North Carolina Sea Grant’s Fisheries Science Course Expands Content

For immediate release

contact: Scott Baker at 910-962-2492 or msbaker@ncsu.edu

Registration is open for North Carolina Sea Grant’s popular “Introductory Fisheries Science” course. Scott Baker and Sara Mirabilio, fisheries specialists with over 40 years of combined experience, will bring together state experts in new virtual classes designed for recreational and commercial fishermen — and for anyone else interested in fisheries science.

“This year’s course is another broad overview of fisheries science, with examples specific to our state,” Baker says. “We’re also expanding the content and adding more class times.”

Beginning February 16 and running for six consecutive Tuesday nights online, “Introductory Fisheries Science” will cover fisheries management, ecology, sustainability, and more. Enrollment is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Given the past response, we felt the time was right to add more content,” says Mirabilio. “Each year this course generates a lot of enthusiasm from participants.”

Mirabilio says an anonymous survey after last year’s course netted significant positive feedback.

“I hoped to gain better knowledge of how regulations on fishing are set by the state and how they oversee marine fisheries,” reported one attendee, “and my expectations were exceeded.”

Another course-taker sought to better understand management of fish stocks, especially what factors led to limits and closures. “And the classes provided me with that,” said the participant. “I can see both sides a little more clearly now.”

This year’s online course again gathers a wide range of specialists.

“Academic experts include Fred Scharf from UNC Wilmington, Jeff Buckel from NC State, and Joel Fodrie and Janet Nye from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” Baker says. “Presenters offering perspectives from a management agency include Jacob Boyd, Laura Lee, Corrin Flora, and Lee Paramore from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. In addition, Jim Morley and Rebecca Asch from East Carolina will discuss pollution and climate change.”

Susan White, executive director of North Carolina Sea Grant, says the course plays an integral role in engaging and educating the community about commercial and recreational fishing efforts.

“This course brings the latest science and management information to the table in an approachable and applicable manner for anyone who wants to expand their own role on these topics,” says White.

Although the virtual class times and content have expanded this year, the $20 course fee remains the same.

Register here: go.ncsu.edu/fisheries

For more information, contact Scott Baker: 910-962-2492,  msbaker@ncsu.edu

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