Course Overview
In this course, students will learn the ecology and physiology of the fishes of British Columbia including anatomy, taxonomy, and behavior. The course will also discuss the biophysical characteristics of freshwater streams and data that is collected to interpret habitat availability and sensitivity for different fish species, in particular salmonid species and how this is applied to fisheries management. Students will learn about habitat requirements for various species and life stages of fish and how to measure specific habitat characteristics. The course also covers management of fisheries resources including population dynamics, Indigenous rights as they relate to fisheries resources, and fisheries regulations, with an emphasis on BC.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
7.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and quantify freshwater fish habitat features and relate these to fish habitat requirements (including physical stream dimensions, water quality parameters, and substrate types, and other biotic characteristics).
- Recognize and assess freshwater fish habitats by fish species and life stage and how this applies to fisheries management.
- Discuss harvest and management of BC fisheries and habitats (objectives, techniques, activities) in BC watersheds.
- Explain the concepts of the taxonomy and systematics of BC fishes.
- Identify freshwater fish species in BC using internal and external morphology.
- Explain the evolution of fishes in BC and how it affects their range and distribution.
- Describe life stages, diet and foraging strategies, and movement patterns of common fish species in BC.
- Describe the life cycles of anadromous fish in BC.
- Discuss the importance of fish to Indigenous communities in BC.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments' fisheries officers in the conservation of fishes in BC.
Effective as of Fall 2023
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.