268 - Little Women, Big Sharks LLC, and overcoming barriers to study and teach about Puerto Rico's sharks with Wanda Ortiz Baez

This week Brendan is joined by Shona Derlukewich of "School of Fish" - https://www.schooloffishid.com/ to learn some tips and tricks in identifying small bodied and large bodied fish.  Shona shares her story of how she started her small business and developed her expertise in the fishes of Alberta and Saskatchewan, who attends these classes, how technology has impacted fish identification, and why identifying even the smallest members of the aquatic community is important.    You can find her Alberta and Saskatchewan Field Identification Books, as well as information about attending a workshop on her website here - https://www.schooloffishid.com/field-guides-and-workshops.html    Shona can be reached at [email protected] CBC Story featuring Shona: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52-radio-active/clip/16091491-radio-active-goes-motor-boat-ride  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 week's episode, Elise (IG: @elisemobranchii) chats with Jasmine "Jaz" Nyce (IG: @thenycephotos), a current PhD student in the Movement Ecology lab at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. They chat about Jasmine's undergraduate research in Maine, her three years at the Bimini Biological Field Station where she studied bull sharks for her Master's at University of Alaska Fairbanks, her current research on Southern flounder in Texas, and all the stops along the way!    Main point: Rejection is normal, life is a zig zag, and leave it better!   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/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 that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Kadie catches up with Bridgette Nicolosi, a master's student at Georgia Southern University. Bridgette's research focuses primarily on larval fish ecology—an often overlooked yet critical area of fisheries research. She has experience across diverse ecosystems, from the cold mountain streams of the West to the Piedmont of the Carolinas and now the coastal plains of the Southeast, she is deeply committed to protecting fish species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Her passion for aquatic conservation drives both their academic and fieldwork, aiming to shed light on the vital role of larval fish in sustaining healthy fisheries and ecosystems. Outside of work, Bridgette is an avid nature enthusiast who finds inspiration in the outdoors. Whether hiking, camping, or crafting unique jewelry from flowers found along the way Bridgette immerses herself in the outdoors, finding balance and creativity in the environment she strives to protect.    If you'd like to get in touch with Bridgette you can find her on Instagram @bnicolosi or email her at [email protected].    You can vote for Bridgette in the Ultimate Explorer Competition here and find her handmade jewelry at Land of Sky Design Co. on Etsy.    Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @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. Mike Bednarski, who is the Chief of Fisheries for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR). Mike compares and contrasts the infamous "big three" invasive freshwater fishes that are hot topics of conversation in Virginia. They also discuss Mike's career arc, as well as some of the threats facing the future of fishing and fisheries management and a few recent "wins" for the VDWR. Finally, they chat about the economic importance of recreational fishing and the careful art of balancing multiple stakeholder groups when it comes to management decisions. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Don't move fish around." Mike's email address: [email protected]   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 Kadie chats with Lauren Diaz, a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State University studying steelhead life history diversity and population dynamics. Listen in to hear about how snorkel surveys and a larval hellbender salamander project got Lauren hooked on stream ecology, why she values education so much, and all about the complex life history strategies of O. mykiss (steelhead/rainbow trout).   Main point: It's not that serious   If you'd like to get in touch with Lauren, you can find her on Instagram @lauren.diaz_ or send her an email at [email protected].   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @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 (IG: @elisemobranchii) chats with Tidal Black Bass Manager, Maryland native, and longtime Fisheries Podcast listener Ryan Gary to discuss his career in fisheries research and management (which began very early in his childhood)! They cover Ryan's MSc research on paddlefish in Oklahoma and current work with black bass in Maryland, his passion for forming connections within communities to manage shared resources, and more!   Main Point: Fish the waters you manage!   Maryland DNR Tidal Black Bass: https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/bass/index.aspx   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/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 that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

Brook Schryer from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters joins Brendan on this weeks episode to talk about aquatic invasive species in Ontario and his last 9 years with the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP)!  From the origins of the ISAP as a Zebra Mussel reporting hotline to removing over a million mystery snails they cover topics in the realm of AIS outreach, early detection, response, and some of the projects Brook is working on right now.      Main point: "Learn to identify and report invasive species!" Brook's email is [email protected]   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, Preston chats with Dr. Eric Hallerman. Eric retired earlier this year following a 34 year career as a faculty member of Virginia Tech's Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. They discuss Eric's career path and how he has been keeping busy after retirement. They also take a deep dive into the fisheries genetics realm and discuss numerous genetics research projects that Eric completed throughout his career. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Take care of Mother Earth, she is the only one we have." Eric's email address: [email protected]   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).

Dr. Caleb Hasler joins Brendan to talk about his work on catch and release angling, some new techniques using genetic expression to look at stress in fish, and his work on two American Fisheries Society Books, available now!  He's also looking for a new curling team, if you're in Winnipeg hit him up.  The title image in today's episode is a picture of Caleb's first fish.  Check out the post on social media to see a Goldeye, Caleb's favourite fish, it's closest ancestor (other than Mooneye)! Can you see the resemblance?    Caleb's Lab: https://calebthasler.wordpress.com/  AFS Books: Freshwater Fisheries in Canada https://fisheries.org/bookstore/all-titles/professional-and-trade/freshwater-fisheries-in-canada/  Methods for Fish Biology, 2nd Edition https://fisheries.org/bookstore/all-titles/professional-and-trade/methods-for-fish-biology-2nd-edition/      “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/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 (IG: @elise_the_mermaid) chats with Puerto Rican marine scientist and educator Wanda Ortiz Baez (IG: @sharkchicapr). Wanda holds bachelors degrees in Biology and Industrial Microbiology, as well as a Master's in Marine Science from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. In this episode, we discuss Wanda's passion for sharing sharky knowledge with her fellow Boricuas, the many challenges of studying and managing sharks in Puerto Rico, the importance of involving locals in science, and Wanda's business, Little Women, Big Sharks LLC (IG: @littlewomenbigsharks).    Main points: 1. Education is for the students, not the teacher! 2. If you want adults to learn, teach their children! 3. Never stop learning!   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/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 that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).