QUEST: A Unique Federal and Academic Partnership to Train the Next Generation of Fisheries Scientists

Training in interdisciplinary fields like quantitative ecology and socioeconomics forms the basis for entering mission-critical NOAA Fisheries careers as ecosystem scientists, stock assessment scientists, and economists.  Scientists in these fields provide essential information for the sustainable management of living marine resources.  They develop the tools used to evaluate the status of fish stocks, advise managers on the likely effects of alternate management policies, and are essential to help avoid overfishing and develop rebuilding strategies when necessary.   Previous studies have identified a critical shortage in quantitative fishery scientists. This combined with increased scientific responsibilities and the breadth of information needing to be synthesized in the fishery management process will only make the demand for these scientists even more pronounced.  To address future workforce needs NOAA Fisheries has developed a virtual institute known as QUEST (Quantitative Ecology and Socioeconomics Training) dedicated to training the next generation of interdisciplinary, quantitative fishery scientists.  Through federal and academic partnerships, graduate fellowships, and unique distance and in-person education and training efforts, QUEST seeks to provide a comprehensive effort to ensure a future generation of quantitative fishery scientists.  The presentation will include an overview of QUEST, its education and training efforts, and suggestions for building future connections.