Graduate advising
I advise graduate students in the following programs at the University of Florida:
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (Ph.D., M.S. and professional Masters MFAS)
School of Natural Resources and the Environment (Ph.D. and M.S)
Masters in Development Practice (MDP)
Graduate classes
FAS 6355c Fisheries Management (Credits: 4; Offered annually in the fall)
Fisheries are an important source of food and recreational opportunities, yet many are in poor shape due to overfishing and/or habitat degradation. Managing fisheries sustainably and restoring fisheries that have been degraded is a complex task that requires a broad set of competencies from fisheries professionals. The course aims to help students develop key competencies including knowledge of essential ecological, social, institutional, and economic dimensions of fisheries management; skills in fisheries systems analysis, interview and social survey techniques, resource assessment and modeling, institutional analysis, participatory planning and reflection-in-action; and a repertoire of case studies. The course also aims to foster motivation for shared problem solving in an interdisciplinary and participatory manner, critical thinking and innovation. Lectures will be used to outline key concepts and approaches, and laboratories and homework assignments will provide experience in applying key methods. Throughout the course, all students will develop a case study on a fishery of their choice, applying what they have learned, providing concrete examples for class discussions, and eventually providing an independent review and recommendations for the further management of the fishery. Graduate students will also conduct a practicum: a service-oriented project aimed at addressing a current fisheries management issue through innovative science and/or professional practice. This interdisciplinary course is intended for graduate or undergraduate students majoring in any subject relevant to fisheries management including fisheries/aquatic science, wildlife, resource economics, geography, and political science.
FAS 6932 Fisheries Enhancement (Credits: 2; Offered annually in the summer)
Fisheries enhancements are a set of fisheries management approaches involving the release of cultured organisms to enhance or restore fisheries. If developed under suitable conditions and managed appropriately, enhancements can contribute effectively to fisheries management goals. On the other hand, poorly conceived and managed enhancements can be wasteful of resources, and may even exacerbate existing fisheries problems. The course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required for assessing where and when enhancements can contribute to fisheries management goals, and for developing and managing such initiatives effectively. Within the framework of the ‘updated responsible approach’ to fisheries enhancement (Lorenzen et al., Rev. Fish. Sci. 18: 189-210, 2010), the course emphasizes integrative systems approaches and the key elements of population dynamics, aquaculture production, release strategies, genetic management, governance, and social and economic costs and benefits. Lectures and discussions are used to introduce students to key concepts and methods. Throughout the course, students apply those concepts and methods to an enhancement fishery case study of their choice and present results of their assessments orally and in writing.
At the end of the course the participants will be able to:
1. Describe the scientific basis of fisheries enhancements
2. Determine conditions under which enhancements may contribute to fisheries and ecosystem management goals
3. Evaluate the performance of existing fisheries enhancements
4. Plan for the development of new, or the reform of existing fisheries enhancements
Distance education
All classes in the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program are availbale online for distance students. Classes can be taken online for individual credit, for Certificates, or for the professional Masters in Fisheries and Aqautic Sciences. Research degrees (Ph.D. and M.S.) can be taken off-campus under certain circumstances -please enquire.
The online Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is offered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. This program is designed for working professionals in the environmental science, fisheries, aquatic science, and natural resource fields who are interested in advancing their careers by earning a graduate degree. The ability to take this program entirely online means that students will not have to sacrifice their commitments to career and family in order to earn the degree.
Professional
Many of our graduate courses are available to non-degree seeking students for professional development. Delivery is on campus and online.
We also offer tailored courses for professionals worldwide. Examples include:
EnhanceFish Masterclas delivered in three states of Australia under the auspices of the Australian Seafood CRC, 2012
Series of guest lectures delivered to the United Nations University – Fisheries Training Program (UNU-FTP) in Reykjavik, Iceland, 2012
Fisheries Restocking and Stock Enhancement course at the Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agricultural Studies (CIHEAM) in Zaragoza, Spain, 2008