SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND THE FISHERIES SCIENTIST

Fisheries science faces the prospect of a shrinking pool of qualified recruits at the same time demand is increasing for its scientists. The traditional approach to educating the fisheries scientist typically i mmerses the student in issues and techniques specific to fisheries, of ten at the expense of a solid foundation in the basic sciences, especi ally biology, chemistry, and applied mathematics. Specialization is no substitute for a broad foundation in basic science and mathematics-su ch a foundation is essential to effectiveness in modern fisheries scie nce. Consequently, the traditional approach to educating fisheries sci entists may not serve the best interests of the fisheries profession. I propose an alternative approach that emphasizes undergraduate exposu re to the basic sciences and development of quantitative skills, postp oning fisheries specialization until advanced graduate school (primari ly via the thesis or dissertation) or employment training. Such an app roach will be costly in the short term but should ultimately supply th e fisheries science community with scientists who are better equipped to resolve scientific and management problems.