It gave me more confidence in the scientific process. People tend not to trust what they don’t understand, and in my having achieved a greater level of understanding of the process and interacting with some of the players, there is a bond built, there is a trust and familiarity that puts you more at ease. Just getting to know each other breaks down barriers and there is an exchange of mutual respect that comes from having talked and listened over a period of time. I think MREP empowered me with the idea that if I didn’t agree with a stock assessment, the way to change it was to greater engage science instead of stamp my feet, hold my breath, turn blue and scream foul. Greater involvement is the key to great accuracy.
- Chris Brown, Fisherman, Point Judith, RI

It will help for guys like me to know science so that we can help the scientists - make their science more practical. Say I took someone out on my boat and I didn’t know what they were trying to look at. I could say this is a factor you need to figure in when doing this but if you don’t know the science then you can’t make any suggestions.
- Kristan Porter, Fisherman, Cutler, ME

I’ve found it very beneficial. It helps me understand some of the roadblocks people face and how I can help them.
- Andy Applegate, New England Fisheries Management Council staff member

The sessions I attended at the MREP program were some of the most productive hours of my time spent this year!
- Jennifer Litteral, Director of Marine Programs, Island Institute

This is so important. Thank you for offering this! I think it brings stakeholders onto the same page.
- Anonymous 2009 Participant

It was a great experience for me, because I never attempted to do anything like this. Although I disagreed with some of the science, I am glad I came. It's not too often you can bring together such a diverse group... The speakers were well prepared and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great experience.
- Anonymous 2009 Participant

By attending these 2 modules, I realized that I have many short comings when it comes to fishery issues. I am now keenly aware that I must become more active in these matters. I thank you for your efforts to educate myself and others.
- Anonymous 2009 Participant