TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Module FISHERY RESOURCES OF FISHERY INTEREST

At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired basic knowledge of the biology, ecology and identification of the main species of fisheries interest, as well as general knowledge of the main fishing gears used for the exploitation of fishery resources.

Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire knowledge of the biology and ecology of the main species of fisheries interest, with particular reference to morphological features useful for species identification, habitats, distribution, main life-history traits and relevance to fisheries. They will also acquire general knowledge of the main fishing gears.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the identification of the main species of fisheries interest and to relate their biological and ecological characteristics to general fishing practices.

Making judgements
Students will be able to critically interpret basic information concerning fishery resources and to evaluate the relationships among species biology, environmental characteristics and fishing activities.

Communication skills
Students will be able to describe clearly, using appropriate scientific terminology, the main biological, ecological and morphological characteristics of the species considered during the course, as well as the general characteristics of the main fishing gears.

Learning skills
Students will develop the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of fishery resources, making appropriate use of the zoological and ecological terminology acquired during the course.

The course will be delivered through lectures, integrated with activities focused on the identification of the main species of fisheries interest using visual and teaching materials provided by the lecturer.

Good basic knowledge of Animal Biology is required, with particular reference to zoology, morphology and the main aspects of animal biology.

Attendance is mandatory, in accordance with the regulations of the Degree Programme.

The course covers the fundamental aspects concerning the main fishery resources of commercial interest.

In particular, the following topics will be addressed:

• biology and ecology of the main species of fisheries interest;
• main morphological and diagnostic features useful for species identification;
• habitats and distribution of the species considered;
• main aspects of the life cycle of species relevant to fisheries;
• identification of the main species of fisheries interest;
• general knowledge of the main fishing gears and their use.

Teaching materials consist exclusively of the materials provided by the lecturer to the students during the course.

Learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral examination.

The examination will generally consist of three questions covering the whole course programme, including one question concerning the identification of a species of fisheries interest.

The assessment will consider the level of knowledge of the topics, the ability to relate biological and ecological aspects of the species, identification skills, the correct use of scientific terminology and clarity of presentation.

The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale.