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 accessibility of scientific information and the benefit of a variety of different media types to spread awareness. Takeaway: Everything is connected. #reefish #parasites #virginislands

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).

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).