Marine Resource Education Program

MREP: A program created by fishermen, for fishermen…

The Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) arose from ongoing conversations among fishing community leaders active in the management process in 2001. It has evolved over the years and expanded to different regions, still it continues to be conceived and presented by fishermen, for fishermen.

In a neutral setting, fishermen work through the ‘how’ of the whole process, meet the people behind agency jobs, and share important feedback from the fishing community. The program:

• Explores the fisheries science and management processes,

• Demystifies the acronyms and vocabulary, and

• Equips fishermen with the tools to engage with tough issues facing the managers of our wild fisheries.

Workshops are designed through collaborative effort, coordinated and run by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and moderated by an industry member to help inject questions and keep the discussion real. Participants leave the workshops prepared to engage confidently in fishery management and to critically evaluate the science affecting their fishery. 

Visit the Marine Resource Education Program website for more information. 

2025 Greater Atlantic MREP Workshop

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

Greater Atlantic Fisheries Science and Management Workshop - January 13 – 17, 2025
Sea Crest Beach Hotel | Falmouth, MA

Attending the Workshop

Travel costs, accommodation, and meals are provided by the program for participating fishermen.

Participation in the workshops is limited, and each workshop includes a balanced representation of fisheries, gear types, and geographic regions. Participants are expected to commit to attending all days of the workshop and will be awarded a certificate of completion for each session.