BL5830 Sustainable Aquaculture: Environmental Management and Welfare

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to those admitted to study Sustainable Aquaculture programmes or modules online

Planned timetable

N/A

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A O Ekpeki

Dr A O Ekpeki
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Mr Akpojotor Ekpeki, Dr Neil Hazon, Dr Jonathan David

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module provides advanced knowledge of the requirements of cultured species and the environmental impacts of aquaculture production. Students will become familiar with different environmental management approaches and the relevant tools and techniques. Carrying capacity and ecological approaches to aquaculture production will be discussed along with animal welfare and ethical issues raised by current aquaculture practices. The rapid adoption of certification schemes designed to promote consumer confidence in the sustainability of aquaculture products will be considered, and the requirements for sustainable aquaculture to incorporate ethical practices, animal welfare and consumer demands will be investigated. By the end of this module students should be familiar with aquaculture legislation, planning, policy and regulation in different regions along with current perspectives on aquaculture sustainability and welfare.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

self-paced with some guidance 1 lecture (recording) per week (10 weeks) 1 tutorial (synchronous) linked to topics 1-4 (5 weeks) 1 practical (recorded, guided worksheet) linked to topics 2, 3 & 5 (3 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

18

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

130

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the approaches, tools and techniques for aquaculture assessment and planning
  • Understand the need for environmental impact assessments, evaluate risk and develop strategies for sustainable aquaculture production based on objective principles.
  • Evaluate the environmental requirements of cultured species and different kinds of impacts from aquaculture production techniques utilised.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues and animal welfare associated with production, processing and marketing of aquaculture products.
  • Appreciate the role of certification schemes in commercial aquaculture, and the role of legislation in policy and planning.