BIOSM 3750

Integrated Ecosystem Research and Management

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

The Gulf of Maine is experiencing rapid ecological change as a result of multiple stressors, including climate change, ocean acidification, non-native species, and changing fisheries dynamics. This course will challenge students with these real-world problems to engage in solutions that integrate the best available science into conservation and management goals. Students will learn about ecosystem-based management and integrated ecosystem assessments. They will learn integrated ecosystem research tools used in field and laboratory research, and apply these tools around the Isles of Shoals and the Gulf of Maine. Finally, students will be organized into pairs when conducting research and then collaborate to integrate their research and to make recommendations to an outside panel of experts on their answers for management.

When Offered Summer.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: one semester of college-level biology and/or ecology, e.g. BIOEE 1780/BIOSM 1780; BIOEE 1610/BIOSM 1610, NTRES 2010, or similar.

Course Attribute (CU-SBY)

• Students be able to comprehend and critique literature in current ecosystem-based research.
• Students be able to conduct design-based sampling of demersal fish and invertebrate species, environmental conditions, seabirds and marine mammals associated with the Isles of Shoals.
• Students be able to analyze time-series data and environmental and biological data from an integrated ecosystem research project.
• Students be able to apply concepts of sustainability to real-world conservation management and the challenges facing humans and the Earth's resources.
• Students be able to communicate ecosystem-based management concepts effectively through writing, speech and visual information.
• Students be able to work both independently and in cooperation with others.

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