Year: 2022
Relevance
MASGC-supported specialists possess valuable knowledge of fisheries-related topics. These specialists recognized a need to effectively communicate information regarding fisheries management, fisheries science and sustainability to fishermen and fish enthusiasts (such as teachers) in the north-central Gulf of Mexico region.
Response
MASGC specialists offered the second annual (2022) "FISHES: Fishermen Invested in Science, Healthy Ecosystems, and Sustainability" course, which extends information about fisheries management, fisheries science and sustainability in a straightforward format. The course included five classroom sessions and one field excursion. Recreational and charter-for-hire fishermen, teachers and fish enthusiasts enrolled in and completed the course. MASGC specialists also surveyed students from the inaugural (2021) FISHES course 1 year later to evaluate the course's impact.
Results
All 2022 FISHES course students (16) reported that their knowledge increased due to the course. Notably, five students who completed the 2021 FISHES course stated that they have modified their practices as a result of knowledge gained from the course. This included changing the way they catch fish to lessen stress and improve survivability (recreational sector), increasing involvement in conservation organizations (recreational sector), and encouraging clients to release some legal-size fish (charter-for-hire sector).
Recap
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium-supported extension specialists offered the 2022 "FISHES: Fishermen Invested in Science, Healthy Ecosystems, and Sustainability" course, and all students improved their knowledge of fisheries management, fisheries science and sustainability as a result of the course and some changed their practices due to the class. (2022)