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Lisa Wetzel is a career fisheries biologist with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle, Washington.
Having had a lifelong interest in fish and aquatic environments, Lisa studied to become a fish biologist at the University of Washington, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fisheries Science. As part of that training, she spent four summers doing field work and independent research at a UW-Fisheries field station in Alaska. Following an internship with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, she gained employment with the agency and has enjoyed working in her chosen field ever since (currently with the US Geological Survey). Working for the government has offered opportunities to expand her knowledge and experience throughout the years. Previous work includes experiments comparing differences in performance and survival of hatchery and wild steelhead and salmon. Her current research focuses on fish age, growth and life history reconstruction through the analysis of otoliths, scales and other fish hard structures (i.e., fin rays, opercles) that grow incrementally like the rings of trees. She uses specialized equipment to analyze the chemical make-up of the hard parts to detect habitat shifts indicating migration over the lifespan of the fish. Species studied include Chinook Salmon, Bull Trout, American Shad, Whitefish, and Sculpin. The goal of this work is to make a link between the fish and their habitat, showing which habitats are most critical for growth and survival. She is also currently serving in the WFRC Center Quality Management System Support role and helping to manage the Ecology Life History lab.
WFRC scientist Lisa Wetzel uses a fluorescing stereoscope to look for microplastics in samples of Smallmouth Bass tissue provided by the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho.
WFRC scientist Lisa Wetzel uses a fluorescing stereoscope to look for microplastics in samples of Smallmouth Bass tissue provided by the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho.
WFRC scientist Lisa Wetzel uses a fluorescing stereoscope to look for microplastics in samples of Smallmouth Bass tissue provided by the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho.
WFRC scientist Lisa Wetzel uses a fluorescing stereoscope to look for microplastics in samples of Smallmouth Bass tissue provided by the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government
