This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the ecology and conservation of freshwater and marine fish populations. Students explore the biological, ecological, and evolutionary principles that govern fish populations, and learn how these principles are applied to the management and conservation of fishery resources. The course integrates fundamental concepts in population dynamics, community ecology, and ecosystem function with contemporary issues in fisheries management.

Topics covered include fish life histories, population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, habitat requirements, and the effects of environmental change on fish populations. Students also examine the social and economic dimensions of fisheries management, including catch-and-release angling, harvest regulations, and the role of protected areas in conserving fish populations. Through case studies and current research examples, students gain insight into the challenges and opportunities facing fisheries conservation in the 21st century.

Aquatic ecosystems face unprecedented threats from human activities, including habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. This course examines the principles and practices of aquatic ecosystem conservation, with emphasis on freshwater systems including rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Students learn to assess ecosystem health, identify threats to aquatic biodiversity, and develop evidence-based conservation strategies.

The course covers topics such as watershed management, habitat restoration, water quality assessment, and the use of physiological and ecological tools to monitor ecosystem condition. Students engage with real-world conservation challenges through case studies and learn how scientific research informs policy and management decisions. Special attention is given to the restoration of degraded aquatic habitats and the integration of conservation goals with human needs and land use practices.

This intensive field course provides hands-on training in the methods and techniques used by fisheries professionals to study and manage fish populations. Conducted over an 8-week period, the course combines field work, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation to give students practical experience in fisheries science. Students work directly with live fish and learn industry-standard techniques for population assessment and monitoring.

Course activities include fish sampling using multiple gear types (electrofishing, netting, angling), fish identification and aging, population estimation, habitat assessment, and the use of telemetry and biotelemetry to track fish movements. Students also learn proper fish handling techniques, how to conduct physiological assessments, and gain experience with data collection and analysis. The field-intensive nature of this course prepares students for careers in fisheries management and provides essential skills for graduate research in aquatic ecology.

This course is ideal for students seeking careers with state and federal natural resource agencies, consulting firms, or those planning to pursue graduate studies in fisheries and aquatic sciences.