Checking Nets

USGS Alaska Science Center scientists Vanessa von Biela (left) and Sarah Laske (right) prepare to empty the daily catch from a fyke net in Kaktovik Lagoon, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, Beaufort Sea. The catch will be placed in the red floating net pen for identification and counting of each fish captured. This sampling replicates the methods used in Beaufort Sea lagoons over the last 30 years and allows for comparisons of species composition, catch rate, and length distribution across space and time to understand the fish use of lagoons varies.