Bass dispersal after weigh-ins at fishing tournaments
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides; Figure 1) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu; Figure 2) are two of the most popular species of freshwater fish in North America. Both species are voracious […]
Context is important for fish habitat selection
Fish use different habitats based on habitat characteristics, such as vegetation type or bottom composition. Ecologists have long believed that these habitat characteristics determine the makeup of a fish community. […]
Having trouble figuring out what a fish has eaten? Just use DNA!
Ever wonder how scientists figure out what fish eat – or why they are even curious about fish diets? One answer to these questions comes from a popular sport fishery […]
Movements of large catfish in the Amazon River basin
Giant catfish (Genus Brachyplatystoma) in the Amazon River basin have a reputation for long distance migrations (up to 5800 km or 3600 miles), so hydropower dam projects present potential barriers […]
Alewife spawning strategies may differ between river systems
Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) are small, silvery forage fish in the family Clupeidae (Figure 1). Their native range spans the eastern seaboard of North America from South Carolina to Newfoundland. Historically, […]
Does turbidity determine fish growth?
Salmon and trout (the salmonids) across the Pacific Northwest are known for their table fare and prodigious sport fishing. In addition, many salmonids are declining because of overfishing and/or lack […]
‘Find my Fish’: How visual surveys and remote tracking aid research and management of fishes
Do you ever wonder how scientists get information about the habitat preferences, spawning periods, and migration of fish? There are two methods by which we can observed fish: direct and […]
Microplastics pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystem health
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that result from the breakdown of consumer and industrial products (Figure 1) such as Styrofoam coffee cups, plastic grocery bags, exfoliants and clothing. These […]
How HABs Harm Fisheries
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are overabundant colonies of algae (simple aquatic plants) that have negative impacts on fisheries and humans. Algae thrive in warm, stagnant conditions with high nutrient availability […]
The importance of otoliths in fisheries biology
One of the biggest difficulties in fisheries research and management is that it is challenging to directly observe fish over the entire course of their life cycle. It is much […]
Hide and seek: New ways of predicting invasive lionfish aggregation locations for targeted management
Snorkellers and divers exploring warm tropical waters often encounter a mesmerizing fish species known as a lionfish (Pterois spp., Figure 1). They may look beautiful with their feathery fins and […]
A long way from home: Human impacts on the homing ability of salmon
Salmon runs occur when adult salmon migrate from the open ocean and swim up freshwater rivers to spawn (Figure 1). Amazingly, most salmon return to the same natal rivers where […]
Is There Hope for the Delta Smelt? New Research Reveals a Resilient Behavior in the Critically Endangered Fish
The Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) is a small, silvery creature. It smells like peeled cucumbers and has a lifespan of about a year. This unassuming fish has been at the […]
Preventing ghost fishing through collaborative fisheries research
Marine debris is a major issue in coastal and marine ecosystems around the world. While large accumulations of floating debris, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, are the most […]
Rising Star Award for Outstanding Early-Career Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation
Fish Habitat Section of the American Fisheries Society “Rising Star Award for Outstanding Early-Career Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation” Background: This award recognizes the outstanding early-career contributions of students […]
Birds are not the only migrators: Evidence for seasonal migration in the invasive round goby
Many species complete annual migrations, usually in search of ideal climates, rich food resources, or prime breeding grounds. When thinking of migration, the hundreds of miles some bird species or […]
Discovering populations of Striped Bass by exploring their movement
Striped Bass Morone saxatilis (Figure 1) is a large anadromous fish which spawns in coastal rivers. Its native range spans from the St. Johns River, FL, to the St. Lawrence […]
Blind cave fish after dark: what the mating habits of this peculiar fish can teach us about evolution
Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates and can live in almost any habitat imaginable, including underground caves where nutrients and light are rare to nonexistent. Living in such […]
Importance of a marine conservation zone for blue crabs
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are areas where human activities are restricted for conservation or historical purposes. These restrictions can include limitations on fishing, development, and anything that disrupts aquatic life. […]
Tyler’s Top Five Tips for Temps!
Guest Blog Post by Tyler Wallin, New Mexico State University. All images are courtesy of Mr. Wallin. Water temperature affects all biological, chemical, and behavioral processes for fishes and is […]
