The Socioeconomics Section invites you to submit to the symposium “A Fisheries Biologist’s Guide to Using Human Dimensions Data (Including Data You Didn’t Know You Had).”

Our goal is to present tangible examples of taking human dimensions data (e.g., surveys, creels, polls, census) and transforming it into useful information that can be used in fisheries management decision-making. This symposium is designed to reach fisheries biologists, not human dimensions specialists, and help put that powerful information we have into more hands! Please contact Rebecca Krogman if you have any questions at rebecca.krogman@gmail.com.

Abstract
Natural resource agencies often collect human dimensions data, but staff may not realize these datasets are available or how to use them. This symposium will demonstrate how to identify and use these data to improve fisheries management and guide decision-making. It will conclude with a free workshop-style session in which participants learn specific analytical techniques with experts. In fisheries, human dimensions examines knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward fisheries that have significant socioeconomic and policy implications. For example, a typical creel survey includes zip codes, implying a distance traveled and a time and financial investment by the angler. Travel behavior can be mapped across space/time or linked to explanatory variables. Alternatively, a mailed survey may poll opinions on potential management actions or test knowledge regarding fish contaminants. With survey results, opinions can be weighed, predicted, and even mapped to identify areas of concern. Public attitudes can be combined with stock assessment to predict the fishery impact of a slot limit change. With human dimensions data, fascinating and important questions can be answered to develop better management strategies, but require a few steps beyond summarizing averages. This symposium will introduce techniques and tangible examples of transforming these data into powerful information.