BIO405 Fish Movement and Migration (8)

Fish are important components of biodiversity and sources of food and income. Fish have an inherent need to migrate or move for spawning, feeding and dispersal; however, river development is known to adversely affect fish and fisheries by blocking important movement and migration pathways. There is an unprecedented global boom in irrigation and hydropower infrastructure projects and in many areas these are leading to significant fish declines. This subject draws on decades of research and development that have provided a suite of policy and engineering tools that can mitigate the impacts of river development on fish populations. Students will learn how to identify potential problems associated with river development activities and how to develop solutions. Students will learn relevant concepts and gain practical experience to recognise and tackle sustainability issues related to fish movement, biology, river hydrology and development.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Online *
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO405. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Core subject for Graduate Certificate in Fish Conservation and Management

An elective subject for Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management, Bachelor of Environmental Science (specialisations), Master of Environmental Management

Open for enrolment for other courses with agreement of Course Director such as BGeneral Studies(Sc), BScience, BAnimal Science. Master of Sustainable Agriculture

Assumed Knowledge

" Basic understanding of river ecology
" Basic understanding of fish ecology
" Ability to solve basic mathematical formulas/equations

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the importance of different types of fish movement and migration;
  • be able to assess the potential impact of river development and identify migration barriers;
  • be able to analyse and discuss the design and operation of various types of mitigation strategies;
  • be able to explain the need for strong policies and guidelines; and
  • be able to articulate the importance of short term research and long term monitoring in conserving global fish stocks.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Fish movement ecology and migration
  • Human impacts on riverine fishes
  • Mitigating impacts on fish movement and migration
  • Designing fish passage restoration projects
  • Research and monitoring programs

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

During the residential school students will receive practical reinforcement of theoretical components to help understand how best to mitigate the impacts of river development on fish. Students will undertake activities related to fisheries science and management as a profession. Students will visit a range of different movement and migration barriers from large dams to road crossings and have hands-on experience with mitigation tools, such as fishways. Students will be introduced to research and monitoring tools for understanding and quantifying fish movement and migration, through tagging and tracking studies. Students will also visit fisheries research stations and meet with research and management staff responsible for developing policies and implementing fish mitigation tools. This residential school will consist of two days laboratory techniques and two days fieldwork/excursion.

Special Resources

Students are required to attend the compulsory residential school which may involve travel and accommodation expenses. Students will also be required to purchase a lab coat and safety goggles which are compulsory for lab-based practicals

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: February 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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