The aim of the seminar course is to train postgraduate and PhD students but also early career scientists and people already employed in marine fisheries research institutes and management authorities on (a) the methods used for fisheries and biological data analysis using the most sophisticated statistical packages and software (Introductory Course) and (b) the novel methods of assessing the status of stocks of data-poor fisheries using catch and resilience, abundance and length frequency data that have been designed for use in data-poor areas (Advanced Course). Among the objectives of both courses is the stylish graphical representation of data that is required for publishing in international journals and the interpretation of fisheries reference points for ensuring sustainable exploitation of marine populations within the context of European (Common Fisheries Policy and Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and regional legislation.

The courses are aimed for scientists from the Mediterranean and the Black Sea but applications from other areas of the world are welcome.

Introductory Course: Basic methods

An undergraduate degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Marine Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and a very good knowledge of English is required.

Knowledge of basic fisheries and fish biology concepts would be very helpful.

Advanced Course: Stock assessment

An undergraduate degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Marine Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and a strong background in fisheries and fish biology concepts are required.

A good knowledge of R and R studio and a very good knowledge of English are required.

The courses consist of a morning (9.00-13.00) and an afternoon (14.00-18.00) session, with a lunch break in between (13.00-14.00) and two half hour coffee breaks (10.45 and 15.45).

Introductory Course: Basic methods

DAY 1 – Introduction to R – Importing files – Basic commands

DAY 2 – Length-weight relationships – Growth parameters

DAY 3 – Size at maturity – Gonadosomatic index

DAY 4 – Mortality – Creating beautiful and meaningful plots

DAY 5 – Surplus production models – Examination based on real data

Instructors: Athanassios Tsikliras, Androniki Pardalou, Donna Dimarchopoulou

Advanced Course: Stock assessment

DAY 1 – Introduction to stock assessment methods – Catch-based method

DAY 2 – CMSY: stock assessment using catch and resilience

DAY 3 – LBB: stock assessment using length frequency distribution

DAY 4 – AMSY: stock assessment using abundance data

DAY 5 – JABBA: just another method – Examination based on real data

Instructors: Rainer Froese, Henning Winker, Athanassios Tsikliras, Androniki Pardalou, Donna Dimarchopoulou

Participants are welcome to bring and use their own datasets.

A detailed guide to participants will be available before the course.

ECTS

Introductory Course: Basic methods

Two (2) ECTS will be credited to each participant upon successful completion of course and a certificate of attendance.

Advanced Course: Stock assessment

Two (2) ECTS will be credited to each participant upon successful completion of course and a certificate of attendance.

For more information please visit our website http://fishlab.bio.auth.gr/FishBioR/ or contact us by email (FishBioR@bio.auth.gr) or phone (0030 2310 998279).