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Forecasts Shortage of Marine Scientists
Forecasts Shortage of Marine Scientists
oct 29,2008.
The federal departments
of Commerce and Education are forecasting a serious shortage
of scientists trained to do the high-quality research required
to rebuild fish stocks and restore marine species in the next
decade.
A new joint report to Congress
estimates the nation will need between 180 and 340 new fishery
stock assessment scientists in the next 10 years, but current
institutions will produce only 160. The report projects a
shortage of between 20 and 180, with a likely shortage of
between 100 and 180 stock assessment scientists for the nation
in the next decade.
"At
a time when the United States needs more scientists to provide
the tools to rebuild valuable fish stocks and restore marine
mammals and turtles, we are seeing a shortage of well-trained
fishery scientists," said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans
and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "We must work with
universities and the private sector to convince young people
to pursue careers in marine science."
The report to Congress combines a study of demand for stock
assessment scientists at NOAA, other federal agencies, regional
fishery commissions, state agencies and other organizations,
with an independent report on the supply of scientists trained
in this field. The proportion of university faculty teaching
stock assessment and fishery population dynamics in marine
science programs is dropping, the report concludes. Student
aptitude in modeling and population dynamics, key elements
used to project future trends in fish abundance and productivity,
has also declined in the last decade. The lack of faculty
and quality student s translates into fewer graduate students
and fewer graduates with master's degrees and doctorates.
The numbers of students and graduates are dropping at the
same time that the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act, re-authorized in 2007, gives stock assessment
scientists a larger role in fisheries management. More stock
assessment scientists are needed to evaluate fishery management
measures and craft recovery plans for fish species as well
as endangered and protected marine species. NOAA has several
innovative recruiting programs, including fellowships, internships
and mentoring programs. And one promising trend is that more
young women are pursuing careers in stock assessment science.
However, the report concludes these programs must grow if
the overall shortage is to be eliminated. Universities and
the private sector must also expand educational programs to
meet the growing need for stock assessment scientists. Undergraduate
education in statistics, mathematics, ecosystem studies and
modeling must also be improved. "We need to get the word out
across this nation, to our students, their teachers and parents,
that there are rewarding careers in the sciences for students
who study stock assessment and fishery biology," said Steven
A. Murawski, director of scientific programs and chief science
advisor for NOAA's Fisheries Service. "This report to Congress
sends a strong message that our students must be better prepared
for science careers that are vital to the future of our nation's
environment and economy." To view the full report, read a
profile of Dr. Elizabeth Brooks, a young stock assessment
scientist, watch video interviews with stock assessment scientists
and see other materials, go to the NOAA Fisheries Office of
Science and Technology Web page.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment,
from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and
conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.
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