KINGSTON, R.I. – August 13, 2010 –More sustainable fishing, biodiversity loss, ecosystem changes, food security and poverty will be among the topics discussed by 28 fisheries managers from around the world who will participate in the Leadership for Fisheries Management Course beginning, Monday Aug. 16 and running through Sept. 3.

Offered by the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Center and Fisheries Center, the course is modeled on the biennial International Summer Institute in Coastal Management at URI’s Coastal Resources Center.

The course will be held at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus and East Farm in the Fisheries Center, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Officials from Indonesia, Malaysia, Phillippines, Solomons, Solomon Islands, Timo Leste, Mexico, Ghana, The Gambia, Mozambique, Honduras, Belize, Jamaica and Papua New Guinea will be introduced to fisheries science and technology, including stock assessments and population dynamics, social and economic issues and management principles. The group will focus on the development of management objectives, how to apply basic, innovative tools to achieve those objectives and how to develop and implement an effective co-management strategy.

Lectures, field exercises, small group work, simulations and case studies will be used to help participants gain new insights and skills. The course also offers opportunities for reflection and networking with other leading fisheries science and management practitioners.

TO MAKE COVERAGE ARRANGEMENTS: Call Dave Lavallee, URI Department of Communications and Marketing, 401-874-2116.