As part of the master’s program at the University of Montpellier, students must apply their knowledge in a multi-stakeholder fisheries management simulation. “Down by the Sea” is a serious game in environmental economics developed by Audace for the Montpellier SupAgro Institute., under the guidance of the University of Montpellier. It allows students to better understand the issues related to reconciling economics and natural resource management, a subject at the core of social sciences teachings worldwide. Serious game developed in English.
Context
Each player represents a fisherman around a lake. The lake contains a given stock of fish that replenishes from one round to another based on the remaining stock at the end of the previous round.
To win the game, the player(s) must successfully manage resources and generate profit based on objectives imposed in each round. To achieve this, they must analyze and manage the appropriate individual and collective actions in response to the constraints posed by the resource.
On the other hand, the trainer, who plays the role of regulator, has the ability to freely weigh and configure the game sessions. They can implement taxes or quotas, introduce shocks, or provide information about the risks of resource degradation, among other things.
At the end, players are evaluated based on their individual and collective performances.
This serious game complements face-to-face training. In this regard, it allows:
- Illustrating classical phenomena and socio-economic mechanisms.
- Raising essential questions in environmental economics.
- Facilitating the teaching of basic concepts in economics and other disciplines such as sociology, political science, law, geography, agronomy, ecology, hydrology, biology, etc.
- Familiarizing oneself with the social issues underlying the studied systems.
Pedagogical Objectives
Be able to manage a fishery taking into account the economic criteria of resource management and competition between stakeholders in the industry.
Target
Students from Montpellier SupAgro and the University of Montpellier.
Synopsis
While walking in a fishing port, you catch sight of a boat in the distance. The smell of the sea breeze, the seagulls, and the sound of the waves bring back memories and awaken a deep-seated calling within you. Since you were a child, you have always preferred the fish section over the toy aisle. You decide to leave your job and finally embark on a career as a fisherman!
You join Fish and Chill, a maritime cooperative responsible for the operation of the northern sector of the Puragos Sea. Soon, a competition is launched among the various cooperatives: who will generate the most profit? But be careful ! It is also important to manage fish stocks properly to avoid running out in the future!
Initially, you will need to understand the environment and learn how to manage fishery resources. To assist you, you have a computer that provides real-time information on resources and how to exploit them optimally. Additionally, you have a fishing boat that will enable you to generate income. As you progress, different buildings will open, such as a store that offers new items. Don’t miss out on its exceptional offers to improve your equipment!
Gameplay
Multiplayer collaborative game supervised by an expert instructor.
Students control a configuration interface, can visit different premises and facilities at the port, make investments, and manage their operations.
The serious game has numerous settings and configuration options. Successive actions, alliances, and strategic choices modify the performance of fish resource management.
Specificities
- Up to 100 players, grouped in teams of 10, can compete in this game of individual and collective strategy.
- Each round is based on increasingly elaborate gameplay mechanics.
- An algorithm developed by Audace is used to simulate the real impacts of actions, decisions, and interactions among players on the evolution of natural resources.
- The game has been fully developed in English to facilitate its dissemination. Eventually, it is expected to be deployed in other French and foreign universities.
To learn more
Gwenolé Le Velly
Associate Professor, Montpellier SupAgro
UMR CEE-M, Building 26 – Office 421
Phone: +33 4 99 61 23 05
gwenole.le-velly@supagro.fr
