Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine fishery degree programs at colleges and universities associated with the Sea Grant program in the Pacific region of the United States and to describe how each addresses protecting, rebuilding, and maintaining healthy oceans. Methodology: The study was a qualitative institutional case study that utilized thick, rich description on all university fishery degree programs in the Pacific region of the United States associated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Sea Grant program in the four areas required to save the earth's oceans. The intent of the study was to collect institutionally based descriptive data without a hypothesis or theory (Merriam 1998). This study gathered information on each university fishery degree program and described how each addresses protecting, rebuilding, and maintaining healthy oceans on earth. Findings: After careful review of the interviews, the syllabi, and the published reports, it was evident that the universities associated with Sea Grant in the Pacific region of the United States are building the human capacity to protect, rebuild, and maintain the earth's ocean health. The interviews, the course syllabi, and the published reports indicated that the fishery and marine degree programs provide comprehensive programs that include all three focus areas of protecting, rebuilding, and maintaining ocean health. Conclusions: The study data support the conclusion that the universities in the Pacific region of the United States that are associated with Sea Grant are building the human capacity to protect, rebuild, and maintain the earth's oceans, but not at the rate needed to build an adequate and diversified workforce. The movement to attract new students into the marine- and ocean-related field could be done using other current issues, such as climate change. Recommendations: The methodology used in this study could be applied to all Sea Grant regions to examine how each program is addressing the three main areas required to save the earth's oceans. In addition, a broader view and strategy are necessary to enhance the human capital dedicated to saving our oceans.