By fishermen, for fishermen, the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) offers a neutral look into regional fishery science and management. MREP’s Greater Atlantic workshop is tailored to the area. It brings commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen from North Carolina to Maine together with regional scientists and managers to learn the processes, share insights, and network. This workshop will equip you with tools to engage in the management process and participate in collaborative science. If interested, apply to the 2025 MREP Greater Atlantic workshop. Space is limited, and preference will be given to applications received by November 8, 2024. Accepted participants will be notified by phone and email by late November 2024. Attending the workshop is free for anyone who fishes or works in associated fishing industries. MREP reimburses travel costs and pays for hotel lodging and meals for accepted participants.

For more information about MREP, please contact:

• Hank Soule, Groundfish Sector Manager, (603) 781-9718

• Rick Bellavance, Charter Captain, (401) 741-5648

• Robert Ruhle, MAFMC, NC Rep., (252) 305-0960

General questions about the program should be directed to the MREP Team, at emoore@gmri.org or (207) 228-1652. For FAQ, please visit mrep.gmri.org.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is pleased to announce the Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) in the Greater Atlantic fishery region.

• Fisheries Science Workshop - January 10 – 12, 2023
  Holiday Inn Cape Cod | Falmouth, MA

• Fisheries Management Workshop - March 21 – 23, 2023
  Hotel at Arundel Preserve | Hanover, MD

By fishermen, for fishermen, the Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) provides fishermen and others with an interest in federal fisheries with an opportunity to gain insight into how fisheries data are collected and how those data lead to regulations. MREP brings together commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen with scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals from the Atlantic coast to learn, share insights, and network in a neutral and professional setting. Participants leave the program empowered and better prepared to be a voice in federal fisheries management.

The workshop is free to selected participants and includes travel reimbursement, hotel accommodations, and meals are provided by the program. Seats are limited.

Apply Here

See the Workshop Announcement for more details

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is pleased to announce the Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) in the Greater Atlantic fishery region.

• Fisheries Science Workshop - January 10 – 12, 2023
  Holiday Inn Cape Cod | Falmouth, MA

• Fisheries Management Workshop - March 21 – 23, 2023
  Hotel at Arundel Preserve | Hanover, MD

By fishermen, for fishermen, the Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) provides fishermen and others with an interest in federal fisheries with an opportunity to gain insight into how fisheries data are collected and how those data lead to regulations. MREP brings together commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen with scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals from the Atlantic coast to learn, share insights, and network in a neutral and professional setting. Participants leave the program empowered and better prepared to be a voice in federal fisheries management.

The workshop is free to selected participants and includes travel reimbursement, hotel accommodations, and meals are provided by the program. Seats are limited.

Apply Here

See the Workshop Announcement for more details

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is organizing two Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) workshops in the Greater Atlantic Region in early 2020:

1. MREP Fisheries Science Workshop – February 25-27, 2020, Woods Hole, MA

2. MREP Fisheries Management Workshop – March 24-26, 2020, Hanover, MD

• Learn more about the workshops here.

• Apply for a workshop online.

BACKGROUND: MREP Greater Atlantic was created by fishermen, for fishermen. It provides an inside look at the fisheries science and management processes, demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and equips fishermen with the tools to engage in shaping regulatory action and participating in collaborative science. In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how and why’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community.

The program is offered as a series of workshops that build upon each other: a three-day Fishery Science Workshop, followed by a three-day Fishery Management Workshop. Presenters are drawn from the NMFS Regional Office and Science Center, the Fishery Management Councils, research institutions, and the fishing community. Workshops are designed and held as a collaborative effort, with members of the community moderating the meeting and assisting fellow fishermen to articulate issues, keeping the discussion real.

Participants leave the workshops with better understanding of how, when and where to engage effectively in fishery management.

MREP Recreational Fisheries Workshop

March 20–22, 2018
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
Hanover, MD

• More Information
• Apply Online

Have questions? Please contact Patty Collins, GMRI Community Program Coordinator: (207) 228-1625, or pcollins@gmri.org

MREP Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Workshop

February 26–28, 2018
Fairfield Inn & Suites
New Bedford, MA

• More Information
• Apply Online

Have questions? Please contact Patty Collins, GMRI Community Program Coordinator: (207) 228-1625, or pcollins@gmri.org

NOTE: Date, time, and location details are subject to change. Please refer to the main MREP page on the GMRI website for the most up-to-date information.

MREP Mini Recreational

March 14–16, 2017
Crowne Plaza
Warwick, RI

Apply here:  http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

Learn more about MREP here: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

About the Marine Resource Education Program

MREP New England and Mid-Atlantic was created by fishermen, for fishermen. It provides an inside look at the fisheries science and management processes, demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and equips fishermen with the tools to engage in shaping regulatory action and participating in collaborative science. In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how and why’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community.

The program is offered as a series of workshops that build upon each other: a three-day Fishery Science Workshop, followed by a three-day Fishery Management Workshop. Presenters are drawn from NMFS Regional Office and Science Center, the Fishery Management Councils, research institutions, and the fishing community. Workshops are designed and held as a collaborative effort, with members of the community moderating the meeting and assisting fellow fishermen to articulate issues, keeping the discussion real.

Participants leave the workshops with better understanding of how, when and where to engage effectively in fishery management.

NOTE: Date, time, and location details are subject to change. Please refer to the main MREP page on the GMRI website for the most up-to-date information.

MREP Management 100
January 17-19, 2016
Sheraton, Atlantic City, NJ

Apply here:  http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

Learn more about MREP here: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

About the Marine Resource Education Program

MREP New England and Mid-Atlantic was created by fishermen, for fishermen. It provides an inside look at the fisheries science and management processes, demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and equips fishermen with the tools to engage in shaping regulatory action and participating in collaborative science. In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how and why’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community.

The program is offered as a series of workshops that build upon each other: a three-day Fishery Science Workshop, followed by a three-day Fishery Management Workshop. Presenters are drawn from NMFS Regional Office and Science Center, the Fishery Management Councils, research institutions, and the fishing community. Workshops are designed and held as a collaborative effort, with members of the community moderating the meeting and assisting fellow fishermen to articulate issues, keeping the discussion real.

Participants leave the workshops with better understanding of how, when and where to engage effectively in fishery management.

NOTE: Date, time, and location details are subject to change. Please refer to the main MREP page on the GMRI website for the most up-to-date information.

For MREP Alumni:
MREP Science 200
October 31–November 02, 2016
Holiday Inn, Cape Cod - Falmouth, MA

Apply here:  http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

Learn more about MREP here: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

About the Marine Resource Education Program

MREP New England and Mid-Atlantic was created by fishermen, for fishermen. It provides an inside look at the fisheries science and management processes, demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and equips fishermen with the tools to engage in shaping regulatory action and participating in collaborative science. In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how and why’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community.

The program is offered as a series of workshops that build upon each other: a three-day Fishery Science Workshop, followed by a three-day Fishery Management Workshop. Presenters are drawn from NMFS Regional Office and Science Center, the Fishery Management Councils, research institutions, and the fishing community. Workshops are designed and held as a collaborative effort, with members of the community moderating the meeting and assisting fellow fishermen to articulate issues, keeping the discussion real.

Participants leave the workshops with better understanding of how, when and where to engage effectively in fishery management.

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

The curriculum is focused on the data collection programs and management systems unique to the Greater Atlantic Region, and prepares participants to be effective contributors to science and management. Nearly 600 Mid-Atlantic and New England fishermen have attended MREP workshops. 

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

The curriculum is focused on the data collection programs and management systems unique to the Greater Atlantic Region, and prepares participants to be effective contributors to science and management. Nearly 600 Mid-Atlantic and New England fishermen have attended MREP workshops. 

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

The curriculum is focused on the data collection programs and management systems unique to the Greater Atlantic Region, and prepares participants to be effective contributors to science and management. Nearly 600 Mid-Atlantic and New England fishermen have attended MREP workshops. 

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

This three-day workshop provides participants with core foundation in the fundamentals of fisheries science.

Participants obtain a basic working knowledge of concepts in population biology and the assessment process, including survey sampling techniques, statistical tools, models and their uses, as well as biological reference points used in management. Information presented in this section helps relate fishing effort to stock assessments and shows how fishermen’s knowledge, fishery-dependent data, and collaborative science partnerships help to strengthen stock assessment models and results. The module examines developments in conservation engineering, as well as principles of ecosystem-based management and environmental influences on stock assessments. 

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast/apply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

The curriculum is focused on the data collection programs and management systems unique to the Greater Atlantic Region, and prepares participants to be effective contributors to science and management. Nearly 600 Mid-Atlantic and New England fishermen have attended MREP workshops. 

Selected fishermen will be notified by phone and mail. Meals and accommodations are provided during the workshop, and travel support is also available to qualifying active fishermen. 

For questions about the program please call, 
Mary Beth Nickell-Tooley at (207) 837-3537, Libby Etrie at (978) 491-1848, or 
John Williamson at (207) 939-7055 

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: www.gmri.org/MREP-NEapply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

If you are someone who cares about healthy fisheries then the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is for you. Organized by members of the fishing community, MREP brings together fishermen, scientists, managers, and other marine resource professionals to share expertise essential to understanding fishery management in the 21st century. 

The curriculum is focused on the data collection programs and management systems unique to the Greater Atlantic Region, and prepares participants to be effective contributors to science and management. Nearly 600 Mid-Atlantic and New England fishermen have attended MREP workshops. 

Selected fishermen will be notified by phone and mail. Meals and accommodations are provided during the workshop, and travel support is also available to qualifying active fishermen. 

For questions about the program please call, 
Mary Beth Nickell-Tooley at (207) 837-3537, Libby Etrie at (978) 491-1848, or John Williamson at (207) 939-7055.

To register for the program please contact Patty Collins at (207) 228-1625,
For online registration, go to: www.gmri.org/MREP-NEapply

For more information about MREP, visit http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast

This two-day workshop provides an in-depth look at the trawl survey methodology and the collection and processing of data used in stock assessments.

The workshop includes a visit to the NMFS gear loft to explore the trawl nets and scallop dredges used in survey work, a trip aboard the Henry Bigelow research vessel with a tour of the onboard labs and sample handling stations, a visit to the Woods Hole Age and Growth lab, a discussion with port agents on data reporting, and time spent at the northeast Observer facility. The program concludes with an in-depth discussion about how the various pieces all contribute to stock assessments.

Find more information about this event at http://www.gmri.org/our-work/fisheries-convening/mrep-northeast and at www.mafmc.org/mrep.