Nicole Selected As A 2013 Knauss Felllow

Former president, Nicole Bransome Mehaffie, has been selected for a 2013 Knauss Marine Policy fellowship.  She will serve as the Inaugural Knauss fellow for the Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Coordination Team in the Office of Policy Analysis at the U.S. Department of the Interior.  She’ll coordinate ocean, coastal and great lakes policies between Interior’s diverse bureaus including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service, to name a few. Her position will support the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the National Ocean Council in its implementation of the National Ocean Policy.  Nicole is excited for the unique opportunity to see how the federal government manages fisheries and a diversity of other natural resources.  The fellowship begins February 4, 2013 and runs through January 2014.

Patuxent River Appreciation Day

The University of Maryland subunit had a fun time volunteering at the 35^th annual Patuxent River Appreciation Days in October 6-7^th 2012.  Blue crabs were the highlight of the display put on by the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory.  Visitors of all ages were roped in by a colorful poster, larger-than-life blue crab figurines and a fun game for kids.  As an iconic and delicious part of Maryland culture, it was great to see Maryland natives and visitors alike learn about blue crab biology and their recovering population.  Visitors learned of the migration pattern of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay and how to distinguish between male and female blue crabs.  Volunteers provided an update on the status of the population after the fishing moratorium on female blue crabs in 2008.  Kids got the chance to “be a crab” by using tongs as claws to fish for their food.  With delicious food, unique vendors, engaging displays and music, P.R.A.D. provided an exciting atmosphere for all ages.  Overall, a great time was had by all at Patuxent River Appreciation Days 2012 and thanks to Debbie Hoffbeck for coordinating our display and taking photos!

 By Alex Atkinson

Alex teaching kids how to "be a crab"  Credit Debbie H

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Welcome to the new AFS - University of Maryland student subunit blog! Please check back for updates on what's going on in the subunit, upcoming events, and more.