Unit Code: FIS418
Unit Title: Fish Population Dynamics
The Fish Population Dynamics Unit is designed to help students understand how the dynamics of fish populations can be analyzed in terms of the factors affecting their rates of growth, mortality and reproduction, with particular emphasis on the effects of fishing and environmental changes. Population dynamics is usually used by fisheries scientists to determine the sustainable yield and is also part of the basis for understanding changing fishery patterns and issues such as habitat destruction, predation and optimal harvesting rates. In any fisheries, it is important to consider the management and conservation of the resource prior to the exploitation of the resource. Fish population dynamics also provides insight into the understanding and reconstruction of fish stock through time. Thus, fish population dynamics plays an important role in terms of stock assessment. The Unit introduces students to models and methods in the conduct of fish stock assessment and the development of tools for sustainable fisheries management.