Do you want to get hooked on fisheries science?

Sea Grant’s online, evening, adult education will provide a broad overview of marine fisheries science, with examples specific to North Carolina.

Register here.

It’s wintertime — so instead of daydreaming about fishing, why not pull up a chair and participate in our online fisheries science course on Tuesday evenings? Starting February 22 and going for six consecutive Tuesdays, our panel of marine fisheries experts will explain in simple terms the science that informs fisheries management decision-making.

But unlike school, we promise no homework assignments or grades to worry about!

Research Need

In a 2017 survey with North Carolina saltwater anglers, we learned that a great many folks were interested in the science behind marine fisheries management. Not just how the results of individual research projects turned out, but how all the fisheries science and data fit together.

For example:

• Why manage some species differently than others?
• What data goes into a population assessment (and what doesn’t)?
• How do changes in habitat, water quality, and climate impact North Carolina fisheries?
• What role do, and can, fishers play in collecting fisheries information and data?

Education for All

Now its sixth offering, the “Introductory Fisheries Science for NC Fishers” course still intends to provide recreational and commercial fishers — as well as anyone else interested — with a basic understanding of marine fisheries science by using examples specific to North Carolina.

All sessions are livestreamed and most feature two presenters who each speak for about 30 to 45 minutes. The remainder of time is devoted to question-and-answer. Speakers cover a range of topics, including fisheries life history, ecology, population assessment, and more. 

Each session builds on the previous one, and participants will gain the most insight by intending all six evenings.

The entire class series will be held online via Zoom — a free videoconference application.

Should You Attend This Course?

My advice: Don’t listen to us. After attending last year’s training, 100% of course evaluation respondents were pleased with their participation in the program. Read what previous years’ participants specifically said about the course. 

“I think it was highly beneficial to hear from a diversity of scientists and fisheries managers in the area. Providing an environment for people without a background in fisheries science to talk to scientists and managers about how and why policies are created helps facilitate understanding.”

“I wanted to learn how fisheries managers supported the decisions they make or the recommendations that they propose. My expectations were entirely met.”

“(I hoped) to have a better understanding of the management process, basic science behind it and terminology… Absolutely met expectations!”

“You exceeded my expectations. I have friends who are serious sport fishermen. When they question regulations, I can now give some answers.”

If you’re naturally curious about the world of fisheries science or find the science behind North Carolina marine fisheries management mystifying, then I think you would enjoy this course.

Cost: only $20. Enrollment is limited, so sign up today!