GCFI-IGFA Recreational Fisheries Scholarship

GCFI and IGFA Announce Partnership for Recreational Fisheries Student

The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute and the International Game Fish Association are pleased to announce the development of a partnership to fund the professional advancement of a recreational fisheries student through a scholarship to attend the GCFI annual conference.

This partnership builds on, sustains, and enhances the Ron Schmied Scholarship which was created in the memory of a valued friend and colleague.  Ron worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service from 1978 until his passing in 1996. In the early days, he was charged with developing a regional program to encourage the growth and stability of saltwater recreational fisheries in the southeast U.S. Not only was this a first of its kind, but it was accomplished at a time when there was resistance to the very concept of recreational fisheries. His mentor and friend, Bob Ditton, professor at Texas A & M University, worked tirelessly to create and maintain the fund until he passed away in 2009. Many of Ron’s colleagues, former classmates and associates donated funds since 1998 to create the scholarship. In recent years, it has been the substantial contributions of the IGFA that has facilitated the continuation of the scholarship in difficult economic times and low interest rate returns to the existing endowed fund. Both Ron and Bob had a passionate interest in providing opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and involvement in recreational fisheries management. To learn more about Ron, click here.  To learn about Bob, click here. 

Information about this year’s meeting, Nov. 1-5 in Puerto Rico, is available on the conference webpage. 

Because of Ron's interest in and dedication to sustainable marine recreational fisheries, students with a social, economic, biological, ecological, or management perspective on recreational fisheries will be eligible to apply for the travel scholarship. Each scholarship will cover the costs of airfare, lodging, and meals to attend the GCFI annual meeting. Selection of an awardee will be based on the level of achievement, innovation, and promise demonstrated in abstract(s) submitted for the annual meeting as well as a vita and statement of career goals in fisheries management.  Although the official deadline for submitting abstracts for presentations a this year’s meeting has passed; we will try to make an exception if applicants have not already submitted an abstract and include one when they apply (if they have not already submitted one) .  An abstract is not absolutely required to apply; but those with high quality recreational fisheries related abstracts may be rated higher. Please visit the Ron Schmied award page for more specifics about the award.  Specifics about the application process are available here.