Something Fishy from the Western Fisheries Research Center - Summer 2022
Director's Message
One of our most significant challenges in environmental science and management is convincing humanity that its worth changing our behaviors to improve our relationship with nature, even if its inconvenient. As a child, it’s those moments, like handling a young fish, or seeing a wide array of sea life get pulled ashore in one net set, that make all the difference.
Research Addressing Climate Change
Climate change is leading to longer droughts and less water; more dramatic flood events; rising sea levels, and warmer, more acidic and less oxygenated water. The USGS Western Fisheries Research Center is responding to these dynamic and growing challenges by addressing the need for science to support more accurate, agile, and responsive natural resource management.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Wild Fish Populations – Deducing Marine Disease Impacts in Fisheries Stocks
Determining the causes of natural mortality in wild marine fish populations is extremely challenging. Scientists at WFRC and University of Washington introduce a new approach that can be used in annual fisheries stock abundance assessments.
Riverscapes, Dam Removal and River Restoration – Exploring how River Ecosystems Respond to Dam Removals
Exploring the Feasibility of Reintroducing Salmon to the Upper Columbia River
Reintroducing anadromous fish upstream of Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph dams has the potential to substantially contribute to the recovery of salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin based on the availability hundreds of miles of pristine, coldwater habitat.
Congratulations to Amy Hansen for Winning this Issue’s Photo Contest!
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) Biologist, Amy Hansen, is the winner of our first newsletter photo contest.
Science
Our research program at the WFRC is built around three strategic science directions: Aquatic Animal Health, Drivers of Ecosystem Change, and Restoration Ecology and Species Recovery. These directions are interrelated and often overlapping.