All fellows take part in the introductory course, which is conducted over the first 5 weeks of the 6-month training course. The introductory course focuses on providing an international context for fisheries. Additionally, fellows visit a large number of companies and institutions to provide a broad picture of how the fisheries sector functions and how it responds to changing circumstances. Fellows receive three to four periods of lectures in the mornings and usually a site visit or a practical in the afternoons.
The overall objective of the introductory course is to give fellows a holistic view of fisheries through an overview of world fisheries and aquaculture. In the introductory course, the UNU-FTP aims to provide fellows with insight into the various disciplines within fisheries and their connectedness. After completing the course, fellows have a comprehensive understanding of what is needed for a fisheries sector to develop, and have a better understanding of fisheries in their home countries. Fellows are expected to analyze fisheries from a regional and international perspective, and gain a better understanding of development potential in their home countries.
The introductory course is divided into several sections which loosely correspond to the various areas of specialization which will be offered later. In addition to that, fellows are trained in using
newest technology and give oral presentations about the fisheries in their countries. Throughout the introductory course, we emphasize that environmental conservation and gender equity are an
integral to sustainable fisheries and the development of the fisheries sector.
