Lesson Plan Two - Wolffish

Lesson Plan Two – Wolffish

Activity 2: Wolffish – Finding ways to work together

Curriculum Connections

Science: Grades 4-6

• Appreciate nature and the need to conserve area for future generations to enjoy
• Discuss how humans may upset the naturally occurring interactions that exist in natural communities.
• Identify examples of how humans have affected their environment.

Language Arts: Grade 4-6

• Demonstrate an ability to consider and empathize with several points of view, evaluate issues and impacts and develop suggestions for solutions that could work for all involved parties.

Version 1

Objectives:

Students will research spotted wolffish and develop a persuasive argument for protecting wolffish that addresses both the fishing community's concerns as well as the concerns of scientists who want to protect spotted wolffish.

Background:

All three species of wolffish in the Newfoundland and Labrador region are considered at risk. Wolffish play an important role in the ecosystem of the ocean.

While spotted wolffish are not targeted as a commercial species, they are often caught accidentally along with other fish. As well, bottom trawls, longlines, gillnets and sometimes traps can injure spotted wolffish and damage spawning habitat by disturbing rocks and boulders used for shelter and construction of nests.

Fishermen make a living by fishing with bottom trawls, longlines, gillnets and sometimes traps.
How can we ensure fishermen can make a living and wolffish can continue to survive?

Let's get started!

Use the materials provided, the Internet and other resources to investigate wolffish, their habitat, and fishing practices that impact wolffish. Find out what fisheries are involved and how important they are to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.

Compile a report that explains the situation from both the fishermen's point of view and the wolffish point of view.

Suggest solutions and compromises that will protect the wolffish and still allow fishermen to make a living.

Talk about it! Adapt these questions to further your discussion.

1. How can you explain your ideas to fishermen?
2. Do you think your plan could really work?
3. Look at some of the things that are already being done (See education kit – Handling practices). What do you think of these ideas?

Version 2

Objectives:

Students use research to gain knowledge. They formulate and make a persuasive argument. They evaluate various perspectives and negotiate compromises to develop solutions. They work as a part of a team.

Background:

While spotted wolffish are not targeted as a commercial species, they are often caught accidentally along with other fish.

Bottom trawls, longlines, gillnets and sometimes traps can injure spotted wolffish and damage spawning habitat by disturbing rocks and boulders used for shelter and construction of nests.

Fishermen make a living by fishing with bottom trawls, longlines, gillnets, and sometimes traps.

How can we protect the fish while still enabling people to make a living?

Let's get started!

Separate the class into two groups. One group will be scientists and one group will be Fishermen. Scientists want to protect wolffish. Fishermen want to be able to fish.

Use the materials provided, the internet and other resources to investigate the two sides of this issue.

Each team develops a report to illustrate their side of the issue.

Stage a 'Town Meeting' with both groups to discuss the issue. The teacher will mediate the discussion. One person from each team must present their report to the entire class.

After the presentations hold a discussion to come up with solutions that can work for the scientists, the fishermen and the wolffish. If everyone can't agree on a plan, hold a vote.

Talk about it! Adapt these questions to further your discussion.

Discuss how issues like this are complicated and affect people and animals. Look at some of the things that are already being done (See education kit – Handling practices). What do you think of these ideas?

Here are some other questions to help prompt discussion.

• Do you think your plan could really work?
• Were both groups satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and the new plan?
• Is it always possible to come up with a solution that is acceptable to everyone?
• Is it beneficial to compromise your point of view? If so, when and why? If not, why not?