FW4107

Principles of Fisheries Management is an engaging and dynamic exploration to the principles and practices of fisheries management. The course is designed as a major requirement for Fisheries subplan majors in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. It is also appropriate as an elective course for other majors and minors in FWCB, ESPM, or related biological disciplines. We cover the basics of fisheries science (habitats, ecology, and population dynamics) and management (e.g., goals, tools, implementation, and assessment) with an emphasis on human intervention and regulation. We first cover management approaches and planning, the development of an information base, and the identification of problems. We then provide a brief overview of applied limnology, fish ecology, and population dynamics, followed by approaches to manage fishery populations and habitats in freshwater and marine systems along with methods to assess management outcomes. Throughout, we demonstrate applications to specific fisheries and habitats. This is primarily a lecture-based course that also integrates field trips, group discussions, and activities. We use exams to measure comprehension, and case studies and assignments to encourage practical application. Prerequisite: Intro biology course, [jr or sr]