This week, Conrad reconnects with his good friend Andre Ascura, a current researcher at Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory. Andre discusses his journey toward securing a Ph.D., highlighting the challenges he has faced and the similarities between his path and Conrad's. He reflects on his military experience, emphasizing how it shaped his leadership skills and discipline—qualities that have been vital in the marine science field. Additionally, Andre shares his experiences at Haskin Research Laboratory, detailing the exciting projects he’s worked on and the significance of mentorship in his career. Looking ahead, he shares his aspirations for his Ph.D. and the passion projects he hopes to undertake. We hope you enjoy this week’s insightful episode!   Main Point: Important science isn't defined by what makes the headlines, but by the communities it aims to serve. “Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”

This week, Alanna talks to Dr. Jessie Kittel, a research scientist at the Blue World Research Institute, about her path in fisheries from Oregon to Hawaii to Scotland to New England. Jessie's research using modeling techniques has varied from humpback whales to yellowtail flounder. Alanna and Jessie discuss the integration of her ecosystem based fisheries model into yellowtail flounder stock assessment, and her new role studying species in the Gulf of Maine. She is also a 100-ton captain!   Main point: "Be a nice person, and have faith in yourself"   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston chats with Dr. Mark Scott from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Mark shares some of the unique projects that his statewide research team has completed over the years, including the pending launch of a web-based tool that will allow organizations to predict how changes to the landscapes could impact the biodiversity throughout the watershed. They wrap up the episode by sharing the news that the long-awaited species description will be published very soon for the newest member of the Micropterus genus, the Bartram's Bass. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "What we do with the land affects the waters." Dr. Mark Scott's email address: scottm@dnr.sc.gov SCDNR's Statewide Fisheries Research webpage: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/fwfi/index.html    Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan sits down with Brian Beckley and Josh Murauskas for a deep dive into PIT tags - a small electronic device used in fisheries science for a number of interesting applications.  You're in good hands as Brian is the president of Voda IQ, a company that makes PIT Tags and Josh has used them throughout North America in a number of applications.  They discuss the what how and why of PIT Tags, the origins of PIT tags in fisheries science, and how they are used and applied throughout North America. Brian wants you to know that you can head to https://www.vodaiq.com/ to learn more about their products.  Josh recommends you check out his paper on transoceanic migration of Pacific Lamprey here, and reach him on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-murauskas-1591b271/  if you have any questions!   Main point: Don't underestimate the value of PIT tags, and make sure you've got a great statistician to help you understand your data!     Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

In this week's episode, Conrad had the pleasure of talking with Nick Haddad. Together, they delve into Nick's career journey and how it set him up to secure two dream jobs immediately after completing his master's program. The bulk of their discussion focuses on his experiences with the International Game Fish Association and his current role as the Sustainable Fisheries Communications Manager, where he oversees Return ‘Em Right at Florida Sea Grant. They discuss the advantages of leveraging social media to appeal to a wider audience and how being an adept fisherman can significantly enhance a fisheries scientist's credibility in the angling community. We hope you enjoy this insightful perspective! Main point: Don't let your discomfort discourage you from new opportunities. Main point: Don't let your discomfort discourage you from new opportunities.  Return 'Em Right website:  https://returnemright.org/  Nick's website: https://haddadn9.wixsite.com/nick/fishing  Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).  

This week, Alanna talks to Dr. Matt Mensinger, a postdoctoral researcher with the University of California Santa Cruz and The Nature Conservancy, to discuss his research on diadromous species. They discuss his prior work in Maine on American eel and Atlantic salmon as well as his current project focused on habitat restoration for endangered southern California steelhead in the Dangermond Preserve and Jalama Creek watershed. We hope you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Don't take yourself too seriously" Matt's email: mmensing@ucsc.edu   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston catches up with Steven Bardin, who appeared as a guest in Episode 261 a little over a year ago. They catch up on what has happened since that previous episode, including the launch of Steven's Reel Biology podcast. They also spend a lot of time taking a deep dive and previewing the upcoming 2025 Black Bass Symposium that will be held in conjunction with the AFS meeting in San Antonio, Texas. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Be observant." AFS/Black Bass 2025 registration: https://afsannualmeeting.fisheries.org/registration/  Texas Pro Lake Management website: https://txprolake.com/  Serious Angler Podcast Network (where you can find Steven's Reel Biology episodes): https://www.youtube.com/@SeriousAnglerBassFishing/videos      Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

In this episode we are introduced to the newest host of The Fisheries Podcast, Conrad Pfalzgraf. He and Nick go down a somewhat chronological recap of Conrad's adventures so far and how he got to where he is today. Enjoy! Main point: Every failure is your first attempt at learning! Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan chats with Dr. Meagan Kindree about her work on the interactions between the invasive Round Goby and the native White Sucker in the tributaries of the Great Lakes, as well as how the changing thermal regimes brought on by climate change may impact both species.  Dr. Kindree discusses how they came about studying the impacts of Round Goby on juvenile White Sucker, what the experiments on thermal tolerances of both species reveal, and how all hope is not lost for the White Sucker!    You can get in touch with Meagan about her work here: https://x.com/meagankindree?lang=ar or email meagan.kindree@gmail.com.      Main point: "Always be writing!" Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

In this episode, Nick catches up with Ray Valley, co-founder of www.biobasemaps.com. Ray was originally a guest on episode 183 of the show and discussed his web-based software's ability to take consumer grade sonar data to produce information on depth, bottom hardness, and aquatic vegetation density for water bodies. In this episode, Ray and Nick discuss BioBase's latest offering: EcoFish. With this new data layer managers are now able to add a fish density component to their mapping outputs. For folks who are interested in more information about this new tool, Biobase is hosting two webinars on June 24th to highlight the product. You may sign up here for the morning session (9am EST) or here for the afternoon session (4pm EST).   Main Point: You can't manage what you don't measure!   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Alanna chats with SMAST masters student Keith Hankowsky to discuss his work conducting groundfish trawl surveys in the southern New England wind farm area. They talk about developing regional framework models, the importance of learning a statistical programming language in modern fisheries science, and some of Keith's favorite groundfish. We hope you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Science can be fun!" Keith's email: khankowsky@umassd.edu   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston catches up with Dr. Steve McMullin, an associate professor emeritus with Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment. They discuss Steve's unconventional entry into the fisheries science field, his time climbing the ranks in Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and how he ended up fulfilling his lifelong dream of teaching. Steve wraps up by providing expert insight on the critical importance of leadership and communication in the fisheries field and provides some strategies to help develop those skills. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "You are never done learning and getting better at what you do." Steve's email: mcmullintraining@gmail.com Steve's phone number: 540-818-1670   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan sits down with Ben Goldfarb, an independent conservation journalist.  He's the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.  His work has appeared in a number of publications you've probably heard of, from The Atlantic, New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Science, The New Yorker, National Geographic, and many other publications! Ben talks about his first two books, how he connects with the audience, and a request for your input Fisheries Podcast listeners!  Ben is working on his next book about fish movement and migration.  If you're interested in talking to Ben about your work he encourages you to reach out!    Check out his website for his contact information, and information about his books! https://www.bengoldfarb.com/   Main point: "Don't be afraid to talk to journalists about your work!" Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Elise chats with Cheryl Masterson, a Wisconsin DNR team supervisor and long time Lake Michigan fisheries manager. They chat about Cheryl's 28-year career in fisheries which spans species like Coho salmon, yellow perch, and (Elise's favorite fish) lake sturgeon, and her love for the Great Lakes. Listen in to hear Cheryl and Elise realize mid-episode that the world is actually incredibly small! Main point: Learn how to market your skills! Get in touch with us!The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcastBuy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shopThanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Alanna chats with SMAST masters student Andie Painten, who is generating baseline data from windfarm areas to study their eventual impact. Andie shares about her extensive experience in traveling abroad through her undergraduate study and research programs as well as graduate conferences. They discuss her current work, focused on the use of ventless trap surveys as well as various life stages of American lobster, Jonah crab, and black sea bass, as well as extracurricular activities such as involvement in the Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS). We hope you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "You matter, and one person can make a difference." Andie's email and instagram: apainten@umassd.edu, and @meatlessmoments_   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston catches up with Lawrence Dorsey, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's fisheries supervisor for the piedmont region. They discuss Lawrence's journey to his current role, the impacts that introduced Alabama Bass have had on North Carolina's black bass fisheries, and how Lawrence has adapted to his current supervisory role. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Build networks within the field and communicate your work with your constituents." Lawrence's email: lawrence.dorsey@ncwildlife.gov   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan talks with Lesley Peterson, the Director of Conservation for Freshwater Conservation Canada, an organization formerly known as Trout Unlimited Canada!  They discuss how Alberta's native trout been impacted by habitat loss, invasive species, and what Freshwater Conservation Canada is doing with help from the Alberta Native Trout Collaborative! Tune in to learn how the collaborative has approached the problems facing Alberta's native trout, from habitat restoration to restoring fish passage.  Between beaver analogues, Cows and Fish, there are lots of important lessons to learn.   Make sure you check out the social media posts to see the fish passage restoration work Lesley and Brendan talked about on the pod!   To learn more about the work Freshwater Conservation Canada gets up to please visit https://www.freshwaterconservationcanada.org/ where you can discover the awesome work Freshwater Conservation Canada gets up to, and how to become a member of a local chapter and support the organization.   Main point: "Native trout habitat is more than just native trout habitat!" Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Alanna chats with María Dabrowski, the senior research associate at Rare's Center Behavior and the Environment. María describes her non-linear career path, through academia and non-profits, ranging from cognitive neuroscience, community outreach, and her current focus on the topic of reducing sea turtle bycatch in Ecuadorian artisanal fisheries. We hope you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "When the going gets tough, turn local." María's instagram: @gogreenfortheocean   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston sits down with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission's Dr. Luke Etchison. They discuss the recently described Sicklefin Redhorse and the impacts that Hurricane Helene had on restoration projects in western North Carolina. They also discuss the creation of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail and ways that conservation projects can be aided by getting support from public stakeholder groups. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Remember to be interactive with the public to help build support for your projects." Luke's email: luke.etchison@ncwildlife.gov Luke's Instagram: @dope_fishes   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Nick provides an overview and review of the brand new board game Finspan. For six years, fish enthusiasts across the globe have been jealous of the success of the board game Wingspan but move aside birds, it is time for piscine supremacy! Nick discusses the various components of the game and attempts to describe how to play the game (better how to guides can be found at 'Watch it Played' and 'Bits and Biology' on YouTube). The similarities between this game and Wingspan are also discussed before a general review is provided.  If you are interested in the fan-made expansions mentioned in this episode, they can be found here: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/436126/finspan/files  The game and its deluxe upgrade pack can be purchased at most places you can purchase board games OR you may enter for a chance to win a copy of Finspan here: https://forms.gle/pF8Tssq87w2PHwof8 Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).