Bachelor's in fisheries offered: boosting fisheries knowledge to support state's precious resource.

• Position: EDUCATION

In June, the University of Alaska Board of Regents approved a new Bachelor of Arts in fisheries and a minor in fisheries. The degree and minor will be offered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).

FISHERIES DEGREE WILL CREATE LOCAL EXPERTS

The new bachelor's degree program is part of a multimillion-dollar expansion of the UAF fisheries program thanks to a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation. The degree will prepare students for careers in fisheries business, policy, anthropology or rural community development.

The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SFOS) conducts world-class marine and fisheries research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. Fifty-five faculty scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. SFOS is headquartered at UAF, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.

According to Trent Sutton, associate professor of fisheries and coordinator for the undergraduate fisheries program, the program will train students in the social, economic and business aspects of fisheries.

"Our students will learn not only how to work with fish, but also how to work with the diverse users of this vast natural resource," said Sutton. "Alaska needs more fisheries experts, especially those trained in Alaska, and we intend to fill that need."

The new program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and undergraduate research. Students will work directly with fisheries...