07-26-2010, 01:44 PM
Welcome to My World
I have been hired by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to build an outreach program that informs the public of the Council process, decisions, and general happenings. Hopefully, as a result, a more informed public will show increased involvement in the creation of council decisions.
I’ve decided to write a blog about my experience with the Gulf Council. I think sharing my understanding of the Council as I a learn will give you a more personal understanding of how and why decisions are made.
Let me begin by introducing myself: I, Emily Muehlstein, am an avid kayak fishermen (or fisherwoman, if you prefer). I have been fishing the inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico since I was a little girl. I got my start as an angler bouncing shrimp in search of flounder off of my grandfather’s boat. In more recent years, I have spent countless hours in and around Tampa Bay honing my skills as an angler. In an effort to learn more about fishing and become a part of the fishing community I have participated in a few forums and fished with some local fishing groups.
I have a soft spot in my heart for catching red drum, and I will never turn down the opportunity to target big migratory species such as king mackerel, tarpon, and cobia from my kayak. I prefer to use artificial bait, but enjoy floating the occasional pinfish or cut bait behind me as well. I do not aim to pack my freezer with fish, but I am certainly not opposed to keeping a fish or two for dinner. I also really enjoy scalloping and catching shrimp on the grass flats at night.
I went to school at the University of South Florida where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I worked for a short time at an aquaculture facility breeding cichlids for aquariums and then worked as a microbiologist for an independent laboratory monitoring water quality. I returned to the University of South Florida, where I earned my Master’s degree in Science Education, with a certificate in Informal Science Education (teaching science outside of the typical classroom.) I’ve worked as an outdoor educator running a summer camp, and writing science curriculum for the past three years.
Now, I sit before you (well, technically I sit before my computer screen) as the newest addition to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council staff. I’ve been researching archived forum threads and speaking with some fishing friends and acquaintances to gain a better understanding of people’s perceptions of the Council. I’ve also begun to collect a list of questions that many people seem to have about the Council process and some of the Council decisions. Ideally, through this blog, you will have to opportunity to learn as I construct my own understanding of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
Your chum,
Emily Muehlstein
Fisheries Outreach Specialist
Gulf Of Mexico Fishery Management Council
[signature]
I have been hired by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to build an outreach program that informs the public of the Council process, decisions, and general happenings. Hopefully, as a result, a more informed public will show increased involvement in the creation of council decisions.
I’ve decided to write a blog about my experience with the Gulf Council. I think sharing my understanding of the Council as I a learn will give you a more personal understanding of how and why decisions are made.
Let me begin by introducing myself: I, Emily Muehlstein, am an avid kayak fishermen (or fisherwoman, if you prefer). I have been fishing the inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico since I was a little girl. I got my start as an angler bouncing shrimp in search of flounder off of my grandfather’s boat. In more recent years, I have spent countless hours in and around Tampa Bay honing my skills as an angler. In an effort to learn more about fishing and become a part of the fishing community I have participated in a few forums and fished with some local fishing groups.
I have a soft spot in my heart for catching red drum, and I will never turn down the opportunity to target big migratory species such as king mackerel, tarpon, and cobia from my kayak. I prefer to use artificial bait, but enjoy floating the occasional pinfish or cut bait behind me as well. I do not aim to pack my freezer with fish, but I am certainly not opposed to keeping a fish or two for dinner. I also really enjoy scalloping and catching shrimp on the grass flats at night.
I went to school at the University of South Florida where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I worked for a short time at an aquaculture facility breeding cichlids for aquariums and then worked as a microbiologist for an independent laboratory monitoring water quality. I returned to the University of South Florida, where I earned my Master’s degree in Science Education, with a certificate in Informal Science Education (teaching science outside of the typical classroom.) I’ve worked as an outdoor educator running a summer camp, and writing science curriculum for the past three years.
Now, I sit before you (well, technically I sit before my computer screen) as the newest addition to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council staff. I’ve been researching archived forum threads and speaking with some fishing friends and acquaintances to gain a better understanding of people’s perceptions of the Council. I’ve also begun to collect a list of questions that many people seem to have about the Council process and some of the Council decisions. Ideally, through this blog, you will have to opportunity to learn as I construct my own understanding of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
Your chum,
Emily Muehlstein
Fisheries Outreach Specialist
Gulf Of Mexico Fishery Management Council
[signature]