The Fisheries Podcast
A weekly podcast sharing stories of the amazing people and projects that make up the fisheries science profession.
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Episodes
44 minutes ago
44 minutes ago
What happens beneath the surface of an aquatic system is a world most people never see—but today’s guest is bringing that hidden world to life through science and underwater storytelling.
This week, Conrad had the pleasure of speaking with PhD candidate and underwater videographer Graham Montague from the University of Vermont in a fascinating conversation that explored both his research and creative work beneath the surface. The discussion dove into the intersection of science communication and underwater videography, highlighting how visual storytelling can help audiences connect more deeply with aquatic ecosystems and the life they support. He also shared insights into his current research as a PhD candidate at the University of Vermont, where he studies landlocked Atlantic salmon in Lake Champlain; the perspectives he has gained throughout his career; and the unique challenges and rewards of filming underwater. Blending passion, science, and artistry, this episode offers a compelling look at how creative media can inspire curiosity, understanding, and conservation of aquatic life.
Takeaway: Follow and pursue what you're most passionate about in life.
Email: graham.montague@uvm.edu
Affiliation: PhD Candidate, University of Vermont
Instagram: @grammontague_
“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).”
Saturday Mar 07, 2026
Saturday Mar 07, 2026
On this episode of The Fisheries Podcast, Alanna hosts Dr. Gretchen McCarthy. The two discuss experiences in oyster farming, Gretchen's time as a Hollings Scholar and her bivalve research, as well as her more recent work into kelp forests, polyculture systems, and the importance of ecosystems for major bivalve resources in New Zealand. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Main point: "People are a part of their biosphere."
Find Gretchen on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Facebook.
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).
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
This week, Preston sits down with Dr. Mike Allen from the University of Florida. They discuss just a few of the myriad research projects that Mike has been a part of since getting to Florida, from the impacts of Lionfish to Florida Bass and from forward facing sonar to his current work with snook in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. We hope that you enjoy this episode!
Main point: "Make your job fun!"
Mike's email address: msal@ufl.edu
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).
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by the delightful minds behind Gonzo Ichthyology, A Graphic Guide. This incredibly illustrated book is a hilarious guide on the history of ichthyology, anatomy, behaviour, evolution, and achievements of fish. This book is absolutely filled with illustrations that are both surreal and hilarious. This book is both engaging, funny, and absolutely Gonzo. We dive into what exactly gonzo means and how this passion project came to be, how humor can be used to communicate science, and how the fish in the book would feel about how they've been talked about. From Marlon Brando to Peron parody is on full display in the podcast and the book!
Please check out the Social Media feeds for the podcast for some more images from the Book!
Dr. Milton Love is a research biologist at the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara and wrote most of the words in the book.
Jessica Eggers holds a Masters of Science from Rhodes University in South Africa and has published scientific illustrations, her art can be found at galleries around Europe as well as online, she drew all of the illustrations.
Please note that this podcast has a little bit more profanity and silliness than normal, I think you'll enjoy the ride!
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).
You can find the book on Really Big Press - https://really-big-press.myshopify.com/ , as well as Jessica's webstore here: https://www.jessieggers.com/gonzo-ichthyology-a-graphic-guide/.
You can also find the book on Amazon if you get really desperate.
Jessica's Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Roughforradio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Conrad sat down with Michael Sipos, Florida Sea Grant Agent, to explore his journey from aquarium hobbyist to marine biologist—connecting his passion for science, sustainability, and the sea. From his master’s research on hormonal induction spawning in ornamental fish, advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, to his current work addressing invasive species and fishing education in Florida, Mike blends research with real-world impact. Off the clock, he channels that same curiosity into spearfishing, among many other hobbies, combining skill, respect, and sustainability in everything he does. #FisheriesPodcast #SeaGrant #Spearfishing #Aquaculture #SustainableFishing #MarineScience #StayCurious
Takeaway: stay curious
“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).”
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
This week, Alanna speaks with Janelle Layton, a MS/PHD student at Oregon State University about her multi-faceted research on the famous grouper spawning aggregations of Little Cayman. Listen to this week's episode to hear more about Nassau, Tiger, and Yellowfin grouper, as well as learn about some of the unique methods that Janelle uses in her work, such as heat shock protein analysis and bomb calorimetry.
Main point: "Communication is important."
Find Janelle via her website janellemonetlayton.com, Instagram (@janelle_monet_), TikTok (@janellemonet_) or Bluesky (janellemonet.bsky.social)
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).
Saturday Jan 31, 2026
Saturday Jan 31, 2026
This week, Preston chats with John Odenkirk from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. They discuss John's involvement with the Northern Snakehead introduction into the Potomac River, covering everything from the initial media-driven public hysteria to the current population status and the documented impacts (or lack thereof) of the introduction. They also discuss aquatic species that have been introduced to Virginia that received less publicity, but have shown more negative impacts to Virginia's native populations than what can be attributed to snakeheads. We hope that you enjoy this episode!
Main point: "Don't move fish!"
John's email address: john.odenkirk@dwr.virginia.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).
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Brendan is joined by Joel Zhang, who is currently working on his PhD with Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. David Phillip at Carleton University. Brendan and Joel discuss Joel's current work looking at the impact of sanctuaries on local black bass populations, and how they used local angler knowledge to gain more information about how the fishery has performed over time. They also discuss Joel's goals of bringing more social science into the field.
Joel's Paper: Local Angler Knowledge Reveals Declines in Fishing Quality for Black Bass in Lakes of Eastern Ontario
Joel's Profile on the Cooke Lab Website
Main Point: Don't forget to stay humble and keep 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).
Saturday Jan 17, 2026
Saturday Jan 17, 2026
This week, Conrad had the pleasure of speaking with his good friend, Natalie Ritter. Natalie is currently pursuing her master's degree in marine and environmental science at the University of the Virgin Islands. Her research focuses on the biodiversity and taxonomy of Apicomplexan blood parasites that infect coral reef fishes. They speak on the accessibility of scientific information and the benefit of a variety of different media types to spread scientific awareness. We hope you enjoy this week's episode. Takeaway: Everything is connected.#reefish #parasites #virginislands
“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).”
Saturday Jan 10, 2026
Saturday Jan 10, 2026
Joining Alanna on the podcast this week is Dr. Emily Lester, a marine ecologist with an interest in coral reef ecosystems, predator-prey dynamics, and anthropogenic changes to animal behavior. Emily shares her experience working with the whale sharks of Ningaloo and explains the process to becoming a Fulbright researcher. Listeners will get a sneak peak of Emily's newest research on meeting goals in global shark conservation!
Main point: "The best conservation happens when people and nature both win"
Find Emily through instagram @emily_lester or bluesky @emilylester.bsky.social
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).
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
This week, Preston catches up with Andrew Bade, the supervisor of the Warmwater and Coldwater Fisheries Management Programs for Connecticut DEEP. They discuss Andrew's education and career journeys, before diving into the history of introduced Smallmouth Bass in Connecticut. Andrew focuses in and shares the unique and cyclical history of Smallmouth Bass in one of Connecticut's lakes, as well as the current management strategies they are implementing to restore this popular fishery. We hope that you enjoy this episode!
Main point: "Learn the history of your fisheries."
Andrew's email address: Andrew.Bade@ct.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).
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
For the final episode of 2025 The Fisheries Podcast brings you an absolutely delightful conversation between Brendan and Dr. Nicholas Mandrak of the University of Toronto Scarborough on binomial nomenclature, the Committee on Names of Fishes, and most importantly, how and why fish get and keep and or change their scientific and or common names!
Dr. Mandrak is a legendary scientist in Canadian circles, having co-authored over 250 primary publications, over 100 government reports, 40 COSEWIC reports, and five books, including the newly revised Royal Ontario Museum Field Guide to Ontario Fishes. He is Program Director of the Conservation and Biodiversity stream of the professional M.Env.Sci. program at UTSC. Nick is also a Research Associate of the Royal Ontario Museum and South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity. He is a member, and former Co-Chair, of the Freshwater Fishes Species Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC. His research interests are the biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation of freshwater fishes, with emphasis on endangered and invasive fishes.
You can find more information about Nick's work on his lab website here: https://mandraklab.ca/
Main Point: Freshwater fish conservation matters, get in touch with your local representatives to remind them of this fact!
Here's to a happy New Year and we'll be serving a fresh catch of episodes to your ears in 2026!
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).