Another major scientific conference in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD — The American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists is holding a three-day symposium in New Bedford this week to examine the many factors that affect the abundance of fish populations, a topic of vital importance to commercial fishermen, particularly in the Northeast.
“What makes fish populations increase and decrease is really the most critical issue in fisheries today,” said Steve Cadrin, from UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology, who also serves as president of the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists.
The symposium, which opened Tuesday at the Waypoint Center on the waterfront, has drawn leading scientists from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the U.S. and Canada as well as representatives from various state and federal agencies.
Mayor Jon Mitchell was on hand Tuesday morning to welcome the approximately 50 participants to the city.
“Fishing not only accounts for one-sixth of our output but it’s the cultural soul of the region,” Mitchell said. “What the government does now with fishery management is where the rubber meets the road and that’s where you come in.”
Better science, more accurate data and improved communication between researchers, the fishing industry and government regulators are vital if fishing is to remain sustainable, Mitchell said.
The symposium began with presentations focused on how fishing impacts various fish populations. Today’s discussion will examine research on how environmental factors, such as climate change and other physical effects, affect fish stocks. On Thursday scientists will look at the role fishery management decisions play in the regulation of fish populations.
Original title: Fishery biologists hold three-day symposium in New Bedford
By DON CUDDY
doncuddy@s-t.com
June 27, 2012 12:00 AM
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