CHAPTER ANNUAL MEETING THEME
Casting a Wide Net:
Diverse Perspectives in Fisheries
Conferences such as this provide an important forum for scientists to share their research, educate one another, inspire one another, and discuss the past, present, and future of fisheries. Issues related to fisheries encompass many societal values, including subsistence, recreation, and conservation. It is important that we, as fisheries scientists, managers, and enthusiasts, focus on the wide-ranging relationships between fisheries and society, and how we can better meet the needs of society by maintaining and fostering a diversity of perspectives.
If we do not effectively incorporate diverse perspectives and reach out to diverse communities and stakeholders, then effective and inclusive science-based policy will likely remain an ideal, rather than reality.