Fisheries And Marine Ecosystems
Mission 
Statement

 
Home

Sessions PDF

Conference Fees

Program

Conference Centre

Contact
Our aquatic ecosystems are experiencing devastation on a global scale, due largely to human influence.  Recent research by Boris Worm and Ransom Myers, published in Nature (15 May, 2003), shows that marine commercial fisheries have stripped many of our economically and ecologically valuable species by 90% of their former abundances.  Habitat degradation and pollutants have caused further declines and may be preventing the recovery of some species. 

These impacts extend beyond the species of interest to entire aquatic ecosystems, and commercial and recreational fishing economies.  Fisheries collapses often have devastating results, not only for predatory species that feed on the harvested species, but also for local fishing communities.  Scientific understanding of these declines has so far not resulted in sound management and sustainable fishing practices. 
Can science better inform management of the human threats to 
fisheries and potential solutions?
The Graduate Student Conference on "Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems: Integrating Science and Management" will tackle this question from the perspectives of young researchers.  First, the conference will address what is currently being done to achieve sustainable fisheries in both freshwater and marine environments.  Second, we will examine the future of sustainable fisheries at local, national, and international levels.  Third, we will assess our role in achieving this as young researchers.

As graduate students in the early part of our careers, we offer fresh perspectives on fisheries science and management, and a breadth of view that comes from our diverse backgrounds.  This conference will provide a unique opportunity for graduate students to explore interdisciplinary issues regarding the science and management of marine and freshwater resources.  Specifically, this conference will offer an opportunity to present research and proposals for future research, meet other graduate students with similar interests, discuss the current state of fisheries, and explore different ideas about the future of our field.  The format will be a mix of oral presentations, poster sessions, small-group discussions, and a large-group synthesis of ideas.