A group of Rosenstiel students and faculty members attended the tuna and billfish workshop held by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Fort Lauderdale last month. Professionals attending the workshop at the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame were the world specialists in these species. After a ‘Red Risk’ review process is completed in November, this body will publish its findings and make modifications to the IUCN Red List of endangered species.

David Dié, associate professor of marine biology and fisheries and one of the members of the IUCN panel of experts attending the meeting, said, “This was a great chance for our graduate students to learn about the process scientists use to make determinations about the conservation status of marine species. By participating in these kind of activities students learn how science influences decision-making.”

After the workshop students were asked to complete an assignment about the process of listing species on an endangered species list. The exercise was designed to improve the students’ personal and professional growth in the field.

Above, UM graduate students and faculty gather in front of the IGFA Hall of Fame after the meeting. The students who participated in the workshop included Neal Asthana, James Baros, Robert Jones, Dominique Lazarre, Bruce Pohlot, Maharaj Ravi, Akihiro Shiroza, and Joaquin Zabalo. Faculty members included Dié and Beth Babcock, assistant professor of marine biology and fisheries.