The Marine Resource Education Program strives to meet several important objectives as a professional development program for the fishing industry. First, we aim to substantially increase the number of individuals working in New England fisheries, either at sea or in shore-side support services, who are comfortable navigating the fishery science and management arena. One mechanism to achieve this is to foster leadership capable of promoting trust in the management processes. We hope to break down historical barriers to cooperation, forge new areas of involvement for fishermen in the regulatory system, and fully engage the industry in the development of the best available science.

While it is crucial for fishermen to understand the science and management tools used to regulate their industry, of equal importance is the need to deepen the familiarity of policy and science professionals with the workings of the fishing community. The Marine Resource Education Program is a sturdy bridge over the gap among fishermen, scientists and managers. It brings these diverse disciplines together in a neutral setting, providing an opportunity to explore both differences and common goals outside of the regulatory forum.

Program Goals

• To bring fishermen, scientists and managers together in a neutral setting outside the regulatory process.
• To increase the number of people at work in New England fisheries who are comfortable working with the fishery data and management systems.
• To help policy makers and scientists become more familiar with the inner working of the fishing community.
• To increase the number of fishermen involved in collaborative research and pursuit of best available science.
• To develop leadership and promote trust.

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MREP 100 Fishery Science Module
Date: April 2-4, (Tuesday thru Thursday) 2013,
Whispering Pines Conference Center,
URI Alton Jones Campus, West Greenwich, RI
MREP science curriculum

MREP 100 Management Process Module
Date: June 4-6, 2013
Whispering Pines Conference Center,
URI Alton Jones Campus, West Greenwich, RI
MREP management curriculum

Also available for experienced fishermen
and Fishery Science 100 graduates:

MREP 200 Science
Insights into Fisheries Stock Assessment
Date: May 21-22, 2013
Location: Falmouth and Woods Hole, MA

Feedback from Fishermen

This was a GREAT experience for any involved
(or getting involved) in this management process.

Require anyone with a federal permit to
attend the program. Too many people dont
understand the process!

The time had come for this program.

This should be a mandatory experience for NMFS, NEFMC and fishing industry members.

Excellent program and very necessary as it
becomes more important for fishermen
to speak the language of
fisheries management.