Opportunity for fishermen to become leaders in fisheries management

Fishermen and other participants learn about the electronic tagging program at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Santa Cruz, MREP 2016.

June 15, 2017

For the second year in a row, the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust is proud to be part of the Marine Resource Education Program West (MREP West), a workshop series designed for fishermen and others in the industry to build their understanding of, and involvement in, fisheries science and management.  

During two, three-day workshops, participants have an opportunity to meet with management agencies to learn about the science and processes behind West Coast fisheries management. In addition to learning, the casual format provides a unique opportunity for fishermen, scientists, and regulators to get to know each other.

Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Board Director and long-time commercial fisherman, Bob Dooley, has acted as the West Coast lead for the past two years. "This is a comprehensive crash course in West Coast fisheries," said Bob. "I wish they had a program like this thirty years ago when I was first getting involved with fisheries management. It took me years to understand how it all works, and I would have been in a much better place."

Giuseppe Pennisi, Monterey fisherman, discussing his trawl gear innovations at MREP 2016 in Santa Cruz.

New England fishermen originally launched the program in 2001 to provide their fishing community with the tools and information needed to actively and effectively participate in fisheries management. Since then, MREP has expanded to other regions including the West Coast, where it was launched in 2016. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute runs the program with the help of a regional Steering Committee, consisting of local fishermen and community representatives, including the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust. The Steering Committee is responsible for curating the content to ensure it is relevant to West Coast fisheries.

“Whether we’re working in New England, the Southeast, the Caribbean, or now the West Coast, our goal remains the same,” said Alexa Dayton, Senior Program Manager, Community Training and Outreach, at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. “We want to foster industry leadership by exposing fishermen to the tools and information they need to effectively participate in fisheries science and management.”

There is no cost to participate, and room, board, and mileage costs are provided. Participation is limited, so be sure and apply ASAP at: http://gmri.org/fisheries-convening/mrep-west/apply

Fisheries Science Workshop

August 29 - 31, 2017
Hotel Paradox
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA

Fisheries Management Workshop

October 17-19, 2017
Hotel Kimpton Monaco
506 SW Washington St., Portland, OR

How to apply?

For more information, and to apply, visit: http://gmri.org/fisheries-convening/mrep-west/apply