OVERVIEW

The course introduces students to the main techniques for the management and assessment of fishery stocks. It covers topics related to the regulation and limitations of fishing activities, as well as methods for estimating stock abundance and integrity.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide students with the basic elements of the fishing techniques of the most important marine species from a commercial point of view. Provide the basis of the analysis methods of the fish stocks used for a correct management of the resources.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to train students to critically observe the evolution over time of human use of marine resources, an activity that has led to the current general condition of overexploitation of fishery resources due to both the increasing global food demand and the need to maintain an adequate standard of living for workers in the fishing sector.

During the lectures, all class members, who are key participants in the learning process, are asked to share their knowledge and experiences on the topics covered. At the end of each session, students, based on the variety of prior knowledge and different interpretations expressed by the class, will have the opportunity to constructively and subjectively reprocess the general information provided by the instructor.

By the end of the module, the desired habit of addressing the various aspects of a problem/phenomenon from different viewpoints, through increasingly detailed self-questions, will enable students to independently analyze and preliminarily evaluate the positive or negative consequences/alterations that human activities in the fishing and aquaculture sectors can produce in the marine aquatic ecosystem.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The module includes lectures with the active participation of class members who, through prior consultation of the teaching materials already uploaded on AulaWeb, will be informed in advance about the topics addressed in each session, thus allowing them to organize a personal mental map on the subject under discussion.

The laboratory involves the morpho-physiological analysis of samples of small pelagic fish. Thematic in-depth studies and group work may also be included in preparation for the final exam.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended, while attendance at practical and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- The evolution over time of the relationship between the fisherman and fishery resources: population growth, anthropogenic impact, environmental alterations, sustainable development.

- Fishing activities worldwide, in the Mediterranean, in Italy. Trades (terminology and regulations) and equipment (structure and use). Pelagic resources and their monitoring. Stock assessment. Balanced mass models for fishery resource management. Recognition of fish species. Some of the most important exploited species (cod, bluefin tuna, swordfish). Cephalopods. Cetaceans. Introduction to aquaculture and mariculture. Non-food resources: red coral. Management interventions: artificial reefs. Anisakis.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching materials are provided directly by the instructor in the form of PowerPoint lessons. All slides used during the lectures and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb well in advance of the day of the individual lesson/laboratory session.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and involves a discussion of the topics covered during the lectures and the development of management approaches, such as an analysis of the abundance and distribution of a fish stock or the balancing of a management model.

At the end of the educational path, where the student is the central figure, the examinee will be able to present, using correct specialist terminology, their assessments of the health status of a fish stock or a chosen fishing, extraction, or farming activity, independently creating a final presentation/paper with particular reference to the sustainability of the activity, the possible consequences of anthropogenic impact, and potential protection/exploitation interventions for the resources.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on the exam preparation methods and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lectures. The oral exam will focus primarily on the subjects covered in the classroom sessions and will aim to assess not only whether the student has achieved an adequate level of knowledge, but also whether they have developed the ability to critically analyze fisheries resource management issues presented during the exam.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University and who wish to request compensatory tools, dispensatory measures or other measures for lessons, assignments and exams, should speak to both the teacher and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), contact person for the Department for Disabilities.