Course Description/ Overview

This course emphasizes on the notion that proper management and conservation of large marine vertebrates (i.e. marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks and rays) require the understanding of some important aspects of the (comparative) biology and ecology of these groups of animals and the multifaceted nature (e.g. social, economical, ethical & cultural dimensions) of these concerns.

Course Lecturers and Coordinators

Dr. Lemnuel V. Aragones. Assistant Professor, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and Lecturer in Marine Sciences, University of Miami.

Maria Luisa E. Villanueva. Instructor, Marine Affairs and Policy Division, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and Coordinator of the Boating Research Center (management of recreational and commercial fishing, industry economic impact studies, marine resource allocation policy, marine geographic information systems).

Main Texts (Available in the RSMAS Library)

Burns, W.C.G. and A. Gillespie (editors). 2003. The future of cetaceans in a changing world. Transnational Publishers, Inc. 457 pp.

Camhi, M., S. Fowler, J. Musick, A. Brautigam and S. Fordham. 1998. Sharks and their relatives - Ecology and conservation. IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. iv + 39 pp.

Eckert K., K. Bjorndal, F.A. Abreu-Grobois and M. Donnelly (editors). 1999. Research and management techniques for the conservation of sea turtles.  IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group Publication No. 4. 235 pp.

Hamlett, W.C (editor). 1999. Sharks, skates, and rays: The biology of elasmobranch fishes. John Hopkins University Press. 525 pp.

Lutz, P., J. Musick, and J. Wyneken (editors). 2003. The biology of sea turtles. Vol. II. CRC Press LLC. 455 pp.

Pratt, H.L., S. Gruber, T. Tanuichi (editors). 1990. Elasmobranchs as living resources: Advances in the biology, ecology, systematics, and the status of the fisheries. NOAA Technical Report NMFS 90. 518 pp.

Twiss, J.R. and R.R. Reeves (editors). 1999. Management and conservation of marine mammals. Smithsonian Institute Press, Inc. 461 p.
 

COURSE POLICIES

INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH

We will use a motivational, challenging, and enthusiastic teaching approach, and we encourage you to communicate with us as frequently as you prefer or require.  We encourage discussions and questions during lecture, and will discontinue lecturing until you are satisfied that your question has been fully answered.  If a conflict should arise, please speak with us as soon as possible.  We are willing to negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution to any and usually all problems. Also, we will make ourselves available for questions and consultations outside of class time. This will require you to make an appointment with the appropriate person (LVA or MEV) in advance.

We will provide you with a list of articles or sections of our main textbooks to read for the different parts of the course to facilitate the participation of students in the discussions. There is no single textbook for this course. Thus, we will be integrating the use of several textbooks and relevant articles (papers).

GRADING

There will be three components of the grade in this course. The first component is the student participation in class discussions (50 points). This ensures that each student keeps up with the reading assignments and the like. The second component is a student project (e.g. review of a relevant case study). This has two subcomponents: written report (100 points) and presentation (100 points). The third component is the exams. There will be a mid-term exam (100 points) and final exam (100 points).

Thus, there will be 350 total points possible for this course. A standard grading scale will be used, with 90% or above earning at least an A-, 80% or above earning at least a B-, 70% or above earning at least a C-, 60% or above earning at least a D-, and below 60% earning an F in the course. Should class performance deviate significantly from this scale, adjustments ("curving") may be required.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken during every lecture, at least for the first few weeks of class.  This is primarily a tool, which allows us to learn your names rapidly.  However, we will notice those who do not attend regularly, and we reserve the right to penalize those who do not attend by not granting favors or “arguing for points” after exams (or for the final grades).  If you miss a lecture YOU are responsible for the material.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

In order to ensure highest standards of academic honesty and ethical behavior, the Honor Code will be strictly enforced (http://www.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,2415-1;977 3,00.html).  If a student is suspected of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or otherwise misrepresenting work, the student's case will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

WITHDRAWALS

It is your responsibility to formally withdraw from this course by completing the appropriate forms obtained through the registrar’s (or RSMAS’ Graduate Studies) office on or before the posted due dates.  The last day to drop this class without a W is Friday, 12 September.  The last day to drop without an F is Tuesday 4 November.