Fishbanks is a multiplayer web-based simulation in which participants play the role of fishers and seek to maximize their net worth as they compete against other players and deal with variations in fish stocks and their catch. Participants buy, sell, and build ships; decide where to fish; and negotiate with one another. Policy options available to instructors include auctions of new boats, permits, and quotas.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
Homework
Individual
Teamwork
Supplemental instruction
Technical Requirements:
Up-to-date internet browswer and active internet connection.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To provide the opportunity for students to learn about the challenges of managing resources sustainably in a common pool resource setting, with realistic resource dynamics.
To provide participants with an experiential learning experience. Participants are charged with managing a fleet of fishing boats and making decisions about where to fish, i.e. the deep sea or in coastal waters, along with decisions about buying and selling boats.
The goal is to maintain your fishing fleets’ profitability so that your fishing enterprise may continue into the future.
Target Student Population:
College Upper Division, Graduate School
Management, Economics or Business classes
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
foundational knowledge of resource-based economics, sustainability, strategy
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Simulation operates as intended
Graphic quality is good.
Comprehensive
Self-contained
Concerns:
Lack of in-simulation instructions
Extensive preparation may be needed prior to use.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
interactive
Reinforces prior learning
A causal loop diagram that captures the main interactions contained in the game and is represented by the real-world system on which the game is based.
The game and debrief lead into a natural discussion of sustainability and Garrett Hardin’s (1968) Tragedy of the Commons.
Concerns:
Simulation will need a lot of pre-work to effectively use.
There are no learning objectives provided.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Very easy to use
Clear instructions are provided in a video
The game materials provided a link to the game to historical data on the fisheries from around the world.
Concerns:
Could not understand how to use this simulation when first using it. I am not confident I know how to use it after three simulations.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
