Inspiring the Next Generation in Fisheries

Why Representation and Access Matter in Fisheries Science

As a high school student with no background in fishing, MeiLin Precourt never imagined herself working in fisheries. But through the American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, a paid summer internship for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, she found more than just a summer job. “It was the first time that I saw myself capable of doing science,” she says. Now a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Hawai‘i, MeiLin is an advocate for diversity in the field and a passionate voice for accessible science.

Since that early opportunity, MeiLin has continued to build her passion in connecting people, communities, and conservation. She believes fisheries offer a unique blend of science, social impact, and economic relevance. “You’re impacting more than just a scientific journal,” she says. “You’re impacting your local communities, you’re impacting your local fishermen.”

Programs like the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program are essential for building a more inclusive future in fisheries science. By creating pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to engage with real-world conservation work, initiatives like this help diversify the workforce, close opportunity gaps, and bring fresh perspectives to the field. As the demand for skilled professionals in fisheries, aquatic ecology, and environmental policy grows, investing in representation and access isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s critical for the future of sustainable resource management.