This April, I was thrilled to find out I was invited to join the 7th Student Workshop on International Coastal and Marine Management in the Gulf of Mexico (SWIMM)! The 2023 SWIMM program made waves in Cancun, Mexico, assembling present and future Gulf leaders to tackle pressing recreational fisheries issues impacting the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Led by faculty from the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, along with collaborators from the Faculty of Science at the Universidad Autónoma de México and the Centro de Investigaciones Marinas at the Universidad de La Habana, this transformative program convened sixteen graduate students from diverse institutions. I was grateful to be one of six students selected to represent the United States team.
The 2023 SWIMM team! Hannah Henry is on the left in a tan shirt.
The workshop coincided with the Latin America and Caribbean Fisheries Congress (LACFC), where we hosted a dedicated symposium focused on current management challenges and future prospects for recreational fisheries across the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Engaging in discussions and presentations at the LACFC provided a unique platform for me to interact with global experts, fostering invaluable connections and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Reading over a Gulf of Mexico saltwater fish species guide for the Yucatán Peninsula.
Complementing our academic pursuits, we ventured on educational day trips outside Cancun. Visits to the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum and the exploration of nearby cenotes provided us insights into the historical, geological, and ecological importance of these natural resources.
We had the most incredible time visiting Casa Tortuga Tulum!
An overnight excursion to Río Lagartos offered us an immersive experience in a small-scale recreational fisheries operation. Engaging with local stakeholders, I witnessed the application of sustainable fishing practices and tourism operations firsthand, reinforcing the importance of responsible resource management.
First-time saltwater fishing in Mexico!
Beyond the in-person workshop, we have continued our collaboration virtually! Our collective effort aims to develop surveys for both recreational fishers and service providers, crucial for estimating the economic value of recreational fisheries across the Gulf of Mexico. We anticipate our results will be available in 2024.
The 2023 SWIMM program not only enriched my academic pursuits but also fostered enduring friendships and collaborations that extend far beyond borders. Thank you to everyone who made SWIM 2023 possible!
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