Marine Fisheries Course
Perhaps you are a Long Island teacher looking for an interesting course to take. Or you are a person seeking to fulfill your desires to learn more about the local fisheries and the saltwater environment. Then you should register for the following class which is expertly led and carefully coordinated by Capt. Jerry McGrath. The course, which is sponsored by the Suffolk County Organization for the Promotion of Education (SCOPE), is offered twice a year, once in the Spring and again in the Summer. Students are introduced to the many aspects of fishing, both commercial and sport, that are practiced on Long Island. The following is a description of the class as it appeared in a recent course catalogue distributed by SCOPE.
Course Description
Marine Fisheries .......... The Past, Present, & Future
SCOPE
Instructor - Jerry McGrath
3 Credits (45 Hours)Visit the North and South Forks of Long Island and learn about the methods and traditions of the fishing industry. Hear first hand from lobstermen, charter captains, dragger fishermen, clammers, recreational fishermen, fish farmers, and baymen about the pros and cons of harvesting from the sea. History of Long Island fisheries, the impact of electronics, fishing alternatives, and the current state of the industry will be discussed. Included are visits to marinas and retail and wholesale fish markets. Additionally, there will be a full day excursion on a Long Island fishing boat. Details will be outlined on the first day of class. An excellent course for history, science, economics, technology, geography, and elementary teachers.
Car pooling will be necessary for the four days of classes.
Dates and Times:
Spring Classes
- Rain date for boat excursion trip is Thurs. July 2.
Summer Classes
- Mon., July 28 – 8:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.,
- Tues., July 29 – 8:00 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.,
- Wed., July 30 – 6:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. (Boat excursion day) and
- Thurs., July 31 – 8:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.
- Rain date for boat excursion trip is Mon., August 4.
ACTIVITIES FEE: $105.00 - due 1st class. Fee covers museum fees, speakers’ fees, cost of a seafood luncheon on Wednesday, and the fare for an excursion on a Long Island fishing vessel.
Expect to spend some additional monies if you choose to lunch at local seaside eateries. Appropriate preparations should be made for inclement weather conditions i.e. raingear, extra clothing, motion sickness medication, etc.
Instructor's Biography
Jerry McGrath is a retired elementary school teacher and a U.S. Coast Guard licensed boat captain. A lifelong, avid fisherman, Jerry has run boats, including his own charter boat, out of Montauk and other ports. He has also taught classes for community education programs and the Suffolk County Dept. of Parks for over 20 years. In 1994 he was bestowed a "Teacher of the Year" award for his efforts. Jerry has given instructional talks to many Long Island groups including libraries, colleges, and clubs. He has co-produced an instructional videotape titled “Sportfishing On Long Island” and has recently presented the “Fish N Kids” program at public schools throughout Long Island. Capt. Jerry begins his 15th year teaching for SCOPE. Additional information may be obtained on the website: www.sportfishingadventures.net.
This class is attended mostly by teachers; however, a sizeable number of people choose to take the course for audit.For more information and registration details, contact:
SCOPE Education Services
100 Lawrence Ave.
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 360 - 0800 Phone
(631) 360 - 0356 Fax
http://www.scopeonline.us/View photos from the SCOPE class