One of the Society's primary objectives is to facilitate and promote effective communication between fishermen, scientist, and the general public. With a view to advancing communication between these stakeholders and increasing fishermen’s participation in fisheries science, the Society has undertaken a number of initiatives since its inception.
- A newsletter entitled 'Hook Line and Thinker' is sent to over 1000 subscribers internationally which details Society activities, planned activities, and schedules of events etc.
- In 1999 the Society set up a web page (http\\www.fsrs.ns.ca) which provides information on the objectives of the Society, its research projects, and events, as well as many valuable links to other marine related web sites.
- Participates in exhibits that display and communicate the FSRS's collaborative research projects.
- Organises well attended workshop sessions. Topics have included: Spawning Behaviour of Atlantic Cod, Growth and Maturity of 4VW Haddock, Results of Study on Feeding Behaviour of Cod During Spawning, Finfish Tagging, Sources of Fisheries Science Information, Marine Protected Areas, FSRS Lobster Projects Results, Grey Seal Research, and Enhanced Fish Diet Collection Project and Inshore Ecosystem Research Project Results, to name just a few.
- Provides training for scientists on how to make presentations, both orally and in writing, that fishermen can understand, thus helping to improve communication between fishermen and scientists.
- Implemented an annual award for outstanding achievement in the NS Department of Educations Oceans 11 Program, which is presented to a student in each of the schools in Nova Scotia which offer the program.
The FSRS recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for youth and supports them through its youth internship program. The youth internship program provides practical work experience in a multi-disciplinary setting which will better equip interns to obtain meaningful employment upon completion of the internship program, in addition to giving interns an opportunity to develop an extensive network of industry, government and academic contacts which will be valuable in procuring long-term employment. The Society has provided invaluable work experience for more than 30 youth through this program.
The Oceans 11 Program is a science program for grade 11 students, offering them the opportunity to learn about a wide range or marine science topics, including biology, oceanography, fisheries science and fisheries management. The Society participates in the program by providing guests speakers, and inviting students to attend the Society workshops. Starting in June 2000, the Society is presenting an annual award for outstanding accomplishment in the Oceans 11 Program to a student in each of the 63 schools in Nova Scotia which offer the program.
In March 2000, the FSRS received the Deputy Minister's Certificate of Recognition (DFO) for fostering effective cooperation between fishermen and scientists and for an outstanding contribution to the knowledge base underlying resource management in the Maritimes. The FSRS has also been nominated twice for the "Michael Smith Award" from NSERC, which honours groups who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada. This is indicative of the support the FSRS has received from the beginning, not only from government, but also from industry groups, and rural communities. The FSRS is being used by local industry groups, as well as throughout the Atlantic Provinces, and even internationally, as a model for developing effective working partnerships between fishermen and science.
|