For students, faculty, personnel from federal and state agencies, museums, environmental organizations and consulting firms
Species Identification and Assessment of Northeastern Freshwater Fish Assemblages June 19 - June 25 Instructor: David Halliwell Location: Eagle Hill Institute, Steuben, Me Freshwater fish in the northeastern United States number over 150 species, inclusive of native and introduced forms, resident to ponded and flowing waters of varying habitats and water quality. Sportfish species (trout, salmon, bass, pike and perch) are most recognizable, while many of the vast minnow (one-third of the fish fauna) and non-game species are more difficult to identify, particularly in the field. This seminar will focus on the taxonomy and field/ laboratory identification of 28 freshwater fish families, inclusive of diadromous (migratory) species. Through lectures, actual field sampling (minnow trapping and day/night beach seining), examination of fresh and preserved-aquarium specimens and use of technical keys, participants will gain an understanding of the taxonomy, morphology, and ecology of freshwater fish. Fish origins, distributions and conservation status will be emphasized and development of Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBI) and the Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) reviewed, as well as an introduction to pre-contact fish remains found at Maine archaeological sites. A listing of historical and current scientific literature will also be provided. This seminar will be of great interest to aquatic-wildlife-conservation biologists and scientists, environmental consultants, natural historians and others who wish to learn more about northeastern United States freshwater fish and resident fish species assemblages. Instructor, Dave Halliwell ([email protected]) has been an Aquatic Biologist with Maine Department of Environmental Protection since 1999. Dave has spent over three decades identifying and investigating the habitats of freshwater fishes while working with northeastern State and Federal fish and water quality agencies and has considerable experience teaching University and field courses related to New England fish and wildlife. Dr. Halliwell is a co-author of the Inland Fishes of Massachusetts (2002) and is currently drafting a treatise on the Freshwater Fishes of New England Proper. All participants will be provided with a comprehensive course notebook and study guide. For general information, go to http://eaglehill.us/programs/nhs/natural-history-seminars.shtml For course calendar and course descriptions, go to http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/nhs/nhs-calendar.shtml For application information and cost breakdown, go to http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/general/application-info.shtml For more information, contact [email protected], 207-546-2821 x
