Newsletter of the STAGES Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society Volume 29, Number 1 Lee A. Fuiman, Editor February 2008

Call for Abstracts Inside this issue 32nd Annual Larval Fish President’s Message ...... 1 News from the Regions ...... 2 Conference, Kiel, Germany Section Officers ...... 2 The 32nd annual Larval Fish Conference will be held 4-7 August, People ...... 6 2008 in Kiel, Germany. Registration and abstract submission for LFC2008 is now open at www.larvalfishcon.org. Abstracts will be Upcoming Events ...... 7 accepted from 1 February, 2008 for the contributed paper session Publications ...... 8 and the following theme sessions: Opportunities ...... 9 • Larval ecology linked to physical processes • Aquaculture and stock enhancement of early life stages Editor’s Ramblings ...... 11 • Early life history strategies of fish and cephalopods • Larval fish and cephalopod • Developmental fish physiology: Exploring new frontiers in ELHS Back Then larval biology • Databases and tools on early life stages 5 years ago: To celebrate the Section’s 25th anniversary, Stages Abstracts must be submitted via www.larvalfishcon.org. Details gets a face-lift. about registration, abstract submission, and the conference in 10 years ago: ELHS Past general are available at www.larvalfishcon.org. The deadline for submitting abstracts is April 6, 2008. President, Bob Werner retires Please pass the word on to others! Looking forward to seeing you all in Kiel! from State University of New York — Catriona Clemmesen § College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 15 years ago: Bob Hoyt appointed President’s Message as first Historian/Archivist for Section. will have everything in order and will welcome all of us to Kiel with a smile and open arms. 20 years ago: Reuben Lasker, Greetings fellow ELHS members. keynote speaker at 10th LFC in I hope that your 2007 closed out From discussion with Catriona, and looking Miami, passed away. well for you, and it was spent over the LFC website (www.larvalfishcon.org), 25 years ago: Darrel Snyder with family and friends. You have I am impressed by the extent of participation in organized 7th LFC at Colorado my best wishes for a peaceful the organizing committees and the scope of this State University with 130 and productive 2008! year’s conference themes. Regarding the overall registrants, 67 papers, 14 In this issue I will address three themes. First, LFC schedule, following a social on the eve of posters, 4 workshops. here is an update on our annual Larval Fish the LFC (3 August 2008), we will have four days Conferences (LFCs). Plans are well underway of presentations. I note that beyond four days of for our 32nd annual LFC. Our host, Catriona talks, our hosts have scheduled a poster social, Clemmesen (Leibniz Institute for Marine Sciences, a field trip / barbeque and, on the last evening, a Kiel, Germany) and her support committees conference banquet. Deadline for material have been busy with all aspects of hosting such The theme sessions for this year’s core to be included in the an event – programs, social events, logistics, scientific contributions at the LFC are broad next issue of Stages: accommodations, travel, sponsorships. Everyone and intriguing. I support our hosts’ intentions of who has ever hosted an LFC or like conference promoting comparative themes between fishes knows the extent of behind-the-scenes activities and invertebrates, especially cephalopods. One May 2, 2008 that go into making the conference a reality. session on ‘Larval ecology linked to physical Knowing Catriona as I do, I also expect that she processes’ (organized by Voss, Hinrichsen, and ...continued on p. 11 North Central Region...cont’d from p. 2 Stages

News from the Regions

(research team: Neri Josten, Monika Hänel, European Ralf Thiel) North Central Region Ostarioclupeomorpha and Percomorpha Region comprise together about two thirds of all known recent fish species worldwide Audrey Geffen and have populated almost all aquatic Jim Garvey habitats. Especially, information on their The most important news, of course, early life stages is still incomplete. The from the European Region is the upcoming newly hatched larvae, from the yolk-sac From: Greg Wanner, Great LFC2008 - 32nd annual Larval Fish stage and preflexion stage to flexion and Plains Fish and Wildlife Conference, which will be held in Kiel postflexion or juvenile stage exhibit a Germany during 4 - 7 August, organised variety of changes in their ecology and Management Assistance Office, by Dr. Catriona Clemmesen. Earlier in the as well in meristic and morphometric Pierre, South Dakota th features. For instance, morphological summer the 8 Larval Biology Symposium I just wanted to quickly update you on features of fish larvae, e.g., body shape, will be held 6-11 July 2008 in Lisbon an early life history research project that larval pigmentation, number and position (ipimar-iniap.ipimar.pt/larval). Although this is planned to begin in April 2008. The of fins, number of fin rays, alimentary is normally a forum dominated by marine proposed research is being initiated on the canal, position of anal opening, spines and invertebrate research, it is an opportunity Niobrara River in north central Nebraska. for good scientific exchange and added continued on p. 4 The Niobrara River is a major tributary to insights. There is a special session/ the Missouri River in a recovery priority symposium on “Molecular and geochemical management area (RPMA 3) for the markers for assessing larval dispersal,” endangered pallid sturgeon. Knowledge of which may be particularly relevant to those the fisheries resources in this river is lacking. interested in connectivity and dispersal. 39 miles upstream from the confluence This newletter issue highlights research with the Missouri River is Spencer Dam, activities from two groups, in Germany and which completely cuts off over 300 miles the Czech Republic: of riverine habitat for native fish species. Additionally, a new threat coming to the PD Dr. Ralf Thiel and his group at the Niobrara River is the over-appropriation of Zoological Museum Hamburg in Germany river water for irrigating agricultural lands. are working on diverse aspects of fish biol- Instream flows in the Niobrara River may ogy and ecology: be reduced to levels that are unsustainable www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/zim/ichthy/ for fish populations at some or all life-history forsch.html stages. Their research activities on early life The research that I am proposing to begin history stages of fish include both taxonomic in April 2008 will be the first targeted survey and ecological studies. Dr Thiel reports on Fig. 1. Different developmental stages of for pallid sturgeon in the Niobrara River two projects: selected cyprinids a) yolk-sac stage of Rutilus downstream of Spencer Dam, Nebraska. rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758); b) flexion stage of Additionally this research when completed, Taxonomy and Morphology of Selected Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758; c) juvenile will be most comprehensive fish community Groups and Developmental Stages of stage of Romanogobio belingi (Slastenenko, assessment in that river to date. Research Ostarioclupeomorpha and Percomorpha 1934). © Monika Hänel continued on p. 10 Section Officers

President Secretary Treasurer R. Christoper Chambers Denice M. Drass Elisabeth H. Laban NMFS, NE Fisheries Science Center NMFS, SE Fisheries Science Center National Ocean Service, NOAA James Howard Marine Science Lab Pascagoula Laboratory Beaufort Laboratory [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

HELP US President-Elect Secretary-Elect UPDATE OUR Jon Hare Ione Hunt von Herbing RECORDS... NMFS, NE Fisheries Science Center North Texas University Narragansett Laboratory Biological Sciences Department Verify your email and [email protected] [email protected] postal address with our Secretary. 2 AFS - Early Life History Section February 2008 currents. Recent work has shown, however, Northeast Pacific Rim that fish larvae can swim at speeds similar to currents for long periods of time. Speed Region Region without orientation abilities is unlikely to influence dispersal other than to increase diffusion. So, orientation is important in Mark Wuenschel Iain Suthers determining the extent to which fish larvae might be able to influence dispersal. Jeff Leis’ previous work on the From: Mark Wuenschel From Jeff Leis, Australian shows that fish larvae can orientate with I have accepted a position with the Museum, Sydney some precision in apparently featureless National Marine Fisheries Service, blue-water, pelagic environments: larvae Study of orientation of fish larvae in Population Biology Branch, located at of some species consistently swim to the the pelagic environment the Northeast Fisheries Science Center south, whereas other species swim away in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. I will Jeff Leis (Australian Museum) and from shore during daylight. Understanding continue to serve as Northeast Regional Claire Paris (University of Miami) are how larvae orient is key to understanding Representative for STAGES. My new collaborating to study the orientation of how the biophysical process of larval address (starting February 19th) will be: fish larvae in the Great Barrier Reef near dispersal actually takes place. Investigation Lizard Island Research Station with support of orientation must take place in the ocean NOAA NMFS NEFSC from the Hermon Slade Foundation (www. to avoid being misled by lab artifacts. Woods Hole Laboratory hermonslade.org.au/projects/HSF_07_13/ Until now, this has been done by direct 166 Water Street hsf_07_13.html). Their project, “How baby observation by divers, leaving open the Woods Hole, MA 02543 fish find a home: Orientation by reef-fish question of bias that the presence of divers Email: [email protected] larvae in the pelagic environment” is funded might introduce. Plus, observations by for 3 years. A synopsis follows. divers are restricted by depth, time, and light From: Mark Sullivan, Richard One of the most important questions in limitations. Claire Paris, working in Florida Stockton College of New has now developed a floating chamber that marine biology today is: what are the spatial Jersey, Marine Science scales over which populations are can be set adrift with larvae inside, and their connected by larval dispersal? Answering behaviour recorded remotely at any time or Program, Pomona, New Jersey this question is essential for theoretical depth. Paris and Leis will directly compare The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a understanding of population dynamics in their methods for the study of orientation critical component of coastal New Jersey marine systems, for effective management of fish larvae at Lizard Island Research ecosystems and an important source of of fisheries, conservation of marine Station (Great Barrier Reef). The team bait for recreational fishers, yet the species biodiversity, including design and operation will also study the influence of visual and appears to be declining over portions of of marine protected areas, and for predicting auditory cues on orientation of fish larvae in its North American range. Recently, the effects of climate change on marine systems. the ocean using Paris’ innovative approach. causes of this decline have been the focus The vast majority of bottom-associated Lizard Island is ideal due to the availability of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review, (demersal), bony fishes have a pelagic of large numbers of larvae of many species a stock assessment by the Atlantic States larval stage subject to dispersal in open in the summer, relatively calm waters, an Marine Fisheries Commission and a U.S. water over a pelagic larval duration of days ability to work on both sides of the island, Endangered Species Act petition. Although to weeks. Thus, it is the pelagic larval stage, and the extensive work already done there not currently warranting endangered status, not the demersal adult stage, that sets the by Leis. this catadromous species faces an array spatial scale for population connectivity and For further reading: of threats during its extended freshwater for the geographic size of fish populations. residency before migrating back to the As a result, unlike terrestrial vertebrate Cowen, R.K., C.B. Paris, et al. (2006). Sargasso Sea to spawn. Recent New Jersey populations, marine fish populations are Scaling of connectivity in marine Sea Grant funded work, in collaboration generally considered open, with young populations. Science 311:522-527. with the Rutgers University Marine Field potentially derived from distant sources Leis, J.M. (2006) Are larvae of demersal Station (KW Able), has made progress and with management scaled accordingly. fishes plankton or nekton? Advances in testing the potential mechanisms of this However, we now know marine fish Marine Biology 51:59-141 decline relative to the first year of estuarine populations are often demographically residency. Using long-term ichthyoplankton Recent publications on fish larvae from the structured at modest spatial scales implying datasets and expanded local sampling Australian Museum: that demographically-relevant dispersal may for later stage elvers, this work strongly also operate at such scales. The focus of Baldwin, C.C. and J.M. Leis 2007. Rainfordia suggests that within-year and between- our research is how the larvae behaviourally opercularis, a liopropomin serranid year patterns of ingress are driven by local interact with the blue-water environment (Teleostei: : Epinephelinae: environmental conditions rather than larger to influence dispersal outcomes. In other ): Corroborative evidence trends manifested in the adult stock. words, how do baby fish (i.e., larvae) find a from settlement-stage larvae. During this critical period, American eel reef home after days to weeks in a relatively Ichthyological Research 54:193-197. juveniles are exposed to a recent addition featureless blue-water environment. Leis, J.M., Hay, A.C., Lockett, M.M., Chen, to New Jersey estuaries – the invasive Based on cold water species, until J.-P., and Fang, L.-S. 2007. Ontogeny swim bladder parasite, Anguillicola crassus. recently, it was assumed that fish larvae of swimming speed in larvae of pelagic- Native to Asia, but first reported in North were so small and had such limited spawning, tropical, marine fishes. Marine America in the 1990s, this nematode is behavioural capabilities, that they could Ecology Progress Series 349:257-269. contracted when an eel consumes a host have no significant influence on dispersal by carrying its early stage juveniles. Within continued on p. 7 continued on p. 10 ELHS website: www.ncsu.edu/elhs 3 Stages

continental shelf edge, eventually crossing Western from the slope to the shelf to settle as age- 0s. Mechanisms of slope-shelf connectivity Region are still unknown, though the larvae could be physically influenced by the Aleutian North Slope Current and the Bering Slope Dan Margulies Current. Transport of larvae from the slope to the shelf via flow through underwater canyons, as well as larval entrainment From: Janet Duffy-Anderson, in eddies that propagate along the slope- NOAA-NMFS Alaska Fisheries shelf edge are also possible mechanisms. Science Center, Seattle, It is also likely that survival during early life stages is affected by changes in upper Washington water current flow, direction, and speed (0 m to 45 m). Early life history of Greenland halibut Fig. 1. Distribution of Greenland halibut early (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the A 2008 research cruise in the Bering life stages eastern Bering Sea Sea during the GH spawning season will late stage larvae, and a multiple opening/ address additional questions regarding Dongwha Sohn1, Lorenzo Ciannelli1, Ja- closing net environmental sampling system egg buoyancy properties, larval age net Duffy-Anderson2 , Ann Matarese2, and (MOCNESS). Groundfish survey data (otoliths), and larval feeding dynamics. Kevin Bailey2 (1982-2006) were collected by bottom trawl Maturity studies will also be conducted to 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric (BT). Early stage GH larvae appeared off determine length at maturity in the Bering Sciences, Oregon State University, the continental slope, mostly below 500 m, Canyon region of the Bering Sea, and Corvallis, OR 97331-5503, U.S.A. E-mail: and seemed to drift northward during spring comparisons will be made to existing data [email protected] (Fig. 1). Highest larval abundances were on GH maturity in the North Pacific. § observed in March. Larval lengths ranged 2National Oceanic and Atmospheric from 8.8 mm to 24.4 mm SL during spring. Administration, National Marine Fisheries European Region...cont’d from p. 2 Larvae from vertically stratified MOCNESS Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, tows were found throughout the water spinous ridges on head and operculum, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA column, but highest concentrations were change during larval development. Such 98115-6349, U.S.A. noted at 45 m vertical depth (Fig 2.). This variability makes fish larvae difficult to Researchers from the Ecosystems and vertical distribution pattern suggests that identify. Therefore, there is an ongoing great Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated adult GH spawn in very deep water (below need for accurate taxonomic information Investigations (EcoFOCI) Program at the 500 m) and eggs and larvae slowly rise after on fish larvae of several groups. Actually Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) hatching. There may also be some degree we develop Identification Keys For Fish and at Oregon State University have of diel migration of larger larvae, probably Larvae in European waters to fill parts of teamed up to examine transport pathways associated with feeding opportunities. For this gap in knowledge. The keys are based from spawning to potential nursery locations MBT data, late stage GH larvae were mostly on different identification tables for different of Greenland halibut (GH) eggs and larvae found on the middle EBS shelf (50 - 100 m), developmental stages of each of the in the eastern Bering Sea (EBS). At one near the Pribilof Islands during summer. relevant species.” time, Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius The length of GH larvae from MBT samples Mathematical Models for Habitat Use hippoglossoides) supported a commercial ranged from 18 mm to 54 mm SL. Early of Fish Species and their Life Stages fishery in the Bering Sea, but catches have GH juveniles from BT data occurred on (research team: Renate Neumann, Dennis declined significantly since the 1970s. The the middle shelf, near St. Matthew Island, Eick, Dietmar Lill, Sven Oesmann, Ronny reasons for the strong decline of GH in the during summer. The length of GH juveniles Weigelt, Ralf Thiel) EBS are unknown, and this project seeks ranged from 60 mm to 100 mm SL. to determine whether recent dramatic Only those fish species for which habitat Overall, data indicate that GH larvae atmospheric and hydrographic changes use is known in detail can be effectively in the EBS have a long duration in the in the EBS may have affected patterns of protected. Therefore, there is a great need plankton, and are subject to extended larval transport, dispersal and survival of to produce predictive models to relate drift pathways. Larvae likely drift along the the early life history stages. biological (community, population, and individual) data to environmental factors - This ongoing project assesses GH (1) such that the development of methods to be spawning locations, (2) egg and larval drift used to help interpret and predict changes pathways, (3) egg buoyancy, (4) larval and in aquatic environments and fish faunas. juvenile feeding and growth patterns, and (5) Since the 1980s habitat modelling has vertical egg distribution. To investigate the developed into a powerful tool to analyze the geographic distribution (horizontal, vertical) anthropological impact on the suitability of and drift pathways of GH larvae and early- habitat especially for fishes and other aquatic juveniles in the EBS, we are using historical organisms. Furthermore, there is a need to ichthyoplankton and juvenile groundfish improve fauna-based evaluation indices for survey data collected by scientists at the European Water Framework Directive the AFSC. Ichthyoplankton data (1982- to perform ecological assessments of the 2005) were collected using three different Fig. 2. Mean (±SE) standard length (mm) aquatic habitats. Especially, the estimation gear types, including 60-cm bongo nets of early GH larvae collected from 10 - 530 of differences between the historical and (60BON), a modified beam trawl (MBT), m depth in the EBS from MOCNESS data actual status of the faunal compositions is which is towed in the midwater to collect (1992-1994). continued on p. 5 4 AFS - Early Life History Section February 2008

statistical methods, e.g. CCA, and logistic regressions.

RN Dr. Martin Cech reports from the Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (www.hbu.cas. cz/fishecu) on a joint project on the early life history stages of perch, funded by the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic for the years 2006 – 2008. This is a large project combining expertise from three institutions: (1) Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (BC AS CR) - Institute of Hydrobiology, (2) Czech Fig. 2. Point abundance sampling by electrofishing Photo.3. Sampling of perch larvae and juveniles along the shore of the Elbe River. University of Agriculture in Prague, and (3) BC AS CR - Institute of Parasitology. using ichthyoplankton trawl (mouth opening 2 x European Region...cont’d from p. 4 2 m, mesh- size 1 x 1.35 mm). difficult, because historical quantitative data Patterns and reasons of different parasitology are used. Grouping behaviour of composition and density of fish fauna pelagic behaviour of perch fry: Novel of juveniles of the close relative, zander are scarce. However, habitat models are insight into the declared ecological (Sander) and ruffe (Gymnocephalus) is also tools to predict faunal compositions, even plasticity of a species investigated and the project is likely to bring under historical conditions, if the habitat new understanding into early behaviour of preferences of the species and the most The project follows up the recent finding perciform fish. important environmental parameters of the (Cech et al. 2005) that juvenile perch Related publications: habitats are known. Čech, M., Kratochvíl, M., Kubečka, J., BUFI and FISTOB - are two current Draštík, V. & Matěna, J. (2005). Diel research projects in which we analyse the vertical migrations of bathypelagic perch habitat use, habitat shift, and biodiversity of fry. Journal of Fish Biology 66, 685-702. fishes in typical shore habitats (groyne fields) doi: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2005.00630.x of the Elbe River in Germany. Both projects Čech, M. & Kubečka, J. (2006). are sponsored by the Federal Institute of Ontogenetic changes in the bathypelagic Hydrology. The major aim of the projects distribution of European perch fry Perca is to develop new types of habitat models fluviatilis monitored by hydroacoustic in which predictions are mainly based on methods. Biologia, Bratislava 61:211- detailed knowledge of habitat preferences 219. of aquatic animals and their life stages. Discrimination and validation of those Čech, M., Kubečka, J., Frouzová, J., models are possible and are performed Draštík, V., Kratochvíl, M., Matěna, J. using receiver operating characteristic Photo.2. Monitoring the deposition of egg strands & Hejzlar J. (2007). Distribution of the curves. To obtain accurate models, the of perch (measuring the depth of deposition, bathypelagic perch fry layer along the habitat preferences of the species have to temperature at which the eggs developed and longitudinal profile of two large canyon- be estimated very carefully and for each evaluating the spawning substrate). shaped reservoirs. Journal of Fish Biology of the species life-history stages. Input 70:141-154. data for the models are abundances and (Perca spp.) are able to create sympatric Čech, M., Kubečka, J., Frouzová, J., Draštík, occurrences of fish species and life stages ecological groups with different behaviour. V., Kratochvíl, M. & Jarošík, J. (2007). Im- obtained using point abundance sampling. The epipelagic perch fry (EPF) spent the pact of flood on distribution of bathype- Statistical models predicting the preference whole 24 hours in the epilimnion whereas lagic perch fry layer along the longitudinal of fish fauna environmental relationships the bathypelagic perch fry (BPF) performed profile of large canyon-shaped reservoir. are developed based on multivariate diel vertical migrations (DVMs), being in the Journal of Fish Biology 70:1109-1119. § epilimnion during the night and migrating into the cold hypolimnion during the day. The project aims on better definition of newly discovered groups, temporal and spatial patterns of their separation, reasons of sympatric existence of EPF and BPF, profitability and fate of individual strategies, cues of DVMs, predation pressure on pelagic perch fry, gradients in perch fry abundance, age and size distribution as well as perch egg strands deposition on the longitudinal profile of lakes and reservoirs. New approaches including more quantitative and extensive Photo.1. Last testing of the equipment prior to acoustic and net sampling, SCUBA Photo.4. Sorting of the catch of juvenile perch submersion and monitoring of perch spawning. diving, molecular genetics, histology and and zander directly in the field.

ELHS website: www.ncsu.edu/elhs 5 Stages

People In Memoriam Stacy Moore Hagan, 1971 - 2007 analysis. She became proficient at recording metadata and retaining its whereabouts. Often when I asked her to retrieve data from old, brief data collection efforts that no one had expressed interest in for years, she rolled her eyes but always delivered. Of ultimate importance, Stacy became a colleague to me and other RUMFS faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and collaborators from other institutions and this is how most will remember her...as a respected colleague. Over her shortened career she was senior author or co- author on 17 peer-reviewed publications, 20+ presentations, and 3 technical reports. The technical reports may be some of her most important contributions because these provide much of the institutional memory for RUMFS. Most of her publications focused on the first year in the Stacy had a brief but very productive, meaningful and life of estuarine fishes, especially relative to understanding inspiring career as a marine scientist. Before graduating this part of their life history and fishes’ response to marsh from Stockton College, she began her experience at the restoration. The topic of her thesis was pelagic fishes of Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS) in 1990. estuaries. It is in the early life history of fishes that she has Subsequently, she became one of many technicians but also contributed substantially to the first book that Mike she quickly distinguished herself with her hardworking, Fahay and I published and she has been central to the one focused approach to any task set before her. This included that we now have in the works. Although Stacy was not a field work ranging from ocean cruises to the muck and mire member of the Early Life History Section, she attended of buggy saltmarshes. During her career she mastered and presented at many of the annual meetings. many field sampling approaches and always led the way For me, Stacy was the glue that held the Station together despite unfavorable weather conditions, often at night and when funds were tight, weather did not cooperate, and despite sampling in remote locations. At the same time, our remote location forced us to deal with condemned while working full time, she completed a M.S. (Graduate bridges, impassable roads, and fear of loss of too much Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University). blood from greenhead flies and mosquitoes. Most recently, As is typical of her perseverance, the last chapter of her we resurrected an old plan to write a technical report on thesis, though long delayed, is now in press. While juggling the “down-home” bars of the Mullica River – Great Bay her job, motherhood, and her studies, she also served watershed. She had already prepared the study site as a mentor to numerous individuals, including summer location map and organized our data from our interviews interns, summer technicians, and volunteers ranging from on the front porch of the bars (Stacy - I vow to finish high school students to retirees. She interacted well with this). Now all we need to do is increase our sample size. all of these and became friends with most. Certainly, she Fortunately, Stacy will be with us in spirit to complete this gained their respect. task. Eventually Stacy became the senior technician at Stacy died on 20 December 2007 at the age of 36 RUMFS and took on many additional duties. Several of from complications associated with breast cancer. She is those were of special note. For example, for many years survived by Roland (whom many of you know) and their two Stacy was responsible for the day-to-day, and over longer children, Rutger (7) and Ryland (5). As was typical of Stacy, periods, organization of all field and laboratory technicians she requested that there be no flowers at her funeral (“leave and helping graduate students accomplish their own the flowers in the ground”) and instead requested monies research. At times during the summer, this meant keeping be donated to an internship to enable Stockton College* track of 20-30 individuals simultaneously. Stacy did this undergraduate students to spend the summer at RUMFS, efficiently and effectively while keeping a good sense of which is what prepared Stacy to realize her dreams. § perspective and maintaining her sense of humor in often — Kenneth W. Able trying conditions. Another important contribution was her mastery of data management. Stacy had no particular *Donations may be submitted to the Stockton College Foundation; training in this area but over time, as the RUMFS data please indicate “In memory to Stacy Moore Hagan” and mail to: sets grew in diversity and volume, she realized that she The Richard Stockton College Foundation, P.O. Box 195, had a particular propensity for data manipulation and Suite K-203, Pomona, NJ 08240.

6 AFS - Early Life History Section February 2008

Upcoming Events th The workshop will be conducted at the world renowned Achotines 6 Annual Workshop on Laboratory in Provincia de Los Santos, on the Pacific coast of the Physiology and Aquaculture Republic of Panama. The workshop will cover reproduction and larval development of Pelagics with Emphasis of pelagic fish species with a special focus on yellowfin tuna. Topics include physiology, biology, ecology, genetics, nutrition, and on Reproduction and Early environmental issues related to aquaculture of pelagic fish species such as tuna, mahimahi, cobia, yellowfin kingfish, Seriola and Developmental Stages of other Carangidae. The workshop also covers capture, handling, transportation, maturation, spawning, larval husbandry, nursery and Yellowfin Tuna, Thunnus growout techniques of a variety of marine fish species. Participants will learn about the research projects being conducted by the albacares IATTC with yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, including spawning and larval rearing. RSMAS - University of Miami is participating in innovative research at the Achotines Laboratory as part of a June 9-21, 2008 — Achotines Laboratory, collaborative agreement with the IATTC, and workshop attendees Republic of Panama will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing joint efforts to capture, transfer, and establish broodstock populations of Indo- The University Of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Pacific sailfish and wahoo. Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATCC) are organizing the 6th Annual Workshop The registration fee is $2000.00 and includes on “Physiology and Aquaculture of Pelagics with Emphasis on accommodations and three local style meals a day at the Reproduction and Early Developmental Stages of Yellowfin Achotines Laboratory and transportation while in Panama. Tuna.” Number of participants is limited to six. The organizers and The registration fee does not cover accommodations primary instructors are Dr. Daniel Benetti (RSMAS-UM), Dr. Daniel in Panama City. § Margulies (IATTC), and Mr. Vernon Scholey (IATTC). For more information, please contact: As in previous years, we anticipate the participation of researchers and professionals from several countries combining advanced Dr. Daniel Benetti technologies to improve methods for raising larval tuna and other MAF - RSMAS - University of Miami species of marine fish. Participants will be assisted by a qualified 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway technical staff and by graduate students from the University of Miami FL 33149 U.S.A. Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Tel: +1(305) 361-4889 Fax: +1(305) 361-4675 Email: [email protected] Great Lakes Ichthyoplankton 8th Larval Biology Symposium Identification Workshop 6-11 July 2008 — Lisbon, Portugal June 22, 2008 — F.T. Stone Laboratory, Ohio The 8th Larval Biology Symposium will be hosted by IPIMAR- Instituto Nacional de Recursos Biológicos and held on the John Hageman announces his annual Great Lakes campus of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. Ichthyoplankton Identification Workshop, offered by The Ohio State The conference aims to promote the exchange of information and University’s F.T. Stone Laboratory. The date this year is Sunday, enhance international research collaboration. The symposium June 22, 2008. programme will cover a wide range of research areas. Five The workshop uses preserved specimens along with Auer symposia were chosen to give a more comprehensive, rather than (1982) to familiarize students, agency folks, and private specialized approach. The conference organizers encourage the consultant employees with common Great Lakes ichthyoplankton. participation of students, as well as professional researchers from Europe and all over the world. For additional information or to enroll, individuals should go to stonelab.osu.edu to review the course syllabus and requirements The deadline for abstracts and registration is 30 March 2008. for college credit or non-credit workshop participation. § More information is availabile at: ipimar-iniap.ipimar.pt/larval §

Pacific Region...continued from p. 3 genus Macolor. Records of the Australian Leis, J.M. 2007. Behaviour as an input Museum 59:1-8. for modelling dispersal of fish larvae: Leis, J.M., K.J. Wright, and R.N. Johnson. THIS WILL BE YOUR behaviour, biogeography, hydrodynamics, 2007. Behaviour that influences dispersal LAST ISSUE OF STAGES... ontogeny, physiology and phylogeny meet and connectivity in the small, young larvae unless you’ve paid your 2008 dues. hydrography. Marine Ecology Progress of a reef fish. Marine Biology 153:103-117 Check the expiration date on the Series 347:185-193. DOI 10.1007/s00227-007-0794-x. mailing label of this issue. Leis, J.M. 2007. Larval development in the Murphy, B.F., J.M. Leis, and K.D. Kavanagh. lutjanid subfamily Lutjaninae (Pisces): the 2007. Larval development of the Ambon ...continued on p. 8 ELHS website: www.ncsu.edu/elhs 7 Stages

Publications Fishery Science to be Updated? Two Amazing Larval Fishes Fishery Science: The Unique Contributions of Early Life Stages, Jeff Leis has some great photos of unusual fish larvae on the edited by Lee Fuiman and Bob Werner, was published in 2002. Australian Museum website. One is a larval pelican flounder and It is now almost out of print and the publisher is interested in a the other is a cusk. View these terrific photos at: second edition. To begin planning, Lee would like suggestions from all researchers and educators who have read the book. How could www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/chascanopsetta.htm the volume be improved? What new topics could be added? Which www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/brotulotaenia.htm chapters were unnecessary or in need of improvement. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected]. § Freshwater Fishes of the Northeastern United States - A Field Other Recent Publications Guide. R.G. Werner. Published by Syracuse University Press. of Interest ISBN 0815630204. 2004. The Development of Form and Function in Fishes and the Question Early Development of Four Cyprinids Native to the Yangtze River, of Larval Adaptation. Edited by John Jeffrey Govoni. Published by China. Edited by D.C. Chapman. U.S. Geological Survey Data Se- the American Fisheries Society. ISBN 1-888569-58-1. 2004. ries 239. 2006. accessible online at pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/239 The Larvae of Indo-Pacific Coastal Fishes: An Identification Guide Recent Advances in the Study of Fish Eggs and Larvae. Edited by to Marine Fish Larvae. (2nd edition). J.M. Leis and B.M. Carson- M. Pilar Olivar and J. Jeffrey Govoni. Published in Scientia Marina, Ewart. Published by Brill Academic Publishers. ISBN 90-04- Volume 70S2 Supplement 2. ISSN: 0214-8358. 2006. 13650-9. 2004. Eggs and Larvae of North Sea Fishes. P. Munk and Jørgen G. The Big Fish Bang. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Larval Fish Nielsen. Published by Biofolia Press. ISBN 0849319161. 2005. Conference. Edited by Howard I. Browman and Anne Berit Skiftesvik. Published by the Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Early Stages of Atlantic Fishes: An Identification Guide for the Norway. ISBN 82-7461-059-8. 2004. Western Central North Atlantic. Edited by W.J. Richards. Published by CRC Press. ISBN 0849319161. 2005. Reproductive Biology and Early Life History of Fishes in the Ohio River Drainage: Ictaluridae - Catfish and Madtoms, Volume Developmental Biology of Teleost Fishes. Y.W. Kunz. Published by III. T.P. Simon and R. Wallus. Published by CRC Press. ISBN Springer Press. ISBN 1-4020-2996-9. 2004. 0849319196. 2003. Early Life History of Fishes in the San Francisco Estuary and Fishery Science: The Unique Contributions of Early Life Stages. Watershed. Edited by F. Feyrer, L.R. Brown, R.L. Brown, and Edited by Lee A. Fuiman and Robert G. Werner. Published by J.J. Orsi. Published by the American Fisheries Society. ISBN 1- Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0-632-05661-4. 2002. § 888569-59-X. 2004. Pacific Region...continued from p. 7 In a clear demonstration of space- continuing for a further 4 years as part of a damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) limited recruitment, larval fish biologist monitoring program for channel deepening with a summary of pomacentrid Amanda Hay (www.amonline.net. of Port Phillip Bay for commercial shipping. development. Journal of Fish Biology au/FISHES/about/research/hay1.htm) We will be conducting related research on phytoplankton and zooplankton production 71:569-584. settled into Tom’s vacated position at the to try and understand the causes for the Wright, K.J., D.M. Higgs, A.J. Belanger and Australian Museum. We welcome her success or otherwise of larval feeding and J.M. Leis (in press) Auditory and olfactory appointment to a permanent position survival. abilities of larvae of the Indo-Pacific coral after many years on soft money. trout Plectropomus leopardus (Pisces: Research is currently underway in the Serranidae) at settlement. Journal of Fish Gippsland lakes on eggs and larvae of black Biology. From: Gregory Jenkins, Marine bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri - Sparidae) and Freshwater Fisheries as part of an Australian Research Council Dispersal and settlement at the linkage grant to Jeremy Hindell (Arthur Australian Museum Research Institute, Victoria, Rhylah Institute), Greg Jenkins (MAFFRI), Tom Trnksi dispersed from the Steve Swearer (University of Melbourne), and Andrew Western (University of Australian Museum in May to settle Paul Hamer and Greg Jenkins of MAFFRI have completed 3 years of sampling for Melbourne). The black bream catch has in New Zealand as Curator of Marine snapper (Pagrus auratus - Sparidae) larvae declined dramatically in recent years, Biology at theAuckland Museum. His new in Port Phillip Bay. Results suggest that which has coincided with an extended e-mail is: ttrnski@aucklandmuseum. the high interannual variability in juvenile period of drought in Victoria. Research is com. Kelly Wright has reproduced recruitment of this important recreational/ aimed at understanding the relationship (daughter Grace) and finished her PhD commercial species is set at the early between freshwater flows and recruitment on the sensory abilities of fish larvae. first-feeding stage. This research is crucial of this important species. PhD students Kelly and husband Rich Piola have also because related research has shown that Joel Williams and Eleanor Gee have now dispersed across the Tasman Sea, but Port Phillip Bay is the primary, if not the undertaken a year of egg and larval sampling together with physical measurements. to Nelson, New Zealand. Her e-mail is only, spawning/nursery area for the species in central/western Victoria (the so called [email protected]. “western stock”), The sampling will be ...continued on p. 9 8 AFS - Early Life History Section February 2008

Opportunities Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Position A postdoctoral position is available to work on dispersal of larval Postdoctoral Positions groundfishes in the Eastern Bering Sea. The main responsibilities Individuals with interests in the early life history and habitat of the position are to characterize seasonal, vertical, and horizontal quality of estuarine and marine fishes are invited to apply for distributions of fish eggs and larvae from a series of research postdoctoral (1) or graduate student (1) positions. The research cruises in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and to relate patterns to will focus on fishes in the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine oceanographic forcing parameters. Results will be incorporated Research Reserve at Mullica River – Great Bay in southern New into a biophysical model of drift and transport. Opportunities for Jersey and the adjacent ocean. It is anticipated that these activities retrospective analyses of historical ichthyoplankton data are also will emphasize either 1) habitat use dynamics through ultrasonic available. Field work aboard oceanographic vessels in the Bering tracking of fishes, 2) examination of larval supply through continued Sea is required. The post-doctoral position will be held through the sampling and analysis of long-term databases, or 3) evaluation University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Science, of the impacts of wind energy development on continental shelf and the postdoc will be based at the adjacent NOAA/Alaska fishes. As part of the postdoc’s responsibilities, he/she will assist Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA, USA. the Director in Marine Field Station related activities. Ability to work with a team of faculty, graduate students, undergraduate summer A more detailed description of the position is posted on the interns, and staff is an important qualification for both positions. ELHS website (www.ncsu.edu/elhs). For more information, please The postdoc position is for one year beginning in 2008 and may contact: be extended for an additional year(s). All post-doc applicants must Dr. Janet Duffy-Anderson have successfully completed all requirements for a Ph.D. degree. NOAA/NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center For information concerning these positions, please check out the RACE Division, Bldg 4 following web pages: 7600 Sand Point Way, NE Marine Field Station: marine.rutgers.edu/rumfs Seattle, WA 98115-0070 USA Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences: marine.rutgers.edu Phone: 206-526-6465 Fax: 206-526-6723 Fish tracking project: stripertracker.org E-mail: [email protected] or contact: Assistant Professor Position Dr. Kenneth W. Able, Director The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Marine Field Station Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Department of Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University are seeking a Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Fisheries Oceanographer to join an existing faculty of 40, spanning 800 c/o 132 Great Bay Blvd biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. This Tuckerton, NJ 08087-2004 is a state-funded, tenure-track position in the Department of Marine Phone: (609) 296-5260, Ext. 230 Fax: (609) 296-1024 and Coastal Sciences and carries full faculty benefits. Salary level email: [email protected] will be commensurate with experience. Pacific Region...continued from p. 8 A more detailed description of the position is posted on the of Tokyo in 2007 Egg and larval sampling has also ELHS website (www.ncsu.edu/elhs). For more information, please and into 2008. The recently been initiated by Greg Jenkins, contact: results of a survey for Paul Hamer, and Silvana Acevedo of anguillid leptocephali Dr. Ken Able, Chair, MAFFRI off the Wonthaggi area of off west Sumatra Fisheries Oceanography Search Committee central Victoria as part of monitoring for were published Rutgers University Marine Field Station a proposed desalination plant. The area that described 800 c/o 132 Great Bay Blvd is near the entrance to Western Port Bay the distribution Tuckerton, New Jersey 08087 and is hydrodynamically complex. Dr Kerry of leptocephali e-mail: [email protected] Black of ASR NZ is concurrently collecting in relation to detailed oceanographic measurements to some species of marine eels, but that other oceanographic conditions (Aoyama et underpin a hydrodynamic/dispersal model more tropical species may have more al. 2007) and the age and growth of for the area. The project will represent the prolonged spawning seasons (Minagawa et the Anguilla bicolor bicolor leptocephali most temporally comprehensive sampling al. 2007). Analyses of the otolith increments that were collected (Kuroki et al. 2007). for fish eggs and larvae in coastal Victoria of Kaupichthys leptocephali of the family Molecular genetic sequences were used to date. Chlopsidae collected during a sampling to show that the leptocephali of Conger survey around Sulawesi Island of Indonesia myriaster change from having little or no suggested that these tiny marine eels From Michael Miller, Ocean lateral pigment at smaller sizes, to having spawn during full moon periods based on Research Institute, University of one row of lateral pigment when they the five larval age groups that were found recruit to coastal waters, which means Tokyo (Lee et al. 2008). Manuscripts in press or that pigmentation alone can not be used ongoing studies on leptocephali in 2008 A variety of studies on the leptocephalus to identify the larvae of this species (Ma et include distribution and species composition larvae of freshwater and marine eels in the al. 2007). Collections of leptocephali in the studies in the Kuroshio Extension region Indo-Pacific have been ongoing in Prof. East China Sea and along coastal Japan and the Indian Ocean, large-size Ariosoma Katsumi Tsukamoto’s laboratory at the during fall and spring indicated that there leptocephali in the North Equatorial Current, Ocean Research Institute of the University appears to be seasonality of spawning of ...continued on p. 10

ELHS website: www.ncsu.edu/elhs 9 Stages

North Central Region...cont’d from p. 2 For example, river flow delivers terrestrial Northeast Region...continued from p. 3 will include the use of fisheries techniques carbon from the watershed into rivers and the confines of the swim bladder, mature to capture adult, juvenile, and larval pallid coastal embayments, potentially providing A. crassus feed on the infected eel’s blood sturgeon. Additionally, we will be able to energy to the food web. Similarly, seiches supply and deposit eggs, which are rapidly describe entire fish community in this reach regularly deliver Great Lakes water into flushed back into the estuarine environment. of the Niobrara River. Methods include coastal ecosystems and presumably Acquisition of A. crassus during the first drifting trammel nets that will target fish (≥8 phytoplankton, potentially providing another year of life has been implicated in the rapid inches, electrofishing and seining that will energy source. spread of the parasite throughout Europe target small-bodied fishes (<12 inches), and The study began in 2007 with weekly and shown to induce severe damage to drift nets that will capture drifting juvenile sampling of fish larvae in the St. Louis swim bladder tissue which may compromise fish, larval fish, and eggs. Sampling will be River system, a multi-watershed wetland– the migration of older individuals to the from April to September in 2008 and 2009. river system in the southwest corner of spawning grounds. As part of our current Analyses will include seasonal and Lake Superior, including the St. Louis River effort, a sub-sample of eels < 200 mm TL spatial relative abundance, size structure mainstem (MN), the Pokegama River and from the Mullica River – Great Bay / Great characteristics of the entire fish community, Pokegama Bay (WI), and the Nemadji River Egg Harbor estuaries were analyzed for the and describe habitat use of fishes in the and Allouez Bay (WI). Sampling took place presence of A. crassus. These preliminary Niobrara River. This research will be from late April through early July. The study results indicate a higher infection rate (~50 - critical baseline data for river management will continue in 2008 with weekly sampling 80%) than previously reported. Surprisingly, decisions involving instream flows, fish in the Amnicon River (WI) and East and individuals <80 mm TL were infected, bypass structures, and dam removal West Fish Creeks (WI), both of which flow suggesting eels may acquire the parasite projects. into Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay. during the first year of estuarine residency as glass eels or pigmented elvers. Given this high prevalence of A. crassus in early From: Joel Hoffman, U.S. From: Mike Wilson, Illinois stage individuals, the potential negative Environmental Protection Natural History Survey, impact of infection on American eel biology Agency’s Mid-Continent Champaign, Illinois is a cause for concern. Ecology Research Division, Microhabitat and fish species Duluth, MN associations among juvenile Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) in the Joel Hoffman, a post-doctoral research Illinois River. associate is leading a 2-year research program to study food-web dynamics I am looking at dominant associations of fish larvae in Lake Superior south between habitat and the presence of shore coastal tributaries. The research juvenile Asian carps in the LaGrange group will be using both stable isotopes Reach of the Illinois River. If such and fatty-acid biomarkers in fish larvae associations can be determined, it is my hope that the information can be used by to develop conceptual and quantitative (A) An American eel elver. (B) An adult A. models describing the flow of materials and researchers and fisheries managers and crassus in situ (white arrow). (C) A. crassus nutrients from the land to fish that grow in incorporated into their control efforts for the receiving water bodies. Due to their these species throughout the region. § dissected from a single eel host. relatively fast response to environmental Portions of this work formed the backbone conditions (i.e. days to weeks), fish larvae Pacific Region...continued from p. 10 for program distinction projects by Stockton could be used to test differences with respect a study of the age and growth of anguillid College undergraduates Marcy Howland to landscape character, time, or hydrology. leptocephali in the western South Pacific, and Thomas Andersen, the results of which As indicators, fish larvae could provide molecular genetic studies of cryptic taxa of were presented at the 2nd International information on contributing sources (e.g. Anguilla and the congrid genus Uroconger Symposium on Diadromous Fishes in specific biomarkers reflect anthropogenic (Ma et al. In press), and the species Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and the 19th or terrestrial origins) and demonstrate composition of leptocephali of the family Estuarine Research Federation Conference population-level responses (e.g. nutritional Serrivomeridae in the Indo-Pacific. Some in Providence, Rhode Island. Identifying status of early life stages). copies of the Miller and Tsukamoto (2004) the consequences of this parasite in New book about leptocephali are still available, Jersey estuaries is a critical next step The goal of the research is to advance so if ELHS members would like a copy, our understanding of connections between toward understanding linkages with possible contact Mike Miller ([email protected]. declines in the adult stock and the topic coastal ecosystems and aquatic food webs ac.jp). in coastal ecosystems. This is critical to of upcoming Sea Grant funded work. § Aoyama J., S. Wouthuyzen, M.J. Miller, Y. Great Lakes ecosystem restoration and the eastern Indian Ocean. Journal of Fish Minegishi, G. Minagawa, M. Kuroki, S.R. necessary for successful ecosystem-based Biology 70:538–550. Suharti, T. Kawakami, K.O. Sumardiharga, management. Indeed, an important aim Lee, T.W., M.J. Miller, H.B. Hwang, and K. Tsukamoto. 2007. Distribution of of the study is to develop a conceptual S. Wouthuyzen, and K. Tsukamoto. leptocephali of the freshwater eels, genus framework for understanding coastal food 2008. Distribution and early life history Anguilla, in the waters off west Sumatra in webs within the context of the land–coast of Kaupichthys leptocephali (family the Indian Ocean. Environmental Biology interface, across wetland type, landscape Chlopsidae) in the central Indonesian of Fishes 80:445-452. character, and time. The framework will Seas. Marine Biology 153:285-295. Kuroki, M., J. Aoyama, S. Wouthuyzen, link energy flow through ecosystems to Ma, T., M.J. Miller, J. Aoyama, and K. K. Sumardiharga, M.J. Miller, and K. production of higher trophic levels. Tsukamoto. 2007. Genetic identification Tsukamoto. 2007. Age and growth of of Conger myriaster leptocephali in the Anguilla bicolor bicolor leptocephali in ...continued on p. 11 10 AFS - Early Life History Section February 2008

President’s Message...cont’d from p. 1 have led to their divergences or convergen- contacting current and past Affiliates via Peck) hopes to illuminate the patterns ces. A second theme will focus on how we email to remind and encourage them to in, and physical processes responsible go about our business of classifying organ- renew. Thanks Denice. If you have not for, variations in population abundances isms (i.e., taxonomy and systematics) by renewed yet you have three options: of fishes and invertebrates. These are juxtaposing studies conducted on these two 1) Join or renew as a full Early Life History ongoing challenges for all of us who study diverse and important taxa. Section member and member of the population dynamics. A theme that represents recent trends American Fisheries Society (AFS) via Stottrup and Trippel are organizing towards cross-disciplinary studies – specifi- the AFS web site (www.fisheries.org/afs/ a session on ‘Aquaculture and stock cally, ‘Developmental fish physiology’ – will membership.html) – don’t forget to join our enhancement of early life stages.’ Bravo! be hosted by Hunt von Herbing. She and Early Life History Section as part of your Many of our Section members use colleagues will discuss ways that a wide AFS registration. experimental methodologies that either range of disciplines and data types might focus on or require the rearing of early 2) Join or renew as an Affiliate member be used to better understand the ‘how’s’ life stages of fishes in their studies. As of the Early Life History Section via the and ‘why’s’ of the characteristically high such, we recognize the benefits of sharing Larval Fish Conference website (www. mortality in larval fishes. experiences, methods, and results, whether larvalfishcon.org/join_elhs.asp). the primary target audience of our work is Lastly, Ueberschaer and Froese are 3) Join or renew as an Affiliate member of other scientists and academicians or those organizing a theme session on ‘Databases the Early Life History Section by sending a who apply and implement our results for and tools on early life stages.’ This theme check for US$15 to our Section Treasurer, enhancing fish stocks or for commercial is of importance to all of us who study the Betsy Laban (see address on page 12). aquaculture. early life stages of fishes and wish to put There will be two sessions that explicitly our work in context (does that leave anyone Whichever membership option you consider biological similarities and differ- out?). Beyond providing overviews of choose, please join and do so early in ences among fishes and cephalopods, and known databases, and calling for papers on the calendar year so that you can receive in the ways that we study them. Piatkowski new ones, this theme session’s organizers STAGES (all members) and our next officer and Geffen will host a session on ‘Early life hope to elicit papers that provide examples ballot (full members only) – next topic. history strategies’ of these taxa. I for one of implementation of these data stores, and Lastly, if you are a full Section member you appreciate the value of inferences by anal- identify key gaps in our knowledge base on have voting rights for our Section’s elected ogy that can occur when we systematically early life stages. officers. You will be receiving a ballot shortly contrast two taxonomic groups in how they To sum up, I see a lot to like in our trip for Secretary-Elect and President-Elect. make a living, and in the factors that may to Kiel this August. Thanks in advance to The winners of these elections will assume their roles on the Executive Committee at Pacific Region...continued from p. 11 Catriona et al. for making this possible! our 2008 LFC in Kiel. They will then ascend Regarding future LFCs, I will briefly East China Sea region. Fisheries Science to their duties as Secretary and President, note that in 2009 our Section and the 73: 989–994. respectively, at our 2010 LFC. For those LFC is planning on participating with the Ma, T., M.J. Miller, J. Aoyama, G. Minagawa, who would like to serve our Section in the Joint Meeting of the American Society J.G. Inoue, S. Watanabe, K. Tsukamoto. capacity of an appointed position or be of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in In press. Evidence of genetic differentia- considered as an elected officer, please Portland, Oregon (22-27 July 2009). In the tion in the genus Uroconger (Congridae) contact me. If you are questioning whether years to follow we are hoping to finalize in the Indo-Pacific. Aquatic Biology. or not you are qualified and needed, let me offers to meet in Miami, Florida in 2010 Miller, M.J., and K. Tsukamoto. 2004. An answer that with an immediate and strong and Santa Barbara, California in 2011. The introduction to leptocephali: Biology and affirmative to both questions. We need Section has approved the offer to meet in identification. Ocean Research Institute, you! To see our list of positions and their Bergen, Norway in 2012. University of Tokyo, 96 pages. responsibilities, see our Sections bylaws Minagawa G., M.J. Miller, Y. Kimura, S. Since my last communication, in which and rules at the Section website (www. Watanabe, A. Shinoda, J. Aoyama, and K. I encouraged Section members to renew ncsu.edu/elhs/history.html). Tsukamoto. 2007. Seasonal differences in their memberships, we have had a healthy In closing, peace everyone. You will hear catches of leptocephali in the East China increase in renewals, especially among from me again in our June issue of STAGES. § Sea and Suruga Bay, Japan. Estuarine, Affiliate members. This was due in part Coastal and Shelf Science 71:730-740. § to our Section Secretary, Denice Drass, — R. Christopher Chambers Editor’s Ramblings Feast or Famine From my point of view, this issue of STAGES is a terrific one. Why would I say that? The answer is simple: content, and lots of it. It would be a Hurculean task for a single person to hold down a full-time job and to publish a a 12-page newsletter three times per year. But, our Section figured it out long ago. We divide the work among many dedicated people. For each issue, I call on the help of six Regional Representatives and the Section President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The representatives canvass their regions for material of interest to our readers. The President provides a thoughtful message, and the Secretary and Treasurer are critical to the final production and distribution. Even with all this help, we would not be able to fill an issue such as this one without contributions from you, our readers. This issue is so filled with information that I had to reduce the size of the print in order to fit everything in. That is just wonderful, and a change from the content famine we occasionally face. Many thanks to the entire production team and to those of you who responded when your Regional Representative asked for input. § ELHS website: www.ncsu.edu/elhs 11 12 Stages

Newsletter Production Team Join ELHS Stages is published in February, June, and October each year. It is assembled Membership in ELHS is open to all persons or by the Newsletter Editor with contributions from several Regional Representatives organizations interested in furthering ELHS objec- and other individuals. Please send any articles, announcements, or information of tives, regardless of membership in the American interest to Early Life History Section members or affiliates to your local Regional Fisheries Society (AFS). If you are an AFS mem- Representative or to the Editor. ber, simply add ELHS membership when you pay Newsletter Editor Western Region your Society dues. Lee A. Fuiman Daniel Margulies Affiliate membership is open to persons or or- Marine Science Institute Inter-American Tropical Tuna ganizations who are not members of AFS. Affiliate University of Texas at Austin Commission members are encouraged to participate in Section [email protected] [email protected] meetings, committee work, and other activities, but they cannot vote on official Section matters, Northeast Region Pacific Rim Region run for or hold an elected office, or chair standing Mark J. Wuenschel Iain Suthers committees. All members receive STAGES. NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center School of Biological, Earth, & To become an affiliate member, go to https:// Woods Hole Laboratory Environmental Sciences [email protected] University of New South Wales www.larvalfishcon.org/ELHSAffiliate/affiliate- [email protected] triage.asp or mail your name, institutional affili- ation (if appropriate), mailing address, telephone Southeast Region European Region and fax numbers, e-mail address, and dues (US Claire Paris Audrey Geffen $15 per year) for the current and/or upcoming Rosenstiel School for Marine and Department of Biology year(s) to the ELHS Treasurer (see page 2). Atmospheric Science University of Bergen University of Miami [email protected] Please specify the membership year(s) for which you are paying dues. Make checks or mon- [email protected] ey orders payable to “AFS-ELHS.” North Central Region Remember to check the mailing label for your James E. Garvey membership expiration date and renew, if Fisheries & Illinois Aquaculture Cntr. necessary. Southern Illinois University [email protected]

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