishing methods (passive vs active) used to exploit the marine resources as well as the advantages, disadvantages and impacts on the natural environment.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student lists the various gears and fishing methods (passive vs active) used to exploit the marine resources as well as the advantages, disadvantages and impacts on the natural environment. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 5: Identify the principal species or taxonomic groups landed in volume and value at the world, regional and local levels.
5.1 List the major regional and international fishery bodies mandated to compile the fisheries statistical data, notably the fisheries sector of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA).	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student lists the major regional and international fishery bodies mandated to compile the fisheries statistical data, notably the fisheries sector of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA). An answer key will be used.
5.2 Find key statistical data of landed volumes and values by species or higher taxonomic groups, by country, and by region.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student finds key statistical data of landed volumes and values by species or higher taxonomic groups, by country, and by region. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 6: Differentiate between a biological population, a unit-stock, and a cohort.
6.1 Compare and contrast between the notions of biological population, unit-stock, and a cohort.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student compares and contrast between the notions of biological population, unit-stock, and a cohort. An answer key will be used.
6.2 Describe the importance of clearly delimiting the unit-stock in fisheries assessment.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student describes the importance of delimiting the unit-stock in fisheries assessment. An answer key will be used.
6.3 Describe the methods commonly used to identify a given unit-stock along with its respective advantages and drawbacks.	4, 6	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student describes the methods commonly used to identify a given unit-stock along with its respective advantages and drawbacks. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 7: Compare and contrast the Holistic and Analytical stock assessment models in population dynamics.
7.1 List the biological parameters that are used to apply the holistic models and those that are needed when using the analytical models.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student lists the biological parameters that are used to apply the holistic models and those that are needed when using the analytical models. An answer key will be used.
7.2 Compare both assessment approaches by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each model.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student compares both assessment approaches by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each model. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 8: Describe the sampling strategies used by observers on board in gathering the statistical fisheries data of the highly migratory species of the tropical Pacific.
Student Learning Outcomes (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
8.1 Explain the content of the various information logged during an observation trip aboard a commercial fishing vessel, notably the fishing effort, the exact fishing location, the total size and volume caught of the target species and the estimation of the by-catch.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student explains the content of the various information logged during an observation trip aboard a commercial fishing vessel, notably the fishing effort, the exact fishing location, the total size and volume caught of the target species and the estimation of the by-catch. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 9:Describe the major biological parameters used in stock assessment, notably: stock abundance, catch rates, fishing effort, growth, recruitment, mortality, and yield.
Student Learning Outcome (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
9.1 Describe the methods used to measure each stock abundance, catch rate, fishing effort, growth, recruitment, mortality and yield.	4, 6*, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student describes the various methods and parameters used in stock assessment. An answer key will be used.
9.2 Apply the basic models used in estimating the total mortality of a given cohort.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student applies the basic models used in estimating the total mortality of a given cohort. An answer key will be used.
9.3 Explain the differences between the holistic model and the analytical model.	4, 6, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student explains the differences between the holistic vs the analytical model. An answer key will be used.
CSLO (General) 10:Describe the significance of fisheries management and management tools that can be adopted in assuring a sustainable development of the exploited resource.
Student Learning Outcome (specific)	ISLO	PSLO	Assessment Strategies
10.1 Explain the importance of managing marine fisheries to prevent overexploitation and overcapitalization.	4, 6*, 8	1, 2	Homework, quiz or test where student explains the importance of managing marine fisheries to prevent overexploitation and overcapitalization of resources. An answer key will be used.

5) COURSE CONTENT:

Introduction to Marine Fisheries
Marine Ecology and Production Processes
Fish Species, Life Histories and Distribution
Fishing Gear and Methods
Stock Assessment
Stock Assessment Models
Fisheries Management

6) METHOD(S) OF INSTRUCTION:

[X] Lecture [X] Cooperative learning groups

[ ] Laboratory [X] In-class exercises

[X] Audio visual [X] Demonstrations

[ ] Other

7) REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS:
King M. 2007. Fisheries Biology, Assessment and Management. 2nd ed. Blackwell Publishing Oxford, UK. 382pp. (or most recent edition).

8) REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Berrill, M. 1997. The Plundered Seas: Can the World’s Fish be Saved? Sierra Club Books. San Francisco, CA. (USA). 208pp.
Cailliet G., M.S. Love, and A.W. Ebeling. 1986. Fishes: A Field and Laboratory manual on Their Structure, Identification, and Natural History. Waveland Press, prospect Heights, Illinois. (USA)
FAO -----. FAO Fisheries Department Homepage. http://www.fao.org/fi/default.asp
FAO -----. FAO Statistics. http://fishbase.org/manual/fishbasefao_statistics00002679.htm
Government of Federated States of Micronesia. 1997. The Fishery Policy of the Federated States of Micronesia: Leading to Strengthening the Contribution of Commercial Fisheries to the Economy of FSM.
Recommendations of the National Fisheries Summit of FSM held December 9-12, 1996. Palakir, Pohnpei, FSM. February 1997.
Haddon M. 2011. Modeling and Quantitative Methods in Fisheries. 2nd ed. Chapman and Hall/CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL (USA). (or most recent edition).
Jennings S., M.J. Kaiser & J.D. Reynolds. 2001. Marine Fisheries Ecology. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford (England) (or most recent edition).
Levinton J.S. 2001. Marine Biology. Function, Biodiversity, Ecology. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press. New York (USA). (or most recent edition).
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). 2002. Port Sampling Manual. Oceanic Fisheries Programme. SPC, Noumea, New Caledonia (updated version access electronically via the SPC website).
Other references and reading assignments covering various fishery biology and management issues will be given in class during the semester.

9) INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS:

None.

10) EVALUATION:

A comprehensive final exam will be administered at the end of the semester. Students are required to pass with a grade of C or better.

11) CREDIT BY EXAMINATION:

None.

MR 250	Endorsed by CC: 02/25/22
	Approved by VPIA: 02/28/22

College of Micronesia - FSM

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MR-250 Fishery Biology and Management

Hours per Week

No. of Weeks

Total Hours

Semester Credits