ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS FOR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN FISHERIES GENETICS

Although many fisheries management activities affect the genetics of managed populations, most fishery managers have not received education or training in fisheries genetics. In this study, I assessed opportunities and perceived needs for education and training in fisheries genetics. A survey of university fisheries science programs revealed more than half of the fisheries curricula in North America offer students little or no opportunity for coursework in fisheries genetics, but many departments were interested in establishing or expanding offerings in fisheries genetics. A survey of administrators of state, provincial, and federal fisheries management agencies documented a shortfall of in-house agency expertise in genetics relative to perceived needs. Agency heads indicated strong support for sending key individuals to continuing education short courses in areas of relevance to agency missions. Development of teaching support materials and more extensive offering of continuing education short courses are important measures for improving education opportunities in fisheries genetics.