Course Description
An introduction to culture of aquatic species with an emphasis on propagation of imperiled fish and invertebrates. The fundamentals of aquaculture, including types and components of culture systems, ponds, and enclosures as well as the basics of water quality, aquatic animal health, and conservation genetics in reintroduction programs.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to complete a term paper (5-8
pages) on a Conservation Aquaculture topic of interest to them.
The students will also give a meeting-style presentation (18
minute with 3 minute for questions) of their paper for the rest
of the class. Graduate student papers will be posted online on
a course website that will be maintained by the students (a
wiki).
Athena Title
Sustainable Aquaculture
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in FISH 5400 or FISH 7400
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This unique course introduces students to a holistic view of aquatic animal culture ranging from culture for human consumption, recreational fishing and restoration of non-game and imperiled fish, mollusks, and corals. Students will understand basic life support requirements of aquatic animals and essential components of culture systems including pumps, biological and chemical filtration and disinfection. Students will also understand the role of conservation genetics in propagation programs for re-establishment or supplementation of imperiled species populations. Throughout this course students will demonstrate their understanding through critical examination of the facts and principles of the various aspects of aquatic animal culture and health, relate their insights to contemporary issues involving culture and reintroduction, and practice their critical thinking, problem-solving and writing skills both in the classroom and the laboratory. Integrated labs will provide valuable practical experience with culture of aquatic organisms. Students will obtain hands-on experience with different types of culture systems and culture techniques for fish and invertebrates, measuring and monitoring water quality, and exposure to several types of aquaculture facilities through field trips to private, state and federal culture facilities.
Topical Outline
History of aquaculture Types of aquaculture Site selection Water physiochemistry Filtration, treatment, aeration Disinfection Recirculating systems Flow-through systems Pond culture Raceways Cages and net-pens Hatcheries Aquatic animal health Nutrition, disease, stress Conservation genetics Recovery and monitoring plans
Syllabus