Alex Filardo

Hawai'i Fisheries Extension Agent 2022 Annual Report

2022

National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office

"The Hawai'i Fisheries Extension Agent (HFEA) acts as the bridge between local fishers, scientists, and resource managers. The primary goal is to build and foster positive personal relationships with individuals and key stakeholders in the fishing community to ultimately promote pono (sustainable) fishing practices. The HFEA serves as a liaison and provides a source of accurate and neutral information by conducting projects and performing different types of outreach and education. These outreach events may include attending fishing tournaments, fishing club meetings, and community events in addition to conducting shore-based and harbor-based fisher outreach. This position works directly with Hawai'i's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to advance communications associated with the State's management actions to protect coral reefs and coral reef resources. Alex conducted work as the HFEA for the past 8 months and built foundational relationships with the fishing community, federal and state partners, local educators, and more."

Hawaii, fisheries, outreach, sustainable fishing, collaboration, resource management

NMFS

PIRO

FY2022 CRCP Project ID 177; Project Title: Hawaii Fisheries Extension Program; Principal Investigator: Kristine Bucchianeri