Stock Characteristics of Humpback Whitefish and Least Cisco in the Chatanika River, Alaska

Overharvest of humpback whitefish (Coregonus pidschian) and least cisco (C. sardinella) in the Chatanika River, Alaska, during the late 1980s led to collapsed stocks and closure of the fishery. We evaluated the stock characteristics of these two species to determine the extent of recovery. A total of 3207 humpback whitefish and 2766 least cisco were captured during their fall spawning migration in 2008. Humpback whitefish ranged from 188 to 583 mm in fork length (FL) and encompassed ages 5 to 29 years, while least cisco ranged from 215 to 425 mm in FL and their ages ranged from 3 to 14 years. Patterns in growth and length-at-age were similar for both species, and annual mortality rates were 31% for humpback whitefish (age 11 and older) and 44% for least cisco (age 9 and older). Population attributes were within the ranges observed for other North American stocks of humpback whitefish and least cisco. Although the humpback whitefish in the Chatanika River have stock attributes that are consistent with low exploitation and this species appears to have recovered, the least cisco in the river still exhibit many attributes that suggest the cisco stock has not fully recovered. The results of this study indicate that the current allowable harvest limit of 2000 whitefish is cautious and appears to be sustainable.Vers la fin des années 1980, la pêche excessive du corégone à bosse (Coregonus pidschian) et de la cisco sardinelle (C. sardinella) dans la rivière Chatanika, en Alaska, a entraîné l’évidement des stocks et la fermeture du lieu de pêche. Nous avons évalué les caractéristiques des stocks de ces deux espèces afin de déterminer l’ampleur de leur rétablissement. Au total, 3 207 corégones à bosse et 2 766 ciscos sardinelles ont été capturés pendant leur frai de migration automnale en 2008. La longueur à la fourche du corégone à bosse variait entre 188 et 583 mm pour des âges allant de 5 à 29 ans, tandis que la longueur à la fourche de la cisco sardinelle variait entre 215 et 425 mm pour des âges allant de 3 à 14 ans. Les tendances de croissance et de longueur selon l’âge étaient semblables dans le cas des deux espèces, et les taux de mortalité annuels se chiffraient à 31 % dans le cas des corégones à bosse (âgés de 11 ou plus) et de 44 % pour les ciscos sardinelles (âgées de 9 ans et plus). Les caractéristiques de l’ensemble de la population se trouvaient dans les limites observées pour d’autres stocks nord-américains de corégones à bosse et de ciscos sardinelles. Bien que les caractéristiques du stock de corégone à bosse de la rivière Chatanika soient conformes à une faible exploitation et bien que cette espèce semble s’être rétablie, la cisco sardinelle de cette rivière affiche toujours de nombreuses caractéristiques qui laissent entendre que ce stock ne s’est pas encore complètement rétabli. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent que la limite actuelle de 2 000 qui est imposée quant à la pêche du corégone à bosse est prudente et semble durable

Characterization of Reproductive Systems of Returning Adult Arctic Lamprey, Lethenteron camtschaticum

Research Poste

Diet Comparisons between length and sex of Fourhorn Sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis)

Samples of Fourhorn Sculpin were collected from the Beaufort Sea. Dorsal muscle samples, length, sex, and otoliths were taken from each sample. The muscle samples were prepared for carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis. Otoliths were set in resin, cut, and polished for aging and strontium stable isotope analysis

Growth Chronology of Lenses in Whitefish Species

Research Poste

Assessing 88Sr Concentration and 86/87Sr Ratio Variations in Rainbow Smelt Otoliths using Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry

This study aims to understand Rainbow Smelt life history traits in Beaufort Sea's nearshore waters. Our objective is to analyze Rainbow Smelt otolith 88Sr concentrations and 86/87Sr ratios in marine and freshwater sites. We hypothesize that there are higher 88Sr concentrations and 86/87Sr ratios in marine otolith edges

Examining the Relevancy and Utility of the American Fisheries Society Certification Program to Prepare Future Fisheries Professionals

Fisheries science is a diverse field that requires individuals to be knowledgeable in many disciplines in addition to fisheries (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, chemistry; Kelso and Murphy 1988). This challenges students attempting to enter a career in fisheries, as well as academic institutions and eventual employers, to develop both depth and breadth of knowledge needed to succeed in the profession (Oglesby and Krueger 1989). The preparedness and competency of young professionals entering the workforce has long been a problem (Stauffer and McMullin 2009). Several constraints and ongoing challenges facing the profession have continued to magnify these issues over time (McMullin et al., this issue). These issues stem from the diversity of skills required or expected across employer groups (e.g., government agencies, private sectors, nongovernment organizations) and degree levels sought (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.), complexity of fisheries-related problems, and balancing a broad academic focus with specific training. Additionally, employers perceive that students lack welldeveloped critical thinking, communication, and statistical skills that are highly desired in any area of fisheries. The American Fisheries Society’s (AFS) mission of preparing and promoting the development of fisheries professionals has been addressed in many ways, including development of the AFS Professional Certification Program in 1963. This program provides minimum standards for which fisheries professionals are recognized across government, academic, and nongovernment entities. The certification program fosters greater recognition that fisheries professionals are well equipped and prepared to act on the public’s behalf concerning fisheries-related issues. Two tiers of certification exist, with first-tier certification (Associate Fisheries Professional) contingent upon the completion of higher education courses in six broad subject areas. In this article, we focus on the first tier of certification, the basic education determined by AFS to be critical in preparing young professionals for a career in fisheries

Are We Preparing the Next Generation of Fisheries Professionals to Succeed in their Careers?: A Survey of AFS Members

Natural resource professionals have frequently criticized universities for poorly preparing graduates to succeed in their jobs. We surveyed members of the American Fisheries Society to determine which job skills and knowledge of academic topics employers, students, and university faculty members deemed most important to early-career success of fisheries professionals. Respondents also rated proficiency of recently hired, entry-level professionals (employers) on how well their programs prepared them for career success (students and faculty) in those same job skills and academic topics. Critical thinking and written and oral communication skills topped the list of important skills and academic topics. Employers perceived recent entry-level hires to be less well-prepared to succeed in their careers than either university faculty or students. Entry-level hires with post-graduate degrees rated higher in proficiency for highly important skills and knowledge than those with bachelor’s degrees. We conclude that although universities have the primary responsibility for developing critical thinking and basic communication skills of students, employers have equal or greater responsibility for enhancing skills of employees in teamwork, field techniques, and communicating with stakeholders. The American Fisheries Society can significantly contribute to the preparation of young fisheries professionals by providing opportunities for continuing education and networking with peers at professional conferences. ¿Estamos preparando a la siguiente generación de profesionales en pesquerías para que tengan éxito en sus carreras?: una encuesta a miembros de la AFS Los profesionales de los recursos naturales, con frecuencia, han criticado a las universidades por la preparación deficiente de los graduados para tener éxito en sus trabajos. En este trabajo se encuestaron a miembros de la Sociedad Americana de Pesquerías para determinar qué conocimiento de tópicos académicos y habilidades laborales consideran los empleados, estudiantes y miembros de facultades universitarias como las más importantes en los profesionales de las pesquerías para tener éxito al inicio de sus carreras. Los encuestados también reconocieron las habilidades de los profesionistas regresados y contratados (empleados) o qué tan bien sus programas académicos los preparaban para tener éxito en sus carreras (estudiantes y facultad) en las mismas habilidades laborales y tópicos académicos. El pensamiento crítico y las habilidades de comunicación oral y escrita encabezaron la lista de habilidades y tópicos académicos importantes. Los empleadores percibieron a las contrataciones recientes como menos preparadas para tener éxito en sus carreras que los miembros de la facultad o los propios estudiantes. Los individuos recién contratados con posgrado fueron mejor calificados en cuanto a poseer el conocimiento y las habilidades más importantes que los titulados de licenciatura. Concluimos que si bien las universidades tienen la responsabilidad primordial de desarrollar el pensamiento crítico y las habilidades de comunicación en los estudiantes, los empleadores tienen la misma o mayor responsabilidad para fomentar las habilidades de sus trabajadores en lo referente a trabajo en equipo, técnicas de trabajo en campo, y comunicación con los involucrados en las pesquerías. La Sociedad Americana de Pesquerías puede contribuir significativamente a preparar a los jóvenes profesionistas de las pesquerías mediante el otorgamiento de oportunidades para continuar con su educación y el establecimiento de redes de contactos, durante conferencias, con pares y profesionales. Préparons-nous la prochaine génération de professionnels de la pêche à réussir leur carrière?: Un sondage auprès des membres AFS Les professionnels des ressources naturelles ont fréquemment critiqué les universités, car elles préparent mal les diplômés à réussir leur carrière. Nous avons interrogé les membres de l’American Fisheries Society pour déterminer quelles compétences professionnelles et quelles connaissances académiques les employeurs, étudiants et membres du corps professoral des universités jugent les plus importantes pour le succès des professionnels de la pêche au début de leur carrière. Les répondants ont également évalué l’aptitude des professionnels récemment entrés sur le marché du travail (employeurs) ou dans quelle mesure les programmes les ont préparés à réussir leur carrière (étudiants et professeurs) dans ces mêmes compétences professionnelles et sujets académiques. La pensée critique, les compétences en communication écrite et orale étaient en tête de la liste des compétences et des sujets académiques importants. Les employeurs ont perçu les professionnels récemment entrés sur le marché du travail moins bien préparés pour réussir dans leur carrière que les professeurs d’université ou les étudiants. Les employés au niveau d’entrée possédant des diplômes postuniversitaires étaient mieux notés dans la maîtrise des compétences et des connaissances très importantes que ceux ne possédant que des diplômes de baccalauréat. Nous concluons que, bien que les universités aient la responsabilité principale de développer la pensée critique et les compétences en communication de base des étudiants, les employeurs ont la responsabilité égale ou supérieure d’améliorer ces compétences dans le travail d’équipe, les techniques de terrain et la communication avec les parties prenantes. L’American Fisheries Society peut contribuer de manière significative à la préparation des jeunes professionnels de la pêche en offrant des possibilités de formation continue et de réseautage avec des pairs lors de conférences professionnelles

Population structure in anadromous lampreys: Patterns and processes

Population structure can reveal the diversity, gene flow, and dispersal of a species. This information can be used to make management decisions and reveal fundamental aspects of an organism’s biology. Distinct intrinsic (e.g., biological characteristics) and extrinsic (e.g., geographical and historical events, environment, human pressures) factors can influence population structure, with significant differences among species. However, detection of population structure in migratory lamprey species can be difficult to detect due to their lack of natal homing; this is particularly the case for anadromous lampreys, with their potential for wide dispersal at sea during their parasitic feeding stage. We review phenotypic and genetic markers, as well as the methods that have been used to assess population structure in lampreys, and discuss the relative strengths and limitations of each. Structure has been detected in several anadromous species using some of these methods, even without homing in these species, but we briefly contrast the weak population structure observed in anadromous species with the stronger structure observed in freshwater-resident lamprey species (particularly non-migratory brook lampreys). We relate lamprey population structure to species-specific ecological traits, such as juvenile dispersal tendencies, and provide case studies of six species. Delineation of appropriate management units in migratory lamprey species is important for conservation and management

Maximizing the value of Solar System data through Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructures

Planetary spatial data returned by spacecraft, including images and higher-order products such as mosaics, controlled basemaps, and digital elevation models (DEMs), are of critical importance to NASA, its commercial partners and other space agencies. Planetary spatial data are an essential component of basic scientific research and sustained planetary exploration and operations. The Planetary Data System (PDS) is performing the essential job of archiving and serving these data, mostly in raw or calibrated form, with less support for higher-order, more ready-to-use products. However, many planetary spatial data remain not readily accessible to and/or usable by the general science user because particular skills and tools are necessary to process and interpret them from the raw initial state. There is a critical need for planetary spatial data to be more accessible and usable to researchers and stakeholders. A Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructure (PSDI) is a collection of data, tools, standards, policies, and the people that use and engage with them. A PSDI comprises an overarching support system for planetary spatial data. PSDIs (1) establish effective plans for data acquisition; (2) create and make available higher-order products; and (3) consider long-term planning for correct data acquisition, processing and serving (including funding). We recommend that Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructures be created for all bodies and key regions in the Solar System. NASA, with guidance from the planetary science community, should follow established data format standards to build foundational and framework products and use those to build and apply PDSIs to all bodies. Establishment of PSDIs is critical in the coming decade for several locations under active or imminent exploration, and for all others for future planning and current scientific analysis.Comment: 8 pages, 0 figures. White paper submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-203

A Qualitative Study of Collective Impact: Understanding the Need for Community Engagement

Using a qualitative study comprised of five in-depth interviews, this thesis considers the method of collaborative community change known as collective impact, specifically in regards to community engagement. The study targeted five key leaders involved in a collective impact initiative in a midsize Southern community and used the interviews to discover key information about the process of collective impact and particularly the process of community engagement within collective impact, a topic which has largely been neglected within the current body of research. This paper will first place collective impact within the context of the current literature on the subject, and then provide the study's methodology, state the results of the study which manifested in 10 emerging themes from the conducted interviews, and finally discuss these results and the implications which they hold for professional practice