College of Micronesia
PO Box 159
Pohnpei, FM 96941
Course Title: Fishery Biology and management
Department and number: MR250
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 during laboratory sessions.
Course Prepared by: Allain Bourgoin
Hours per week
Lecture
Campus: Pohnpei, National
No. of week
Total Hours
Semester Credits
_____3____
x
___16___
= 48
=
_____3_____
Laboratory _____3____
x
___16___
= 48
=
_____1_____
Workshop __________
x
________ x ________
=
___________
Purpose of Course:

Degree Requirement _____X______
Degree Elective
__________
Certificate
___________
Other
__________
This course also meets PLO#(S): NA
Prerequisite Courses: A “C” or better in marine biology or oceanography and college algebra or
instructor permission. It is strongly suggested that students undertake Introduction to Statistics
beforehand or follow it in concomitance.
________________________________________
__________________
Signature, Chairperson, Curriculum & Assessment
Committee
Date Approved
________________________________________
__________________
Signature, VPIA, COM-FSM
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Date Approved
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs):
The student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geomorphological, physical,
chemical, and biological oceanography.
2. 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.
3. Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and
analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
4. Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts
of marine science.
B. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)- GENERAL:
The student will be able to:
1. Relate the evolution of the world marine fisheries from ancient civilizations to the recent
fishing trends.
2. Discuss the limits of productivity of exploited biological resources
3. Recognize, describe, and list the various taxonomic groups of marine species exploited on
a commercial basis.
4. Recognize and describe the major techniques and methods used in exploiting the marine
resources.
5. Identify the principal species or taxonomic groups landed in volume and value at the
world, regional and local levels.
6. Differentiate between a biological population, a unit-stock, and a cohort.
7. Compare and contrast the Holistic and Analytical stock assessment models in population
dynamics.
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 and apply the
methodology under simulated conditions.
9. State and describe the major biological parameters used in stock assessment, notably:
stock abundance, catch rates, fishing effort, growth, recruitment, mortality, and yield; and
for each parameter be capable of applying the theoretical notions by solving a number of
basic practical population dynamic problems.
10. List and describe the needs for fisheries management; enumerate the stakeholders; and
compare and contrast the management tools that can be adopted in assuring a sustainable
development of the exploited resource.
SLO
1
2
3
4
5
PLO1
I
I
I
PLO2 PLO3
D
D
D
D
D
PLO4
D
D
D
D
D
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
6
7
8
9
10
I
I
I
I
I
D
M
M
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered
C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – SPECIFIC:
The student will be able to:\
General SLO 1. Relate the evolution of the world marine fisheries from ancient civilizations to
the recent fishing trends.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
1.1 Define the field of “fisheries biology”.
Homework, class quiz,
exam.
1.2 Relate and classify the major historical periods in the fisheries
Homework, class quiz,
including the fisheries in ancient civilizations, the pre-industrial
exam.
fisheries, the industrialization, and the control of the high seas.
1.3 Describe the recent trends in the state of the world fisheries.
Homework, class quiz,
exam.
General SLO 2. Discuss the limits of productivity of exploited biological resources.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
2.1 Sketch and comment the patterns of exploitation of a target
Homework, class quiz,
stock.
exam.
2.2 Furnish examples of species that have gone through the “boom
and bust” cycle of exploitation
Homework, class quiz,
exam.
General SLO 3. Recognize, describe, and list the various taxonomic groups of marine species
exploited on a commercial basis.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
3.1 List the major taxonomic groups of exploited marine species and Homework, class quiz,
their respective economic importance.
exam
3.2 Describe the life histories of the main taxonomic groups of
exploited marine species and discuss their distribution in space and
time.
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Homework, class quiz,
video on life cycle of fish
and shellfish
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
Laboratory assignment –
dissection of specimens
Laboratory assignment –
using dichotomy keys to
identify fish species
Laboratory assignment –
visit a local fish market to
identify the fish and
shellfish on sale
3.3 Distinguish the external and internal anatomical features of
cartilaginous and bony fishes, plus a variety of local shellfish.
3.4 Identify major local reef fish and oceanic target species along
with a variety of local exploited shellfish
General SLO 4. Recognize and describe the major techniques and methods used in exploiting
the marine resources.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
4.1 List the various gears and fishing methods used to exploit the
Homework, quiz, exam
marine resources; recognize between passive and active gear; and
Laboratory assignment –
discuss their advantages, drawbacks and impacts on the marine
visit the fishing port to
environment.
identify the various type
of vessel and gear used
by the fishing fleet
General SLO 5. Identify the principal species or taxonomic groups landed in volume and value
at the world, regional, and local levels.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
5.1 List the major regional and international fishery bodies mandated Laboratory assignment –
to compile the fisheries statistical data, notably the fisheries sector of FAO, SPC and other
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, statistical data basis
the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Fisheries
Forum Agency (FFA).
5.2 Find key statistical data of landed volumes and values by species
or higher taxonomic groups, by country, and by region from the data
base tools available on the web or at the COM-FSM library.
Home assignment;
Laboratory assignment –
Fisheries statistical data
General SLO 6. Differentiate between a biological population, a unit-stock, and a cohort.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
6.1 Compare and contrast between the notions of biological
Homework, class quiz,
population, unit-stock, and a cohort.
and exam.
6.2 Describe the importance of clearly delimiting the unit-stock in
fisheries assessment.
Homework, class quiz,
and exam.
6.3 List the methods commonly used to identify a given unit-stock
Homework, class quiz,
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
and describe their respective advantages and drawbacks.
and exam.
General SLO 7. Compare and contrast the Holistic and Analytical stock assessment models in
population dynamics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
7.1 List the biological parameters that are used to apply the holistic
Throughout the lectures,
models and those that are needed when using the analytical models.
the students will be
reminded of the scientific
approach used by
fisheries biologists.
7.2 Compare both assessment approaches by highlighting the
strength and weaknesses of each model.
Homequiz and class quiz
and exams
General SLO 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 and apply the
methodology in practical laboratory sessions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
8.1 List and demonstrate the length and weight measurements taken Laboratory assignment –
by target species by an observer on board.
collect length and weight
data of a target species at
the fish market to study
length weight
relationships or use
existing data taken from a
databank and analyze the
length weight
relationship
8.2 Explain the content of the log sheet filed out by boat captains
and their use in calculating the fishing effort.
8.3 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 volume caught of
the target species; the estimation of the by-catch …
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Laboratory assignment –
Use the official
spreadsheet
recommended by SPC –
analyze its content
Laboratory assignment –
Use the official
spreadsheet
recommended by SPC –
analyze its content
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
General SLO 9. State the major biological parameters used in stock assessment, notably: stock
abundance, catch rates, fishing effort, growth, recruitment, mortality, and yield; and for each
parameter be capable of applying the theoretical notions by solving a number of basic practical
population dynamics problems.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
9.1 Distinguish between absolute and relative abundance; describe
Laboratory assignment –
the methods used to measure each one; and explain the close link to the student will be
evaluating the total effort and the catch per unit effort.
working on a number of
population dynamic
problems to this effect
Laboratory assignment –
extract otoliths and scales
from a number of reef
fish and estimate the age
by counting the growth
rings; relate age to
length; apply the Von
Bertalanffy model using a
number of assigned
problems
9.3 Enumerate the techniques used to define gear selectivity and
Laboratory assignment –
describe how gear selectivity impacts recruitment into the fisheries.
solve a number of
population dynamic
problems relative to gear
selectivity
9.4 Apply the basic models used in estimating the total mortality of a Laboratory assignment –
given cohort and distinguish between natural and fishing mortality.
solve a number of
population dynamic
problems relative to total
mortality, fishing
mortality and natural
mortality
9.5 Relate how the above biological parameters can be integrated
Home quiz, class quiz,
into a holistic model or an analytical model.
exam
9.2 Enumerate the techniques used to age individuals of a given
species and use such information to draw growth curves mainly
using the Von Bertalanffy growth curve model.
General SLO 10. List and describe the needs for fisheries management; enumerate the
stakeholders; and compare and contrast the management tools that can be adopted in assuring a
sustainable development of the exploited resource.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
10.1 Explain the importance of managing marine fisheries to prevent Home quiz, class quiz,
overexploitation and overcapitalization.
exam
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
10.2 Enumerate the various stakeholders engaged in the marine
fisheries and highlight the conflicts and concerns that arise.
Home quiz, class quiz,
exam
10.2 Compare and contrast the management tools that are commonly
adopted in managing marine resources.
Home quiz, class quiz,
exam
D. COURSE CONTENT
MARINE FISHERIES: AN INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction
2. History of Fisheries
3. The Science of Fisheries
4. Why Manage Fisheries
MARINE ECOLOGY AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES
1. Productivity and Fisheries
2. Transfer Along the Food Chain
3. Global Distribution of the Fisheries
FISHED SPECIES, LIFE HISTORIES AND DISTRIBUTION
1. The Classification of Organisms
2. Major Groups of Fisheries Resource Species
3. World Commercial Catches of Selected Fishes, Mollusks, Crustaceans and Other Taxonomic
Groups
FISHING GEAR AND METHODS
1. Passive Gear (Static Fishing Gear)
2. Active Gear (Towed Fishing Gear)
3. Other Fishing Techniques
4. Bycatches and Discards Issues
5. Conservation Methods
STOCK ASSESSMENT
1. Stock or Unit Stock
2. Distribution and Abundance
3. Fishing Effort/Catch Per Unit Effort
4. Growth
5. Selectivity of Fishing Gear
6. Recruitment
7. Mortality
STOCK ASSESSMENT MODELS
1. Holistic Models (Surplus Yield Models; Biomass Models)
2. Analytic Models (Virtual Population Analysis; Yield per Recruit Models)
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
1. Management Objectives and Strategies
2. Fisheries Regulations
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
3. Improving Management
4. Managing Fisheries for Conservation
E. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Instruction will involve lectures supported by detailed Powerpoint presentations. Hand-outs
summarizing the lecture notes will be available at the start of each chapter to guide and
complement note taking in class. The hand-outs will equally be useful for the home assignments
and in preparing the class quizzes and exams. The laboratory sessions will complement the
course and furnish hands-on activities, designed to enhance the student-centered learning
process. During the laboratory sessions emphasis will be placed on exploring the observers on
board sampling strategies and a number of population dynamic problems relative to the
biological parameters used in fish stock assessment will be explored. Basic computer models will
be used to solve the population dynamic problems.
F. REQURIED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
King M. 2007. Fisheries Biology, Assessment and Management. 2nd ed. Blackwell Publishing
Oxford, UK. 382pp. (or most recent edition).
Each student must have a hand calculator with integrated statistical functions. A number of
the laboratory sessions will be held in the computer room as well.
G. 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).
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11
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.
H. INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
Laboratory equipment/supplies must be purchased. A number of field trips necessitate bus to
go to the fish markets. Some fish samples at the fish market may need to be bought for
analysis. Costs vary over time for salary and fuel and fish samples. A rough estimate for costs
is $500 per semester.
I. EVALUATION
None
J. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None
MR250 FISHERY BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDED BY CAC: 12/13/11
APPROVED BY VPIA: 12/19/11