The Quantitative Training Unit for Fisheries (QTUF) operated at The University of Sydney from 1995 to 2001. There were two distinct phases to the project: Phase I (Project 93/117, from 1995 to 1997) and Phase II (Project 98/348, 1998 to 2001). The QTUF project was designed to address the need for Australian fisheries scientists and managers to have improved knowledge of and skills in quantitative methods. This need has arisen because of changes to strategies of management, particularly the use of catch quotas and the implementation of the precautionary approach. A need was also identified for a permanent medium for self-study of quantitative methods and applications. We addressed this need by the development of computer-based-instruction software entitled Quantitative Training in Fisheries (Montgomery and Hood 2001). An additional requirement included the development of a postgraduate award system for training in quantitative fisheries science. QTUF has met this need by helping to create new awards in Quantitative Marine Ecology at the University of Sydney.
To achieve our training objectives, the QTUF ran five different types of courses for fishery scientists, fishery managers and university students. This involved teaching courses to over 100 scientists and managers and almost 70 managers. All participants at the courses completed an anonymous questionnaire that has provided us with extensive information about outcomes of the courses. This indicated the achievement of the first project objective: “Continue to provide training in the populations dynamics of fish stocks”.
The second project objective, “assure the future of the training material by integrating it into the postgraduate programs of the University of Sydney”, was also achieved. New awards in Quantitative Marine Ecology, to be taught by the Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities, commenced in 2001, having been approved by the University’s Academic Board. These awards include units of study in the assessment of living marine resources that are the continuation of the QTUF courses. There are also units of study in the assessment of environmental impacts. Such units will help met the need for individuals trained in identifying the impacts of fishing activities.
The third project objective, “develop additional computer based modules”, referred to the software Quantitative Training in Fisheries.
We will be making extensive use of the training software in the Quantitative Marine Ecology Awards. Extensive evaluation of over 200 users of the software indicated that the content was pitched at the appropriate level. The software was considered to be easy to navigate and was identified as an effective learning tool. It is unlikely that there will be extensive revisions to the software at this time. The forth project objective, “disseminate the products of QTUF”, was also achieved. We have direct evidence that over 80 copies of Quantitative Training in Fisheries were distributed to individuals in over 10 Australian institutions.
Long-term outcomes of the QTUF project are difficult to assess. The impact that our courses and software have had on individuals in the short-term (for example, directly after a course) can be documented, but this cannot give firm evidence of long-term benefit. Any training project will experience the same difficulties. We trust that the extensive outputs of the project, along with our enthusiasm and dedication to quantitative methods, will have a long-term impact on the sustainability of Australian fisheries.
Keywords: population dynamics, stock assessment, models, uncertainty, computer-based-instruction, training, quantitative, professional development.
