Fish and Shellfish Biology
When?: 17th - 24th June 2012
Where?: Scalloway, Shetland Isles
Course Leader?: Dr Lindsay MacPherson and Dr Andy Yule
This course is based at the North Atlantic Fisheries College, Scalloway, Shetland which is situated in a small coastal village with immediate access to sheltered seas and voes. The area supports unrivalled natural populations of coastal birds, mammals and fish and offers a contrast to mainland coastline. We will use the college trawler, Atlantia, for sampling fish and shellfish using trawls with various cod-ends. In addition, dredging and core sampling will all be undertaken, weather permitting. We will also visit local fish farms, and the bird sanctuary at Sumburgh Head. The Shetland sandeel fishery has aroused conflicting interests between fishermen and RSBP. We will be well placed to examine the issues involved.
In general the course aims to provide students with an appreciation and an understanding of marine fisheries science and will give opportunity for identification and quantitative sampling of a range of commercially relevant fish and shellfish, giving experience in population biology and sensory ecology. There will also be opportunity to participate in the ongoing fish farming operations with both salmon and flatfish including halibut being reared. Laboratory work will consist of processing fish length, weight and stomach contents, otoliths, scales in addition to reproductive status. Use will be made of the well provisioned computer room. There will be projects for small groups over the last 2 days of the course and presentations on the final day.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be provided in Bridge-end Outdoor Centre.
Student contribution: tbc
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