Young ASC participants: fishermen meet with scientists in Berlin

The ASC was attended by several young participants (Young Scientists and Young Fishermen) – all funded by ICES. Young Scientists are invited to participate in the ASC to encourage participation and networking in the science community. For the Young Fishermen (who are invited via the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) in EC countries, and fishermen's organizations in non-EC countries), the ASC serves as a great opportunity to learn more about science in the ICES community and about the background for scientific advice. Both groups are invited to attend ASC Theme Sessions and meet during the conference for discussions and evaluations. This year, the group of Young Participants was invited on an excursion to Berlin’s Fishery Administration service that included an introduction to the institution, a trip through Berlin’s channels and rivers on a research vessel, and a visit to a local freshwater fishery. During the excursion, lively discussions about fishing methods and scientific research programmes emerged. The discussions covered topics such as gear technology, fish ecology, fishing practices, fishery policies, eco-labelling, and economic development of the sector.

Excursion in Berlin: Young ASC Participants with Susanne Jürgensen (Berlin’s Fishery Department)

ICES Inside Out talked to three of the Young Fishermen, all first-time visitors to the ASC, to hear their thoughts on the Conference:

Robert Joshua Fricker (29 years old) from Canada is the seventh generation of fishermen in his family. He has always known that he wanted to be a fisherman and would not be happy otherwise. He has enjoyed attending Theme Sessions, and particularly interesting to him were the Opening Lecture on climate issues and Session H (life-cycle diversity within population mechanisms and consequences). “I really enjoyed meeting other fishermen and scientists from around the world. This conference serves as a good foundation for dialogue. ICES should definitely continue this programme”, he concludes.

Jeremy Doucette (30 years old) from Canada “grew up on the water” and is the third generation Captain of his family’s vessel. “I really love fishing and being in nature”, he explains. He appreciates the opportunity to meet with scientists and other fishermen to discuss and share points of view. One of his highlights at this year’s ASC was Theme Session M (Avoidance of bycatch and discards). Session M16 (Mortality of North Sea herring), in particular, proved to be very interesting and relevant. “This conference is very well organized; all participants are friendly and easy to talk to. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to attend. I would be here every year, if possible”, he concludes.

George West (38 years old) from Scotland started fishing in 1987 and has been the owner of his own vessel since 1993. He strongly agrees that attending the ASC is worthwhile and useful to his job. “The ASC served as a good foundation for me to learn more about the challenges that we face (both scientists and fishermen), but from different angles”. It is useful for his daily work to learn more about what scientists see as future goals. “It is relevant to see things from a larger perspective and learn more about the future aims within fishery management”. Theme Session M (Avoidance of bycatch and discards) proved particularly interesting. He is used to dialoguing with scientists on a daily basis, often inviting scientists out on his vessel. “To have a good relationship with scientists is important to encourage a better understanding between the two”, he adds. 

Robert Joshua Fricker	Jeremy Doucette	George West