AMERICAN INSTITUTE
OF
FISHERY RESEARCH BIOLOGISTS
November 23, 2015
To:
The University of Southern Mississippi, Department of Coastal Sciences
The American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists (AIFRB) was incorporated to
advance the theory and practice of fishery science and thereby to promote the
conservation and wise utilization of natural resources, and to establish and maintain high
professional standards by formal recognition of achievement and by adherence to a
code of Ethics.
The AIFRB Mission Statement reads: The mission of this Institute, incorporated in 1956, is
to advance excellence in fishery science and to promote stewardship, conservation,
sustainability, and wise utilization of natural resources, through support in professional
development and recognition of competent achievement of its members, as measured
by the highest of professional standards.
AIFRB provides leadership for enhanced international communications, collaboration and
information exchange and is a dynamic organization recognized for its professional
credibility in fishery science and education.
AIFRB believes that currently there are too few graduate education programs that
include a focus on fisheries and fisheries oceanography. There is a recognized shortage
of skilled fisheries and fisheries oceanography scientists and an increased global demand
for professionals with expertise in science-based information and technology. AIFRB is
therefore pleased to learn of a proposed curriculum revision of the University of
Southern Mississippi (USM) Department of Coastal Sciences to meet the needs of
academic and vocational demands of fisheries and fisheries oceanography research and
development. We understand that the proposed revision will allow students to specialize
in one of four emphasis areas:
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Aquaculture Emphasis,
Fisheries and Fisheries Oceanography,
Environmental and Organismal Health, and
Coastal Ecology and Ecosystem Processes.
7909 SLEAFORD PLACE BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4625
TEL 301.427.8174 FAX 301.713.1875
WWW.AIFRB.ORG
We further understand that a set of foundational “core” classes and a subset of
“emphasis area” related classes will be required, that will include:
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Ecology of Fishes
Data Analysis in the Coastal Sciences
Topics in Fisheries Ecology
Quantitative Fisheries Management
Marine Conservation Genetics
Special Topics in Early Life History of Fishes
From review of the above, it appears that USM’s Department of Coastal Sciences will
provide advanced training in Fisheries and Fisheries Oceanography, for which there is a
need in industry and academia. We therefore support the efforts made by USM’s
Department of Coastal Sciences to establish the above emphasis areas in the fields of
Fisheries and Fisheries Oceanography.
Best Regards,
Thomas P. Keegan
President
CC:
Mr. Allen Shimada, AIFRB Communications
Ms. Sarah Gilbert Fox, AIFRB Communications
Dr. Barbara Warkentine, AIFRB Secretary
7909 SLEAFORD PLACE BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4625
TEL 301.427.8174 FAX 301.713.1875
WWW.AIFRB.ORG