Aquatic Species Collection Workshop
The next FMSEA/FWC Aquatic Species Collection Workshop at Mote Marine Lab will be offered in the fall, 2014. Additional workshops are put on by FMSEA at other locations and times. Check out the FMSEA website for details: fmse.org/ascw.
Overview
The Florida Marine Science Educators Association and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have developed and implemented an aquatic species collection workshop for educators. Upon successful completion of the workshop, educators receive a 3-year collection certificate form the Florida FWCC.
The purpose of the workshop is to educate teachers/educators regarding responsible collecting and to widen the restrictions imposed by recreational fishing regulations (size, numbers, areal closures, etc). Topics include: rationale for collecting, alternatives to collecting, methods of collecting, minimizing environmental impact, minimizing loss of specimens, regulatory concerns, health concerns, related resources and support. The certificate does not supersede any state or federal regulations, but it does allow the collection of specified numbers of certain species for educational purposes, some undersized, and to use certain types of collecting gear that would not be allowed under recreational fishing guidelines.
The workshop is available to certified Florida teachers and/or employees of educational centers. Visit fmsea.org/ascw for more details. To be eligible, you must be:
- An instructor employed by, or under sponsorship of, an elementary or secondary school.
- An instructor employed by, or under sponsorship of, another educational institution or organization with courses of biological or aquatic studies.
- An individual who teaches in a home education program maintained in accordance with Section 1002.41, F.S.
- A representative of a home education program association.
After successful completion of the 2–3 hour workshop, a certificate will be mailed to each recipient within 6–8 weeks. Certificate holders are eligible to collect specified aquatic species for educational purposes that would be restricted under fishing license guidelines. This Educator Certification is valid for 3 years. Renewal workshops are available.
This registration fee includes training, a collection certificate, a free membership to FMSEA, and digtial access to workshop materials and resources. Fee may be paid at the workshop in with a check made out to FMSEA. Those paying via purchase order after the workshop must bring a copy of the PO to the workshop as proof of pending payment.
- Find out what to bring and wear
- ASC Workshop Resource Page: fmsea.org/workshop
- Login ID and Password are given out during the workshop.
Mote Cancellation Policy:
There are no refunds for Mote Education programs unless Mote cancels the program. If you provide notice of cancellation more than 24 hours before the program begins, we will credit your payment to a future program. If you cancel within 24 hours of the program or fail to show up without giving notice, you will be charged in full for the program.
