Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Marine and Fisheries Biology

• Unit Code

  SCI2111

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit examines the biology of marine plants and animals with a particular focus on fisheries species and iconic marine megafauna. Emphasis is placed on understanding the life cycle characteristics and habitat requirements of a range of marine biota, and the environmental factors that influence their populations. Environmental management issues and approaches are examined in relation to wild-stock fisheries and marine megafauna. Note that practical activities in this unit include the use of animals, animal products and tissues. All activities comply with Animal Welfare legislation and NHMRC Guidelines and, where appropriate, are approved by the ECU Animal Ethics Committee.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from SCI1187

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCI3312, SCI3356

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the approaches used to manage fisheries stocks and marine megafauna.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the life history patterns of marine life.
3. Evaluate management issues for fisheries species and marine megafauna.
4. Outline the environmental factors that influence populations.
5. Recognise the main taxa of marine biota and their habitats.

Unit Content

1. Fisheries assessment and monitoring: methods of assessing health of fisheries through fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent monitoring; data requirements for stock assessments and collection techniques.
2. Fisheries management: strategies and policy design in relation to both environmental and socio-economic issues.
3. Life history patterns: age and growth, reproductive biology, dispersal, mortality, movements and recruitment of fish and invertebrates.
4. Management: main management issues related to key biota, with a focus on fisheries species and marine megafauna.
5. Marine life: algae, seagrass, mollusc, crustacean, fish stocks and marine mammals, placed in the context of their environment.
6. Megafauna management: approaches for conservation of iconic megafauna, including marine mammals and reptiles.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials, individual and group based laboratory work and field trips.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Text References

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• Jennings, S., Kaiser, M. J., & Reynolds, J.D. (2001). Marine fisheries ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Blackwell Science Ltd.
• King, M. (2007). Fisheries biology: assessment and management. (2nd ed.). Oxford, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Christensen, V., & Maclean, J. (2011). Ecosystem approaches to fisheries: A global perspective. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
• Charles, A. T. (2001). Sustainable fisheries resources. Fish and aquaculture series. Oxford, U.K.: Blackwell Science.
• Bone, Q., & Moore, R. H. (2008). Biology of fishes. (3rd ed.). New York, U.S.A.: Taylor and Francis.
• Levington, J. S. (2008). Marine biology: function, biodiversity, ecology. (3rd ed.). Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press.
• Connell, S. D., & Gillanders, B. M. (2007). Marine ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press.

^ Mandatory reference

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