Marine Biology
They are to research this species and write a research report that details and includes the following aspects of their chosen species: name of the species (both common and scientific name), specific biology of the species (its taxonomic classification, it’s life cycle, it’s specific niche in the marine ecosystem, area of the world/oceanic conditions that it requires, predators, prey, populations, and all relevant biological characteristics), it’s current use as a resource (harvesting/fishing methods, the main areas of the world where it is caught and utilized, all harvesting/fishing regulations (including catch seasons) that apply to this species in a given area, minimum and possible maximum catch sizes, catch limits, harvesting method limits, etc), any issues surrounding it’s continued use as a resource (the history of this particular species use, it’s projected outlook/sustainability, population stabilities, etc), the species suitability for aquaculture (is it currently being farmed?, can this species be farmed successfully?, if not, why not?, specific factors that would encourage or inhibit its use as a renewable resource), the future outlook for this species (how much longer will the species last?, is it endangered?, commercially extinct?, it’s prognosis). All of the above-mentioned factors must be addressed in the research paper of minimum of 6 pages in length, plus bibliography (but more importantly addressing ALL of the required information) or a Power Point presentation with tables, graphs, or other graphics and a bibliography, which is to be submitted as a Word Document or Power Point in the Research Project Assignment category by the last week of the course. The main grading criteria are: Quality of Research, Use of Technology (Power Point is not required), Suitability for Aquaculture (here you discuss the pros and cons of whether it can be farmed) and Laws and Regulations concerning the species.