Institute's Specialist Sections in Action: 34th Institute of Fisheres Management Annual Conference / Study Course

2nd-4th September 2003, University of Nottingham, Nottingham
Hosted by Midlands Branch.

The Institute’s Specialist Sections were established in May 1984 in order to provide a
professional fishery management advice service to members and non-members alike.
Five specialist sections, Resource, Management, Fish Culture, Commercial, and
Recreation were set up, each with its own chairman and a list of responsibilities
including:

• Setting up of groups of members with special interest /expertise
• Preparation and distribution of literature review lists
• Preparation of pamphlets, booklets and visual aids
• Advising the IFM Council on technical matters
• Offering advice to any external organisation involved in making decisions relevant to fisheries
• Offering advice to IFM members on technical matters
• Gathering and disseminating information about new advances in the relevant fields
• Advising the IFM council on research needs in the relevant specialist area.
• Organising courses and lectures on relevant topics

Today, the Specialist Sections of the Institute are a very important focus of expertise,
allowing for rapid consultation and debate. They also form the basis for discussion
groups and forums. The twenty years since the Specialist Sections were first
established have seen great changes in fisheries, fishing and in the science of fisheries
management, and indeed in societal attitudes to fisheries, hence if these specialist
sections are to continue to perform their function, a review and update is vital.

The 34th Annual Study Course addressed issues relating to individual Specialist
Sections and allowed discussion on the future for these sections and the way in which
they can assist members through the Internet and electronic discussion groups.
Our president, John Solbe, has in his closing synthesis outlined the possible steps by
which the Specialist Sections can be revitalised to take on the challenges of fisheries
management in the 21st Century.

Abstracts available for download (not currently available)
Conference synthesis presentation (Click Here)
Proceedings available in electronic form to IFM Members (Member's Area)

Printed copies of the Proceedings are available at £10 for members and £15 for non-members. Postage and packing is charged at cost.  Please contact Steve Axford, Fir Tree House, Flaxton, York YO60 7RR. 
E-mail s.axford@ifm.org.uk Telephone 01904 468251.