The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is seeking stakeholder input on cooperative research through meetings that kick off this week. The science center's Cooperative Research Branch is conducting meetings in August and September from Maine to Virginia. (See contact info below in the event you are unable to attend and would like to provide your own feedback.)

"Your input is key to creating a strategic, forward-thinking plan that outlines clear and actionable steps for building community and developing effective cooperative research projects," the center said in its release on the meetings.

Meeting schedule

Aug. 13 Tue 3-5 pm Portland, ME • Custom House

Aug. 14 Wed 3-5 pm Gloucester, MA • MA DMF

Aug. 20 Tue 3-5 pm New Bedford, MA • SMAST East

Aug. 27 Tue 3-5 pm Riverhead, NY • Cornell Marine Program

Aug. 28 Wed 3-5 pm Point Judith, RI • Superior Trawl Conference Room

Sept. 10 Tue 6:30-8:30 pm Toms River, NJ • Rutgers Extension Office

Sept. 11 Wed 3-5 pm Cape May Courthouse, NJ • Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Sept. 24 Tue 3-5 pm Hampton, VA • VSAREC

The goals are to:

• Engage with fishing communities and fisheries stakeholders.
• Identify and learn from the successes and shortfalls of previous research.
• Discuss research ideas and priorities for future projects.
• Recognize and build upon the strengths of our partners.

Discussion questions include:

• What are some examples of successful cooperative research?
• What makes a cooperative research project successful?
• What are some shortfalls associated with cooperative research?
• How can/should cooperative research be applied?
• What are cooperative research needs and priorities in the near term?
• What are cooperative research needs and priorities in the long term?
• What types of partners should be engaged?
• What are the expected/desired outcomes?

"Only by cultivating meaningful partnerships to support effective research programs can we produce applicable results, including more efficient fishing gear, better data, and stronger markets," the center reports.

For more information, or to provide feedback if you are unable to attend, contact Giovanni Gianesin, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, (508) 495-2308

Stay connected and join the center's Cooperative Research Branch email list.