Gear Liaison - Massachusetts Licensed

Job Summary

To support NOAA NMFS protected species and fisheries gear programs, the part-time Gear Liaison - Massachusetts Licensed will provide scientific, technical, and outreach support focused on reducing marine mammal and sea turtle bycatch in commercial fishing gear, collaborating with fishermen and industry partners both remotely and in the field.

Key responsibilities

• Work directly with commercial fishermen and partners to create and evaluate fishing gear configurations
• Participate in field studies and dockside evaluations to assess gear solutions aimed at reducing bycatch
• Support projects focused on mitigating bycatch of protected species in Northwest Atlantic fisheries

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as marine biology or fisheries science, or equivalent experience
• Hands-on knowledge of commercial fishing gear and operations, particularly fixed gear and gillnets
• Experience working with commercial fishermen and fisheries field programs
• Understanding of marine mammal and sea turtle bycatch mitigation measures
• Ability to interpret fishing gear configurations and communicate effectively with industry partners