1. Development of a Fisher’s Training and Education Program for Puerto Rico Carlos J. Velazquez President, Asociación de Pescadores Unidos de Playa Húcares in Naguabo, Puerto Rico CFMC 147th Council meeting, Ponce Hilton Ponce, Puerto Rico August 14, 2013

2.  April 2-4, 2013: Participated in the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) - Marine Resource Education Program Professional development program for fishers 2 full days of capacity building workshops: theoretical and practical Information exchange between scientists, fishers and individuals from the fishing industry business (eg. charter boats, captains, kayakers, restaurant owners) … Background

3.  April 2-4, 2013: Participated in the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) - Marine Resource Education Program Offered twice a year – different workshop agendas Topics covered in the April workshop: Stock assessment, sample and survey methods, population biology, bycatch avoidance strategy, others… Background

4. Why develop a similar program in Puerto Rico?  Need for capacity building programs and workshops for:  Commercial fishers  Recreational fishers  Sport Fishers  Others involved in the fishing industry.

5. Why develop a similar program in Puerto Rico?  To help:  Develop a better understanding of science and management tools used to regulate the fisheries  Open channels of communication between fishers and scientific professionals  Address various stakeholder needs

6. Recommendations  Develop a Fisher’s training program for Puerto Rico modeled after the GMRI educational program  Identify stakeholders and stakeholder needs  Commercial Fishers  Recreational Fishers  Sport fishers  Others involved in the fishery industry  Identify community leaders

7. Caribbean Fishery Management Council Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture Department of Health US Coast Guard FURA US Customs Recommendations Sea Grant, UPRM Department of Marine Sciences, UPR-Mayaguez Department of Marine Sciences, UPR-Humacao Interamerican University, Fajardo Campus  Identify potential collaborative partners

10. Thank You! Questions?