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The salmon's contribution to food webs is one ecosystem consideration in fisheries management. |
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The salmon's contribution to food webs is one ecosystem consideration in fisheries management. |
In Alaska and other parts of the Pacific Rim, massive amounts of organic matter and nutrients move each year from marine to freshwater ecosystems as millions of adult salmon return to spawn and die, littering streams and lakes with their carcasses. In Southeast Alaska alone, over 100 million salmon annually bring thousands of tons of marine-derived nutrients (MDN; nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon) to fresh water, with important consequences for productivity and biodiversity of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Ongoing studies at the USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station in Juneau show that these nutrients increase periphyton and invertebrate abundance, which translates into more energy flow to upper trophic levels, including juvenile salmonids. Thus, large salmon runs provide positive feedback that helps sustain high salmon production.
Understanding the role of salmon migrations in sustaining ecosystem productivity and biodiversity is crucial for fisheries and ecosystem management throughout the North Pacific Rim. Fishery management policy currently gives little consideration to the ecological significance of MDN from salmon runs to freshwater and riparian ecosystems.
In keeping with the theme of "Ecosystem Considerations in Fisheries Management," the Annual Meeting in Anchorage will feature a 2-day session, "Role of Anadromous Fishes in Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecosystems," on September 30 and October 1. Speakers from the United States, Canada, Russia, and Japan will speak on topics ranging from nutrient dynamics and ecosystem productivity associated with salmon runs to salmon-carnivore interactions. This session will be an excellent opportunity to participate in discussions on this important fisheries issue relevant to ecosystem management throughout Alaska.
Plan to attend the AFS joint meeting in Anchorage this fall. The Alaska Chapter, North Pacific International Chapter, and Western Division will hold their 1998 annual meetings jointly with the 16th Lowell Wakefield Symposium in Anchorage, September 30 to October 3, 1998. All sessions will be held at the downtown Anchorage Hilton Hotel (907-272-7411). Be sure to make your reservations by August 28 and mention you will be attending the AFS or Wakefield Symposium meetings to obtain the special rate of $85 per night for single or double room.
Wakefield Sessions Oral and poster presentations scheduled in the Wakefield sessions are by researchers from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Philippines, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States. The program is organized into six sessions: Physical and Environmental Effects; Species Interactions; Concepts and Tools for Management; Anthropogenic Influences; Habitat and Spatial Considerations; and Whole Ecosystem Approaches. For complete information, including titles and authors of oral and poster presentations, schedule, facilities, and continuing education courses, visit the Sea Grant web site at: http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/Conferences/symposia.html.
AFS Sessions Oral and poster presentations for the AFS program are organized into the following sessions: Lake Fertilization; Influence of Spawning Anadromous Fishes on Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecosystems; Sockeye Salmon Ecology and Management; Recent Developments in Modeling Salmon Populations; Riparian Ecology and Management; Rainbow Trout in Alaska; Ecosystem Management on Commercial Forest Land; Current Topics in Marine Fisheries Assessment and Management in the North Pacific; Pink Salmon and Oil: What Have We Learned from the Exxon Valdez?; Adaptive Management for Fish Recovery and Enhancement; Applications of Mass Marking in Fisheries Management Research; and Effects of Urban Development on Fish and Their Habitat. For AFS session information and updates, visit the Chapter web site at http://www.alaska.net/~fishak.
Registration You are urged to register in advance so that adequate materials are available. To register, fill out the form enclosed in this issue and return it with fees to Brenda Baxter, the coordinator. A registration form and instructions can also be found at the Sea Grant and Chapter web sites.
The Equal Opportunity Section is leading an effort to increase participation in the Society by students from under-represented groups. It is establishing travel grants to assist these students when attending the Annual Meeting. Interested students should send a brief biographical sketch including a description of their fisheries interests to MaryLouise Keefe at 541-962-3777; keefem@eou.edu); or mail to ODFW, 211 Inlow Hall-EOU, LaGrande, OR 97850. These students will also be invited to participate in a hosted luncheon where they will be matched with a mentor and can learn about job opportunities.
Tom Shirley
I would like to bring to the attention of our members a book by Rita and Charles O'Clair published just this month entitled Southeast Alaska's Rocky Shores: Animals. Everyone I have talked to who has seen this book is effusive about it. It covers over 460 species of invertebrates and vertebrates that live, feed, or reproduce on the rocky shores of Southeast Alaska, but the book will be useful from the Aleutian Islands to southern Oregon and beyond. For each species, the book gives current scientific and common names, along with latitudinal and bathymetric ranges and comprehensive information on anatomy and ecology. Most of the information comes from published literature (emphasizing the last 15 years), but this is embellished by numerous observations made by the authors and their students and colleagues. Almost every species is illustrated with a fine black and white sketch that clearly shows diagnostic characters. A special feature is a chapter on intertidal ecology with examples from the area, including superb profiles comparing an exposed shoreline with a more protected shore. The back of the book has a formal species list, a bibliography of over 800 references, and an extensive index in a readable font. A glossary is integrated with the text.
This 564-page book will be an essential reference to the intertidal biodiversity of this area for many years to come. It is a steal at just $29.95 (the authors self-published this volume and receive no profit). For U.S. orders, send a check or purchase order for $29.95 plus $4.00 shipping to: Plant Press, P.O. Box 210094, Auke Bay AK 99821-0094. Foreign orders will need to include additional funds for shipping; inquire at your post office for mailing cost (book weight, 4 lbs, 2.5 oz). Don't miss out on this wonderful book! Only 2,000 copies were printed, and they are selling fast!
Buck Bryant
Beware the Jabberwock...the jaws that bite; the claws that catch! "Science" is the new mantra for management and policy, and all allocations are "based on science." Apparently, science has become a means of consecrating a decision rather than a means of acquiring empirical data. Karl Popper, philosopher of science, defined science as the process of examining statements that can be falsified (Popper 1948; The logic of scientific discovery). His system is more complex than this, but the most commonly applied method involves the statistical application of a "null hypothesis." Few management documents really admit to the possibility of generating "falsifiable statements," and discussion generally focuses on "verifying" proposed models rather than testing them. Management effects are monitored and not tested. So much for hypothesis testing.
In a recent paper, Meffe et al. 1997 (Conservation Biology. 12:268-270) call for independent review of management policies to ensure that "the best scientific knowledge is brought into the decision-making process" and that "science is separated clearly from non-scientific issues." The problem here is what is "science." An approach to separating "science from non-science" may be to separate empirical data from statements of subjective values. A more important goal of the proposed review process is to ensure that "all relevant information is considered and evaluated." The goals of their proposed review process are well-stated, and if applied in policy development, should result in better-informed decisions—but it is not science.
Use of information acquired through the scientific process is good management policy, as is a complete impartial review. Use of "science" as a means to justify a management policy is questionable at best. Further, all that is presented as scientific evidence may not be based on empirical data. Speculations in discussion sections or "leaps of logic" are often used to justify current management practices or present a desired result. Unfortunately, these "sound bites" often evolve into "science." Without critical review, they become embedded in management policies, and regardless of effects, the policies become "based on science."
A recent example of the development of a "sound bite" appears in a progress report evaluating effectiveness of 20-m buffer strips along salmon streams (Martin et al. 1998; Effectiveness of riparian buffer zones for protection of salmonid habitat in Alaska coastal streams; Sealaska Corporation and the Alaska Forest Association). The report shows that more trees blow down in 20-m buffer strips than in wider ones or along undisturbed streams. The discussion states that "a 20-m buffer zone is more effective at providing LWD (large woody debris) than a wider buffer zone." The report further states that "increased input of LWD from windthrow after logging is viewed as a habitat enhancement benefit for streams with naturally low levels of LWD."
While the discussion continues to justify use of 20-m buffer strips instead of wider ones, the report ignores several issues that include, among other things, the lack of actual data on the "benefit to fish habitat." The report does not mention that significant amounts of LWD may be recruited from upstream sources, or that off-channel habitats may extend well beyond 20 m. It does not address ecosystem processes, often initiated by LWD inputs, that can cause stream channels to move outside of the 20-m boundaries of the present-day buffer strip. Further, because dynamics of large wood in riparian/stream ecosystems operate over decades and even centuries, full effects of streamside logging may not be apparent from such a short-term study. Unfortunately, the corporate executives reading the summary will only see that "20-m buffer strips enhance fish production."
Now those wishing to promote 20-m buffer strips as management policy will use "science" that says 20-m buffer strips are better for fish habitat than wider buffer zones. Returning to Popper’s definition, they have created a falsifiable statement. The only information tested, however, is that more trees blow down in 20-m buffer strips than in wider ones. The "sound bite" spun from this is about the role of LWD recruitment and habitat enhancement.
The apparent "spin" of the report could be expected, since the work was done for groups with economic interests in timber harvest. While this does not necessarily invalidate a study or management decision, it does reinforce the need for thorough independent reviews that include goals outlined by Meffe et al. and their criteria for an unbiased "independent reviewer" with appropriate expertise and little personal stake—economic or otherwise—in the outcome. In the final analysis, management policies may be well reviewed and use the best information available, but they are not necessarily "based on science." So beware the Jabberwock.
Odds and ends Please vote... The election of officers is being held early this year because the Chapter is meeting earlier. The early ballot will ensure that everyone gets a chance to vote and all ballots get counted. But don’t put it off.
The winner of last month’s bait bucket contest (In which Dickens novel does Mr. Guppy appear?) is Lisa Mostella. Her answer: "Mr. Guppy was in Dickens' novel Bleak House. Bleak House was inspired by Dickens disgust with the legal profession in Britain... Considering that guppies are known by aquarists to thrive in horrible conditions, it's comical that Mr. Guppy, a lawyer, would want to set up his practice in Lambeth, a slum district." I’m not sure whether Dickens was aware that guppies tolerate poor water quality, or even that a guppy is a fish, but Lisa was correct.
Now for this month’s contest: Who was the author of the poem from which I filched "Beware the Jabberwock"? And for an extra 10 points, what was his profession? The first student member with the correct answer wins a limited edition AK Chapter coffee cup.
Bill Bechtol
This is a brief summary of the actions of the 20th Alaska Legislature second session that affect fisheries issues. Copies of bills and other information are on the Internet at http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis20.htm.
Legislation passing both houses: HB 51: Originally dubbed the "dirty water" bill, HB 51 was completely revised. It no longer reduces water quality standards in Alaska. The original bill was replaced with language from a bill Governor Knowles introduced which establishes administrative penalties for violation of the safe drinking water standards.
HB 73: Extends the 1% salmon marketing tax paid by commercial salmon fishermen for 5 years.
HB 168: (Vetoed by Governor) Prohibited the boards of fish and game from restricting the means of transportation used in hunting and fishing. Also prohibited ADF&G from limiting methods of access in critical habitat areas, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries, and other special areas.
HB 264: Establishes an alternative process for developing regulations with a neutral facilitator and involving all affected interests, at discretion of the agency head. This process supplements the Administrative Procedures Act.
HB 285: Establishes a point system for commercial salmon fishing violations. Violators accumulating 12 or more points in a 36-month period will have their salmon permit suspended for up to 3 years.
HB 310: Allows the Board of Fisheries to prohibit waste of groundfish and require utilization by onshore processors. Coupled with federal regulations, the bill will significantly reduce economic discards of pollock and Pacific cod.
HB 370: Appropriates federal funds to the Bristol Bay and Kuskokwim regions after the federal declaration of disaster under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Legislature refused to provide State matching funds, as requested by the Governor. State agencies and local communities have to provide the match.
HB 406: (Vetoed by Governor) This is the subsistence bill passed by the Legislature. It was not consistent with ANILCA and did nothing to prevent a federal takeover of subsistence fisheries management on December 1 or regain State subsistence management of wildlife.
Selected bills that did not pass: HB 28-Repeal Coastal Zone Management Program. HB 76-Limited entry buy back. HB 96-Qualifications for members of the boards of fish and game. HB 144-Reduced fee for seafood processing permit and routine inspections for direct-market fishing vessel. HB 149-Allocate 5% of all salmon to recreational fishers. HB 176-Tax incentives for value-added salmon products. HB 177-Loans for fishermen marketing own catch. HB 204-Moratorium on entry into a commercial fishery. HB 255-Individual criteria for subsistence priority. HB 373-Increase riparian protection for salmon streams. SB 16-Restrict uses of Fish and Game Funds and Federal Aid funds. SB 40-Discrete stock salmon assessment. SB 52-Fisheries business tax credits. SB 239-Subsistence priority for fish and game. SJR 31-Proposed amendment to the State Constitution establishing a priority for subsistence use of fish and game based on place of residence.
First Special Session of 1998 on Subsistence: The effort to prevent a federal takeover of subsistence fishing and regain State subsistence management of hunting fell a few votes short during the special session in May. The Legislature did act to make permanent, with agreement of Governor Knowles, key provisions of the 1992 subsistence statute that were scheduled to sunset in October 1998. These include definitions of "customary trade," "customary and traditional," "reasonable opportunity," and the process the boards of fish and game follow in making subsistence allocations. Talks are continuing between legislators, the administration, and affected parties to find a compromise that will regain State management. To get a constitutional amendment on the ballot, the legislature must act by about July 26. Virtually every poll of public opinion in the last year shows a large majority of Alaskans want the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment.
Excerpts from the NPFMC newsletter
Essential Fish Habitat The Magnuson-Stevens Act amendments emphasized the importance of habitat protection to healthy fisheries and strengthening the ability of NMFS and the fishery management councils to protect and conserve habitat of finfish, mollusks, and crustaceans. This habitat is termed essential fish habitat (EFH) and is broadly defined to include "those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity." At its June meeting, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) adopted amendments for its Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for groundfish, salmon, crab, and scallops to incorporate EFH provisions. These provisions identified and described EFH for life stages of managed species, identified research and information needs, and identified potential adverse effects on EFH due to fishing and non-fishing activities. The Council adopted an alternative that designates EFH as the species’ general distribution.
Cape Edgecumbe Pinnacles The Council adopted a plan amendment to prohibit boat anchoring and fishing for groundfish, halibut, and scallops in a 16-square-mile pinnacle area off Sitka. The amendment was originally proposed by the ADF&G to protect important habitat for rockfish and ling cod. The Council decided to separate the pinnacle closure from EFH provisions, and adopt it as a separate amendment to the Gulf of Alaska groundfish FMP. The Council will evaluate the pinnacle area for consideration as a "habitat area of particular concern" in the future. An option of prohibiting recreational and commercial salmon fishing in the pinnacle area was not adopted. The Council will discuss the salmon fishing issue with the Alaska Board of Fisheries in July.
Habitat Areas of Particular Concern The next step in the FMP amendment process is to identify habitat areas of particular concern (HAPC) for each FMP. Proposals to amend the FMPs are being solicited to identify HAPC and establish conservation measures to minimize adverse impacts from fishing on HAPC. Additional details and guidelines for HAPC proposals are available from the Council office. In October, the Council will prioritize proposals and task staff with an amendment package for initial review in April 1999 and final action in June 1999. Proposals are due by August 17, 1998. The NPFMC staff contact is Dave Witherell (907-271-2809; David.Witherell@noaa.gov).
Craig Paukert, Student Subsection President
The Student Subsection of the Education Section is seeking nominations for all positions (President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, Canadian Representative, Northcentral Division Representative, Northeastern Division Representative, Southern Division Representative, and Western Division Representative). Nominations are due by July 1, 1998 to: Steven Cooke, Waterloo Biotelemetry Institute, Dept. of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1; 519-885-1211 ext 6449; sjcooke@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca.
Ballots will go out in the summer Education Section Newsletter or a special mailing. Ballots will then be due by August 1, and new officers will be installed at the Annual Meeting in Hartford. All positions are 1-year terms starting at the Annual Meeting. Interested candidates should submit a short biographic sketch and why you think you should be elected to the position (about one-quarter page single spaced). If possible, e-mail your sketch to Steven.
Juneau, Alaska — May 9-14, 1999
The 15th International Symposium on Biotelemetry is being held in Juneau from May 9 to 14, 1999. The conference is sponsored by the International Society on Biotelemetry (ISOB) and hosted by the NMFS Auke Bay Laboratory. Increasingly, telemetry is becoming an important tool in fish and wildlife research for addressing natural resource issues. Unprecedented advances in electronics and telecommunications are providing new approaches and applications that can substantially enhance ability to meet research and management goals. Often the challenge is just to keep up with the available technology.
The purpose of the ISOB is to encourage effective use of telemetry by promoting exchange of information between people in related fields. The 15th ISOB Symposium is designed to provide biologists, researchers, managers, and technical engineers an opportunity to discuss current work, new technologies, and applications. Besides formal presentations, the conference also provides numerous occasions for informal discussions with technical experts, industry representatives, and other users. A commercial exhibition highlighting advances in telemetry and telecommunication equipment will be held with the Symposium from May 10 to 12, allowing discussion of specific equipment and applications. The wide range of topics and speakers will provide insights that will be extremely beneficial regardless of your field of interest.
For additional information on registration, submission of papers, and general information about the conference, please contact: 15th ISOB Organizing Committee, P.O. Box 35205, Juneau 99803 (Phone 907-789-6033, fax 789-6094, e-mail john.eiler@noaa.gov).
Craig Paukert, Student Subsection President
The Arrangements and Program committees for the 1998 AFS meeting in Hartford are seeking students willing to volunteer to operate audio-video equipment at the technical sessions. Student projectionists will need to commit to attend a 1-hour evening training session on August 23 and at least one half-day technical session. Students will be paid $30 per half-day session worked. Volunteering is a great way to reduce the overall cost of the meeting, get actively involved in AFS, and meet fisheries professionals. Interested students should contact Brad Thompson, School of Forest Resources, 111 Ferguson Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802; 814-865-1441. E-mail is best: bet118@psu.edu. Include your name, mailing address, phone, fax, e-mail, and the sessions/days you prefer to work or cannot work (a complete program is available in the June issue of Fisheries and on the AFS web site ( http://www.fisheries.org).)
AFS Alaska Chapter 1998 Elections
Because the Annual Meeting is early this year, we are having early elections for Chapter
officers. When we normally elect officers, they are announced in the fall newsletter, but
this is an early election because of our early Annual Meeting.
Candidates this year are
Carol Ann Woody and Mike Wiedmer for Vice President
and Sue Walker for Treasurer. Their biographic sketches
are below.
All ballots must be original Oncorhynchus newsletter ballots (hardcopy — not electronic). No photocopies allowed. So read about the candidates, fill out your ballot, and send it to Buck Bryant at USFS Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 2770 Sherwood Ln, Suite 2A, Juneau 99801. The deadline for voting is August 31. Remember — your vote counts!
Carol Ann has diverse international and national experience in aquatic ecology and has actively worked in the field of fisheries since 1980. Her international experience includes 2 years as a fisheries extension agent in the U.S. Peace Corps in Ecuador. There she managed an aquaculture facility, provided technical assistance to remote aquaculturists of the Amazon region, and taught fish ecology at the University of Ecuador. She also spent two seasons working with the Mexican Department of Fisheries (PESCA) on an international effort to protect and enhance endangered marine turtle populations. Carol Ann earned her BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management (1983) from Utah State University, her MS in Aquatic Ecology (1988) from the University of Wisconsin, and is currently finishing her PhD in Fisheries through the University of Washington. Her international and educational endeavors gave her experience regarding challenges to the continued productivity and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
The USFS in Petersburg hired her in 1988 as a District Fish Biologist on the Tongass National Forest. She gained experience in forestry/fishery issues and also initiated and implemented a variety of projects, including streamside rehabilitation projects; a cooperative fishing access and interpretive trail with Trout Unlimited and the community of Petersburg; expansion of a remote chum salmon streamside egg incubation project with Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association; and numerous aquatic education programs. She left the Forest Service in 1991 to work with the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI). Her experience with FRI studying coho thermal ecology and sockeye salmon populations of Lake Iliamna led to her current dissertation project which focuses on ecology and genetic structure of Tustumena Lake sockeye salmon. She has been employed by the USGS as a Research Fishery Biologist at the Alaska Biological Science Center in Anchorage since 1993, and has been involved in a variety of salmonid research projects throughout Alaska.
Carol Ann has been a member of AFS since 1985. She has been active on the National Endangered Species Committee and is currently on the Local Arrangements Committee for the 1998 Wakefield/Western Division meeting to be held in Anchorage this fall. She has presented her research results at various symposia including the last two Alaska Chapter meetings and won best poster award in 1996. She believes AFS is an important forum for fishery professionals to exchange and debate fishery-related information and thinks sharing information and knowledge is key to effective management and conservation. She feels membership could be strengthened by encouraging the leaders of State and Federal agencies to support participation in AFS. She supports the recent growth of the Student Units and would like to examine ways to facilitate student participation at Annual Meetings.
Mike works in Anchorage as a Habitat Biologist with the ADF&G. In 1979 as a college student, he stumbled into his fisheries career, when the Commercial Fisheries Division hired him to run test fish boats and smolt sonar systems in Bristol Bay. Each summer through 1987, Mike returned to Bristol Bay; in winter he wrote his Reed College thesis on theoretical aspects in the evolution of life history traits, followed by graduate work at the University of Alaska Anchorage with emphasis on physiological ecology of boreal and arctic plants. Since 1988, he has worked for the Habitat and Restoration Division. In 1989 and 1990, he worked on a variety of EVOS response projects, including a sub-lethal effect study on pre-emergent pink salmon fry. This study, published in AFS's EVOS Proceedings, used monoclonal antibodies to detect the induction of cytochrome P-450 in oil-exposed alevins. For the last 7.5 years, Mike has been a Forest Practices biologist responsible for Southcentral Alaska. Because of his forestry experience, he returned briefly to EVOS to develop a habitat acquisition package for Afognak Island.
Mike's current professional interests include expanding our knowledge of the freshwater distribution of anadromous and resident fish, particularly in areas of proposed resource development; developing techniques to characterize aquatic and terrestrial habitats; and improving our understanding of the effects of human activities on aquatic and terrestrial habitats and populations.
In our daily work, most of us are surrounded by others with similar attitudes, following similar management or research formulas. One great benefit of the Chapter's annual meeting and continuing education program is the opportunity to bring together individuals with a broad range of backgrounds, attitudes, and approaches. In this synergistic climate, new ideas are born and old formulas rejuvenated. These Chapter programs should continue and grow. As Alaska's resident and tourist population increases, and as the state seeks to diversify its economy, pressure on the state's fish populations and habitats will increase. The Chapter should thoughtfully participate in future resource development decisions of regional or state-wide importance. The Chapter must maintain rigorous professional credibility while stepping forward to offer sound science when issues of importance to fish are decided. In an era of declining government support to agencies, the Alaska Chapter can add another, independent, authoritative voice in support of sound resource management and development.
Sue is a Fishery Biologist and the Project Leader of the USFWS Juneau Fishery Resource Office. Her work during the past 4 years at this one-person office has focused on Pacific salmon habitat restoration and protection through partnership projects with other resource management agencies. Before moving to Juneau, Sue worked as the endangered species listing and recovery biologist for the Service’s Michigan field office. In that position, Sue conducted status surveys on Great Lakes fish species (shortnose cisco, lake sturgeon), chaired a recovery team, wrote a listing package, and worked to obtain protection for habitat vital to the survival of an endangered species.
Sue obtained her BS (Biology) degree from Central Michigan University in 1982. Upon graduation she joined the U.S. Peace Corps and was stationed in Swaziland, southern Africa, where she taught integrated sciences at a rural secondary school and developed a national radio program on environmental education. Upon returning to the United States, she was employed with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians as a fishery biologist managing commercial and subsistence harvest on the upper Great Lakes. This experience in fisheries led to her returning to academia in 1990 and obtaining her MS in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University in 1993. Her thesis was based on the study of population dynamics and movement of an exploited lake whitefish population in Lake Huron.
Sue’s current interests in fisheries include urban habitat restoration, forest management as it relates to habitat and biodiversity, community involvement in protection and restoration efforts, application of genetics to fisheries management issues, and fostering the organizational changes necessary to accommodate and best utilize a more diverse workforce.
Sue has been an AFS member since 1989. Locally, she chaired the Arrangements Committee for the 1997 Annual Meeting held in Juneau. Sue has decided to run for the office of Treasurer to serve the Chapter in a useful capacity and to begin a more dedicated relationship with AFS. She has benefitted greatly from the services provided by AFS and is now in a position to contribute to the organization through her increased involvement. Sue has gained considerable organizational and financial management skills from operating a small office and managing many grants and cost-sharing projects, and will use these skills to efficiently manage the Chapter treasury.
You must use the ballot from the printed Oncorhynchus members received in the mail. Mail ballot (must be original) in a stamped envelope to Buck Bryant at USFS Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 2770 Sherwood Ln, Suite 2A, Juneau 99801. Ballots must be postmarked by August 31 to be counted.
REMEMBER — YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
Oncorhynchus is the quarterly newsletter of the Alaska Chapter of the American
Fisheries society. Material in this newsletter may be repreinted from AFS Diary and
Western Division.
Editor: Mike Murphy, Auke Bay Laboratory, 11305 Glacier Hwy, Juneau 99801-8626,
(907) 789-6036, Fax 789-6094,
Mike.Murphy@noaa.gov.
Deadline for materials for the fall issue of Oncorhynchus is September 10.
Letters Policy: Oncorhynchus welcomes brief letters on topics of
interest to Chapter members, reserving the right to edit letters for length and clarity.