James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

MB5014 - Managing Tropical Fisheries

Subject Description

From the mangroves of Mozambique to the coral reefs of Fiji, the heart of fisheries in the tropics is closely linked to local communities, traditional knowledge, and small-scale fisheries. Small-scale fisheries account for 40% of global fish catch and employ more than 90% of the world's fishers, with these numbers much greater in the tropics. 492 million people depend at least partially on small-scale ?fisheries for their livelihoods and food and nutrition security. As such, this sector defi?nes the livelihoods, nutrition, and culture of a substantial and diverse segment of humankind, as well as being of global signifi?cance for ocean sustainability. Precisely because of their central importance in the management of fisheries in the tropics, this subject will explore the importance of small-scale fisheries, Indigenous and traditional knowledge, and community-based governance, including co-management. We will also explore themes and concepts including: 30 x 30, impact evaluation, marine protected areas, gender and fisheries, marine conservation and human rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This subject will use a combination of guest lectures from fisheries managers throughout the tropics, group discussion, and practicals to develop the skill set for achieving positive fisheries management outcomes for fish stocks, ecosystems and human communities. The paradigm of fisheries as linked social-ecological systems will be used to develop an understanding about how biology, economics, human communities and legislative factors all contribute to outcomes in fisheries management.

Learning Outcomes

• apply fisheries management theory and methods to analysing real-world fisheries issues
• understand collaborative governance and collective action principles and their application to tropical fisheries
• demonstrate critical reflection of the concepts of impact, counterfactuals, and monitoring and evaluation in the analysis of fisheries data
• understand the role of equity, human rights, and gender in the successful management of tropical fisheries
• understand the role and function of small-scale fisheries in the tropics as linked social-ecological systems
• discuss the range of management strategies for fisheries in tropical regions

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Problem task - (50%) - Group
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (30%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  a basic understanding of natural resource management principles, the marine environment and fishing is assumed for students undertaking this subject

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EV3014, EV5014, MB3014

Availabilities