B3434 - Study and Management of Freshwater Fish

Learning outcomes

Course contents

Generalities on the characteristics of national watercourses. Definition and use of the fish map Methods for the identification and mapping of sampling stations. Main physical-morphological characteristics of sampling stations. Identification of the ecological zones of a river. Types of electrofishers on the market. Modes of operation of an electrostringer. Safety regulations on the use of electrical equipment. Methods of sampling using the electrofishing technique. Recognition and identification of captured species. Main morphometric parameters of captured fish. Determination of fish age. Sampling of gastric contents. Fish marking methods. Integrity index and range of the fish population. Main physico-chemical characteristics of waters. Methods of water quality classification (IBE, LIM etc.). Cartography (main cartography to be produced in a fish map). Main regulations on inland water management. Methods of repopulation or reintroduction of a fish species. Environmental interventions (ascending scales).


Specific contents: practical exercise on the use of the electrofisher, field exercise on sampling methods in a typical station, practical determination of fish age.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes of the course.

Carta ittica della Regione Emilia Romagna;

Carta delle vocazioni ittiogeniche delle acque (Provincia di Ancona);

Le scale di risalita per la tutela del patrimonio ittico (Provincia di Firenze);

Teaching methods

The lectures are partly done by illustrating the various topics covered and partly by directly involving the students from the spot or at the blackboard. In addition to the theoretical lectures, field exercises on electrofishing technique are carried out.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of two tests:
- group work on a project and an oral presentation on a power point;
- a written test: questionnaire with multiple-choice quizzes.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, laboratories and visits to fish market.

There will be a large use of immages and video, if different supports or material is required due to special needs, the students are invited to contact directly the Professor in order to prepare specific material.

Office hours

See the website of Oliviero Mordenti