Marine Resource Education Program

A program created by fishermen, for fishermen…

The Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) arose from ongoing conversations among fishing community leaders active in the management process in 2001. It has evolved over the years and expanded to different regions, still it continues to be conceived and presented by fishermen, for fishermen. In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community. The program:

• Explores the fisheries science and management processes,

• Demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and

• Equips fishermen with the tools to engage with tough issues facing the managers of our wild fisheries.

Workshops are designed through collaborative effort, coordinated and run by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and moderated by an industry member to help inject questions and keep the discussion real. Participants leave the workshops prepared to engage confidently in fishery management and to critically evaluate the science affecting their fishery. 

Attending the Workshop

Attending the workshop is free for anyone who fishes or works in associated fishing industries. MREP reimburses travel costs and pays for hotel lodging and meals for accepted participants.  

Participation in the workshops is limited, and each workshop includes a balanced representation of fisheries, gear types, and geographic regions. Participants are expected to commit to attending all days of the workshop and will be awarded a certificate of completion for each session.