The Fisheries Podcast

326 - Fiftieth Anniversary of Jaws and the State of Sharks in Media with Lindsay Graff

This week, Alanna hosts shark scientist Lindsay Graff. Lindsay has worked with countless shark species globally, from the Bahamas, South Africa, and Fiji, to Cape Cod. Lindsay is currently pursuing her PhD, with her dissertation research focusing on post-release behavior of young-of-year white sharks, sand tiger sharks, and dusky sharks. You may be familiar with Lindsay through her recent Washington Post article, "A half century after Jaws, the truth is clear." Alanna and Lindsay talk shark research, portrayal of sharks in the media, and the future of sharks in public opinion.
 
Main point: "The ocean doesn't belong to us, it sustains us."
 
Find Lindsay on Instagram at @lindslougraff and by email at lgraff@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).

325 - Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge to enhance fisheries research with Chessie Mason

This week, Elise (IG: @elisemobranchii) chats with Cardiff University PhD researcher Chessie Mason as they discuss Chessie's career in shark research. They cover her role as the former Outreach Coordinator at the Bimini Biological Field Station, her Masters and ongoing PhD research in ecotoxicology, and the study she co-led with Project SIARC which was focused on using TEK from Welsh fishers to understand changes in angelshark populations in Wales over time!
 
Main point: Consider the perspectives of the people you work and interact with!
 
Project SIARC publication: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.70044
Find Chessie on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesca-Mason-3
Project SIARC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSIARC
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialzsl/
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).

324 - Seventy-fifth anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Act with Paul Wilkes

August 9th, 2025, marked the 75th anniversary of US President Harry Truman signing the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Act into law. To help listeners better appreciate the impact the act has had on fish conservation activities throughout its 75 year history, Preston sits down with Paul Wilkes from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They discuss how Paul eventually shifted to the grants and funding realms of fisheries management, and how that ultimately led to his transition to working with the USFWS. They spend the bulk of the episode covering the Sportfish Restoration Act, its history, and a few of the immense benefits that the act provides anglers, managers, and fish populations. We hope that you enjoy this episode!
 
Main point: "Take a breath, remember our history, but always be planning for the future."
Paul Wilkes' email address: paul_wilkes@fws.gov 
SFR Partner With A Payer website: https://partnerwithapayer.org/sport-fish-restoration-at-75/ 
 
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).

323 - The Canadian Crayfish Wars with Dr. Premek Hamr, AKA Dr. Crayfish

Brendan is joined by Dr. Premek Hamr, a Canadian researcher who has dedicated much of his life's work to Canadian crayfish.  They discuss how he got his start in Tasmania on the largest Freshwater Crayfish in the world, to his work in Canada where he has specialized in life history characteristics of this understudied infraorder of amazing animals.  His work most recently has focused on invasive crayfish in Ontario, specifically Red Swamp, White River, and other invasives.  Listen in to hear about the Canadian crayfish wars as these species battle for supremacy, as well as some information about how the crayfish wars go overseas.
You can find Premek on Bluesky (‪@drecrevisse.bsky.social‬) or Linkedin on if you have any Crayfish questions, he'd love to chat! 
Check out the Ontario Guide to Crayfish on the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters website here: https://www.invadingspecies.com/download/guide-to-ontarios-crayfishes/ 
 
Remember to love and respect nature! 
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).

322 - Prep and Early Considerations of a PhD, Applied Fisheries Science Technologies, and Importance of Integrating With Your Fisheries Community with Andre Ascura

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).”

321 - Fisheries From Hawaii to Scotland with Dr. Jessie Kittel

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).

320 - Introducing the Bartram's Bass with Dr. Mark Scott

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).

319 - Pit Tag Primer with Brian Beckley of Voda IQ and Josh Murauskas

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).

318 - Return 'Em Right, Complexities of Certifying a World Record Fish, and Leveraging Social Media with Nick Haddad

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).
 

317 - Restoring Southern California Steelhead with Dr. Matt Mensinger

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).

316 - Previewing the 2025 Black Bass Symposium with Steven Bardin

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).

315 - Meet the new host, Conrad Pfalzgraf

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).