The central United States is known for its big rivers. From the mighty Mississippi to its tributaries that include the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas River, these large rivers drain about 41% of the U.S. including 31 states. They are important for our economy as corridors for transportation, and they are important as recreational fisheries. But they are facing many threats. From river modification, to urbanization, to invasive species, to changing precipitation patterns, these rivers aren’t the same as they once were. Wes discusses these impacts with Dr. Mike Eggleton, a fisheries professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Mike’s research career has been largely focused on large river fisheries and ecology, and he shares some of his stories and insight on ol’ man river.

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!

We are homogenizing our animal communities. You can hunt Nilgai in south Texas Reticulated Pythons in Florida, and wild pigs just about anywhere. But did you know things are often worse in the aquatic world? It is true that we have released just about every species discovered into our waterways, and many have taken hold. Some were intentional and part of legal government management, some were accidental, but many are the result of just concerned pet owners that can’t keep Nemo but want to give him a fighting chance. To discuss some of these issues, Wes chats with Dr. Mike Sandel and his graduate student, Tobin Davidson. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy. Then let’s go spearfishing for Lionfish.

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!

Fisheries managers have a wealth of information available on how to manage small ponds, and there has been substantial research directed at managing large reservoirs that impound substantial rivers. However, there is a scarcity of information on reservoirs that are too big to be ponds and too small to be major reservoirs. These mid-size systems appear to be biologically distinct from their larger and smaller cousins. In this episode, Wes discusses these intermediate systems with biologist Hayden Funk, who just completed his master’s degree on management of mid-size southern impoundments. They discuss the fish, the habitat, and the people that make up the management triad of these lakes, and some of the management opportunities that are available.

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!