ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS FOR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN FISHERIES GENETICS

Although many fisheries management activities affect the genetics of m anaged populations, most fishery managers have not received education or training in fisheries genetics. In this study, I assessed opportuni ties and perceived needs for education and training in fisheries genet ics. A survey of university fisheries science programs revealed more t han half of the fisheries curricula in North America offer students li ttle 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, a nd 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 continu ing 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 impro ving education opportunities in fisheries genetics.