Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

The focus of this NSERC CREATE is on freshwater fisheries, fish culture and fish conservation, and hence lies at the intersection of two fundamental environmental and social issues facing Canada and, indeed, the world: food security and biodiversity loss. In addition, Canada has globally recognized expertise in fish biology and fisheries, and more than 20% of the world's fresh water: a CREATE focused on freshwater fish is overdue, and FishCAST (Fisheries Management and Conservation Careers in Science and Technology) provides that focus. The economic value of freshwater fisheries and aquaculture production, coupled with the current and future pressures on our freshwater resources is driving strong demand for HQP to fill jobs within academia, industry, government and NGOs. FishCAST HQP trainees (> 75) will have a unique blend of research and professional skills coupled with a familiarity with the major stakeholders. Our HQP will therefore become best-qualified and -prepared employees with strengths in four areas: 1) technical expertise in fisheries and fish conservation research methodology and practice, 2) focussed professional and transferable workplace skills, 3) relevant employment and hands-on experience, and 4) familiarity with the different perspectives and disciplines that contribute to the complex social, economic, and ethical issues facing fish research, conservation and management. FishCAST is notable for providing a unique value-added training program in job readiness and job placement due to the already existing close partnerships co-applicants have cultivated with employers engaged in fisheries and fish culture. This comprehensive, career-oriented training will give our HQP a competitive edge in the global job market, build on Canada's global leadership in the field, and place HQP into economies that matter for Canada by contributing to the effective management and conservation of fish resources.