Jeff Kopaska

Flyer advertising lightning talks for the session “Science Communication Through Emotionally Charged Extreme Events”. Talks will be held from 1:35-1:50 on Tuesday August 12 in Rivercenter Conf Rm 9. Speaker Kerry Flaherty-Walia from Tampa Bay Estuary Program will present “Fishing After Hurricanes: is it safe to get back on the water?” Abstract: in the span of 2 weeks in 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton packed a one-two punch over the Tampa Bay Area leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Extreme storm surge and rainfall caused widespread flooding and concerns about debris and water conditions. By staying informed and engaged with regional partners, accurate and timely information was communicated to address concerns and alleviate fears.

Meet Kerry! She is one of three wonderful speakers lined up to present a 5-minute Lightning Talks during our session next Tuesday at #AFS155 in San Antonio.

Kerry will present her experiences communicating about water quality in the aftermath of two major hurricanes that hit Tampa Bay.

Happy Fishy Friday! I love the
collaboration in this paper. Lake sturgeon are an imperiled species. Artificial propagation is a strategy to amend populations. The results were not what the authors expected, and many more questions were raised.

academic.oup.com/naja/advance...

You all rock. Thanks for all you do!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Your AFS SciComm Section will be hosting another student feedback session on Thursday, July 31 at 7:00pm CT. We encourage student members to attend and present their presentation or poster for the upcoming @americanfisheries Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX! Students will receive feedback from other AFS SciComm Section members on how to improve their presentations ahead of their big days in the Lonestar State. Members can find a link to access the 7/31 feedback session in their email.

We will be hosting another student feedback session on Thursday, July 31 at 7pm CT. Students can receive feedback on how to improve their #fishscicomm ahead of their big days at the @amfisheriessoc.bsky.social Annual Meeting in the Lonestar State.

Using side-scan sonar to estimate the abundance of dual-spawning Atlantic Sturgeon in the Great Pee Dee River, South Carolina ABSTRACTObjective. Abundance estimates of spawning adult Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus are needed to assess current population status a

Fishy Friday! This paper highlights an AFS symposium on Sonar Techniques. I enjoyed this paper utilizing new technology, adding to the fishery scientists toolbox. The authors identified the challenges and benefits of this approach, and Atlantic Sturgeon! academic.oup.com/tafs/article...

AFS Section Roundup: Invasive and Introduced Species Section | AFS Beneath the Surface The AFS Sections roundup continues today with an introduction to the Invasive and Introduced Species Section! Today's guest is Nathan Lederman, the Section's current president. Join us to learn about this section's history and current projects. To learn more, join their business meeting at the AFS Annual Meeting next month!   Episode guest: Nathan Lederman nathaniel.lederman@wisconsin.gov   Learn more about the American Fisheries Society and our upcoming Annual Meeting! Comments or suggestions? Submit via email to lmaza@fisheries.org

In our latest AFS Beneath the Surface podcast, we continue our Section Roundup with a look at the Invasive and Introduced Species Section: americanfisheriessociety.podbean.com/e/section-ro...

As you might suspect, I will be there!

@whysharksmatter.bsky.social doing the exact same thing in natural resources/conservation

YouTube video by Partner with a Payer Partnering in America's Heartland for Sport Fish Restoration

Check out this video from the USFWS highlighting the roles anglers, agencies and sport fishing manufacturers play in conserving and enhancing fish populations. This one talks about Iowa, but it happens nationwide. 🎣🐟
m.youtube.com/watch?v=HBZf...

Title, authors’ names, abstract, and keywords from a paper about whether scientific experts are comprehensible in addressing general audiences

Conveying scientific #evidence to the public is important at individual & societal levels. But communication can be problematic. Taddicken & Thoms compared linguistic analysis & audience assessments of experts & found a human factor may affect perceptions of comprehensibility doi.org/10.3389/fcom...

We had an outstanding time representing the fisheries community, talking about important issues with Congressional offies.

1.1 million pounds of nitrate-nitrogen will pass through the city of Cedar Rapids today in the Cedar River. That's equivalent to the contents of 322 of these. One day, one river, in Iowa.
waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?cb_0...

Statement on Federal Public Lands Transfer, Sale, and Exchange - American Fisheries Society American Fisheries Society ● American Fly Fishing Trade Association ● Angler Action Foundation ● Archery Trade Association ● Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

AFS joined other science, conservation, and outdoor organizations in a "Statement on Federal Public Lands Transfer, Sale, and Exchange." The current Senate budget reconciliation bill requires federal agencies to sell 2-3 million acres in 11 western states. Read more: fisheries.org/2025/06/stat...

@sjcfishy.bsky.social The best!

Save for San Antonio! Only 1 week until early bird registration closes on Wednesday, June 4. AFS members can also save up to $200 on registration when logging in with their membership credentials. Want to save on registration, but not a member? Join AFS today: fisheries.org/membership/j...

Hotels – 155th AFS Annual Meeting We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

At AFS, we keep costs down by negotiating room blocks in exchange for meeting space, but we need your help! Booking your room within the AFS hotel blocks helps us keep registration rates as low as possible for this and future meetings. Secure your room today: bit.ly/4jLvR40... #fisheries #AFS155

Virtual Rally to Save the Cornerstone of Conservation Science · National Wildlife Federation We need YOU as we rally in support of critical federal government services at risk of being lost forever. The U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for many of the programs tha...

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, the foundation of the science that informs fish and wildlife management, disease response, and conservation policy across the U.S., is at risk. We're joining @nationalwildlife.bsky.social in a virtual rally on May 22 - register now: www.mobilize.us/nwf/event/79...

That is too much of a challenge this soon! @martyhamel.bsky.social

Ep. 371: A Former USFWS Director Speaks Out Podcast Episode · Cal of the Wild · 04/28/2025 · 54m

I really hope that content such as this reaches and resonates with hunters and anglers across the US. The downstream effects of the cuts to science and the people who do it will *definitely* impact mgmt of fish and game in all states. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...

Virtual Rally to Save the Cornerstone of Conservation Science · National Wildlife Federation We need YOU as we rally in support of _critical_ federal government services at risk of being lost forever. The U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for many of the programs t...

Please join the @nationalwildlife.bsky.social, @amfisheriessoc.bsky.social & others at the

“Virtual Rally to Save the Cornerstone of Conservation Science”

in support of the USGS's Ecosystem Mission Area

Thursday, May 22
12 – 1pm EDT

www.mobilize.us/nwf/event/79...

The effect of turbidity on foraging by prerostrum juvenile Paddlefish ABSTRACTObjective. A previous study evaluating restoration success of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula suggested that excessive turbidity in lakes and rivers m

#FishyFriday Why do paddlefish restorations work in some reservoirs, but not others? Turbidity is a potential difference between systems, and there are documented influences of excessive turbidity impacting foraging in planktivores. Paddlefish are cool fish!
academic.oup.com/tafs/article...

Also @dirtydog.bsky.social

When fishers guide scientific exploration: Case study with ‘ōpelu in Hawai‘i ABSTRACTObjective. The Mackerel Scad Decapterus macarellus (hereafter, ‘ōpelu), a coastal pelagic carangid, is an important commercial, recreational, and c

#FishyFriday Great article from MCF about integrating local/indigenous knowledge into research projects, how that impacts more effective and efficient processes, and increased buy-in to study results. Big wins for research and management! Enjoy.

academic.oup.com/mcf/article/...

It is @whysharksmatter.bsky.social

AFS Urges EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to Protect Clean Water and Not Further Redefine the Waters of the US - American Fisheries Society April 23, 2025

AFS joined angling and conservation organizations in urging the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to protect clean water and not further redefine the Waters of the US (#WOTUS). Read more: fisheries.org/2025/04/afs-...

Special Message on Maintaining Our Fisheries Community - American Fisheries Society The fisheries profession, in the United States and beyond, is experiencing unprecedented change in both speed and scope. As I contemplate this occurrence, the

A special message from AFS Executive Director Jeff Kopaska @jeffkopaska.bsky.social on Maintaining Our #Fisheries Community: fisheries.org/2025/04/spec...

No evidence of fisheries-induced evolution observed from Bluegill populations in small Kansas impoundments ABSTRACTObjective. Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus support recreational fisheries throughout much of their geographic distribution. One characteristic of the

Today’s #FishyFriday asks if selective harvest results in fishery-induced evolution. This inside look at bluegill genetics helps us to understand if “sneakers” are gaining an upper hand genetically if larger, parental, nest-guarding males are selectively harvested.
academic.oup.com/tafs/article...

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Reach meeting attendees and thousands of fisheries professionals by taking advantage of our sponsorship opportunities! With a wide variety of customizable options, you’re sure to reach your target audience! #AFS155 #fisheries bit.ly/44CruUk

I had to stop and get a photo for my friend @solomonrdavid.bsky.social

Earth Day Congressional Call-in - American Fisheries Society Call or write your U.S. Senators and Representatives TODAY. Science-based fisheries management is under assault from firing of federal employees and severe

This #EarthDay, let's stand up for those who help protect it - call or write your U.S. Senators & Representatives TODAY. Science-based fisheries management is under assault from firing federal employees and severe budget cuts to NOAA Fisheries and Sea Grant: fisheries.org/2025/04/eart...