Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AS20195 Catchment and fisheries management |
| Credits: 10 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Academic Year at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment: CW 80%, PR 20% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The aims of this unit are to:
* demonstrate the importance of a sound working knowledge of a range of theoretical and practical elements and bodies involved in catchment and fisheries management. * demonstrate the value of data gathering and processing and interpretation skills to predict flood events, possible mitigation measures and environmental impacts. * provide skills in writing and commenting on management reports (e.g. LEAPs) and issues that may impact on the wider river basin. * provide a range of identification and organisational skills relating to fisheries management and nature conservation. Learning Outcomes: At the end of this unit students will be able to: * apply knowledge of the geology and hydrology of a named river basin and the importance of sustainably managed river systems on a landscape scale. * interpret and comment on a given river basin management plan that incorporates drainage management, flood defence strategies, wildlife and conservation interests, the needs of and effects on communities and industry, significant agricultural/silvicultural impacts, and the threat of climate change. * predict flood risks to a given area, create computer models of flood events and use this information to prepare action plans. * comment on the socio-economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of managed fisheries to society and deal with conflicts arising from the multi-interest utilisation of water resources. * interpret management strategies produced by Government agencies and bodies such as the Salmon and Trout Association. * identify British freshwater fish species inside major groups of coarse and game fish and other aquatic flora and fauna, including important indicator species. Skills: During the unit students will gain the following skills: Intellectual: * gathering and processing technical information (A). * formulating outcomes (A). * making and defending decisions (A). Professional: * written and verbal presentation skills (A). * representing the interests of an organisation (A). * facilitating and negotiating skills (A). Practical: * field identification skills (T,A). * laboratory skills (T,A). * mapping skills (T,A). Key: * calculating flood volumes (T,A). * writing reports (T,A). * disseminating information (T,A). Content: This unit concentrates on: * applying knowledge and understanding of the geological and hydrological importance of river catchments in the British landscape. * the multi-functional and cultural nature of catchment management, including the preservation of archaeological features. * flood forecasting and event modelling that includes the needs of the environment and abstractors using appropriate technologies to protect communities and infrastructure. * techniques and strategies for pollution prevention measures and control, including the designation of NVZs and NSAs, the chemical quality of water and biological indices and the monitoring of discharges and obstructions. * maintenance, improvement and development of a range of coarse and game fisheries. |