You are cordially invited to submit presentation proposals for review and inclusion in the conference program. Papers will be selected based on originality, quality, and use of related research and application to aquatic resources education programs.

The Aquatic Resources Education Association (AREA) is a professional association of national, state and territorial natural resource and fishery education managers, program coordinators and education specialists, university faculty and others involved or interested in the management and delivery of aquatic resources education programs. AREA is an affiliate of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Associations.

AREA sponsors a conference every two years for exchanging information about aquatic resources programs, program management and program evaluation to assist its members in the administration and delivery aquatic resources education programs.

• Presentations will be 50 minutes in length and 10 minutes for questions.
• Presentations should fit in the following categories:

Program Evaluation - evaluation of program and/or materials effectiveness, needs assessments, public surveys and related research.

Professional Development - training of education program staff, volunteers and other partners, programs and materials to assist with management of education programs.

Model Programs - programs that use current research and can be replicated easily.

Hector Cruz-Lopez
AREA Conference
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
801 NW 40 Street
Boca Raton, FL 33431

1. Presentation category
2. Title of presentation
3. Author(s), affiliations, addresses and telephone numbers.
4. Name and title of presenter (as it will appear in program)
5. Audio/Visual equipment needs
6. Abstract (no more than 250 words). The abstract should provide an overview of your presentation, your results, etc.

The National 4-H Sportfishing program is probably the newest aquatic resources education program. It incorporates angling skills, tackle crafting, human dimensions, and aquatic ecology into a package that promotes responsible long-term individual and community involvement in sportfishing and resource conservation. The national program trains teams in five disciplines to go back to their states and train instructors and leaders. Of the forty-one states that have participated in the workshops, 30 have active teams or committees and 25 report working in connection with their state’s ARE program. A summary of this and other curricula used to complement state’s ARE outreach and education efforts are presented. A panel representing states that work in connection with the 4-H Sportfishing Program and states that do not will discuss their positions and receive input regarding the benefits of this program.