Women in fisheries science

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SMAST News

School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) (November 18, 2021)

As part of their Women Work project, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s “Then and Now” panel discussion features pioneering scientists & SMAST students who share their experiences as women in the field of fisheries science.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center recently hosted “Women in Fisheries Science – Then and Now,” a dialog featuring a panel of five women who discussed their experiences working in the field of fisheries science.

Panelists included trailblazing scientists Linda Depres, who began her career in the late 1960s and later served as the first female chief scientist on a groundfish survey at NOAA, and Pat Gerrior, New Bedford’s first female port agent. Both women discussed the rewards and complexities of working in a male-dominated environment during the start of their careers.

Students Alison Frey, Aubrey Ellertson Church, and Patricia Perez also served as panelists and shared their inspiration behind pursuing careers in fisheries science and the benefits of choosing to earn their advanced degrees at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST). All of the panelists are also featured in the Center’s Women’s Work exhibit. 

The discussion, originally recorded as part of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Women’s Work project, was moderated by Laura Orleans, executive director of the Center. Watch the video.