The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) is a non‐profit, private foundation dedicated to conducting research and education that assists in the achievement of sustainable fisheries through the generation and communication of better biological and environmental data and effective technologies.
The CFRF’s work is for the benefit of individuals and businesses dependent on commercial fishing, consumers of seafood, and the public good. For more information about the CFRF, please visit www.cfrfoundation.org.
Overview of Position:
Full‐time position focusing on growing CFRF research related to alternative methods of fishing that can be utilized around wind farms or reduce bycatch. This includes leading two new projects related to developing squid jigging as a commercial gear type and likely a project to explore mechanical jigging as a new survey method. The individual will be expected to develop proposals for other projects related to this theme and aid in at‐sea data collection and entry related to offshore windfarm development. The expected sea time is 1–8 days per month.
Scope of Work:
The qualified individual will work directly under the Executive Director to execute and develop research on new types of fishing gear and the expanded or alternative use of established fishing gear. This includes two new projects aimed at exploring squid jigging as a commercial gear type. One is 3-year knowledge exchange with partners in Japan that includes at-sea trials under their direction and the creation of an implementation plan. The other is a one-year initiative that creates a free squid jig lending program to foster local interest in exploring jigging. The individual will also likely lead a multiyear project to test mechanical jigging as a new fishery monitoring method for benthic species. Mechanical jigging is an alternative form of hook and line sampling that may couple the benefits of rod and reel sampling and longlining, while reducing the negatives of these approaches. This approach is geared towards sampling within wind farms and the individual will also be expected to help with other fishery monitoring surveys being conducted by CFRF. Examples of specific duties may include:
- Squid Jig Knowledge Exchange
- Sub of Second
- Serve as the primary coordinator for project team
- Facilitate communications as well as gear and personnel exchange between Japanese and local stakeholders
- Squid Jig Lending Program
- Establishing an application process
- Help participating fishermen with gear set up
- Provide operational support
- Collate and communicate results
- Fisheries Monitoring
- Potentially lead the development of a mechanical jig survey
- Develop sampling protocols
- Set up and maintain mechanical jigging systems
- Coordinate at-sea sampling with two commercial fishing vessels
- Manage and analyze data collected
- Assist in survey trips using other gear types
- Identification and characterization of fish and invertebrates
- Collection of oceanographic data
- Master’s Degree in fisheries science or related field
- Experience (>2 years) working with commercial fishermen on cooperative research projects
- Experience (>1 year) leading scientific surveys at-sea
- Experience writing research proposals and technical reports
- Knowledge of and ability to identify fish and invertebrates found in waters off the coast of Southern New England
- Proficiency in data summarization and analysis program (Excel, R, or other statistical software)
- Demonstrated excellence in organization
- Experience with digital data sharing techniques, such as Dropbox and Google Drive
- Valid Driver’s License
- Ability to lift >50
- Experience working with squid
- Experience working with hook and line gear
- A United States Coast Guard approved safety at-sea training certification
- Training in protected species identification and handling within the past 5 years
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Timeframe and Compensation:
The timeframe for this contract is one year, beginning in late August or early September 2023, with the opportunity to extend depending on performance. The research biologist will maintain an average of 40 hours of work per week, will receive compensation at a rate of $60,000–$65,000/year, depending on qualifications, and benefits of paid holiday and vacation time, life insurance, health insurance, and compensation time for work at-sea.
