Abstract

Workforce development is a process by which an organization or institution strives to improve the skills of its professional staff, and is often cited as a priority for strengthening fisheries and ocean management in developing regions, including the Caribbean. Needs span the disciplines of social, physical, and environmental sciences and include topics related to aquaculture development; marine spatial planning; data collection and analysis; geo-spatial technologies; and fisheries stock assessment. These skills may be imparted to staff on-the-job and/or through participation in professional trainings, which are typically provided through partnerships among governments, academic institutions, and international organizations. During the past decade, Florida Sea Grant has partnered principally with the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) to implement a capacity-sharing program that aims to promote the passage of knowledge among Caribbean-based resource management professionals and the scientific community. The evolution of this program from on-site to virtual learning platforms – made necessary in response to COVID-19 and made possible by advancements in distance learning curriculum at the University of Florida – is investigated through a survey with former program participants. The study explores the motivations that drive organizations and their professional staff to participate; the personal and professional benefits that have accrued to former participants, and future opportunities for further aligning the learning experience to the circumstances and needs of participants.

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