GOALS:

(1.) Create a Marine Fisheries Management Institute to consolidate and focus resources with strategic partners including the University of Massachusetts System, National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Massachusetts Fisheries Recovery Commission.

(2.) Develop outreach and educational programs that offer comprehensive information about Massachusetts fisheries, fisheries management, fisheries regulations, fishing techniques, fishing gear, estuarine and ocean science, marine habitat protection, seafood technology, and economics of fishing.

(3.) Design and implement data collection programs that define parameters of fish stocks by working cooperatively with Massachusetts' fishermen on board their vessels.

(4.) Complete a standardized fisheries statistics database framework that would be compatible and exchangeable with other Atlantic coast fisheries agencies.

(5.) Develop a K-12 educational program that teaches the attributes, benefits, and ecology of Massachusetts' commercial and recreational fisheries.

(6.) Develop community-based and -operated aquaculture programs.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:

(1.) Gain support of Institute's strategic partners; create structure and governance of Institute; reach consensus and complete formal agreements; identify Institute's central headquarters; identify and prioritize primary projects; initiate primary projects.

(2.) Identify possible locations and resources necessary to build regional fishermen's libraries (Gloucester, Cape Cod, New Bedford) and begin to acquire library resources.

(3.) Seek interested northshore fishermen to participate in at-sea data collection programs; secure federal funding; launch pilot from ARMFS.

(4.) Create an Internet-based program to collect voluntary angler information and stimulate exchange of information with recreational anglers.

(5.) Identify cost and other associated factors needed to complete and implement a comprehensive Atlantic Coast Cooperative Statistics Program.

(6.) Conduct a field-based survey of Massachusetts' recreational anglers to characterize the scope and nature of our marine recreational fisheries and stimulate agency good will.

(7.) Evaluate potential scope of K-12 educational program, develop program materials, and launch pilot utilizing strengths and availability of existing staff.

(8.) Identify an urban location, community stewards, and carryout existing agency plans for a pilot aquaculture project to enhance native rainbow smelt populations.