GLIN==> Public Involvement Critical to Fisheries Management Process

Public Involvement Critical to Fisheries Management Process

Great Lakes fisheries management and ecology will be the focus of two upcoming workshops designed to educate Michigan's citizen fisheries leaders. Sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant, the meetings are part of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership Institute and will be held in Lansing October 21 and 22 and Port Huron November 7 and 8.

The Institute is a new certificate program that enhances the leadership skills of public stewards involved in fisheries-related organizations or businesses. The two-day workshops will feature expert presentations on a variety of fisheries issues.

"This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Great Lakes fisheries management issues and to network with fisheries leaders in other organizations," says Michigan Sea Grant Extension Program Leader John Schwartz.

Schwartz helped organize Michigan's first Institute workshop focused on Lake Huron issues, held in Alpena in September. The Lake Huron meeting featured a blend of in-class learning and relevant field trips.

"The workshop provided an understanding of how management decisions are made and why," said participant Brenda Archambo of the group Sturgeon for Tomorrow. "As public stewards and fishermen, we need to give something back to enhance the [fisheries] resource in the form of education or leadership."

To learn more about the Institute, see:
http://www.greatlakesseagrant.org

The Great Lakes Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership Institute was developed by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network in cooperation with numerous state agencies.

Michigan Sea Grant, a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, is part of a national network of 30 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Funding is provided through the National Sea Grant College Program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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