What is the American Fisheries Society? The American Fisheries Society (AFS), founded in 1870, is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists. AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public. It also encourages a comprehensive education for fisheries scientists and continuing on-the-job training. The AFS publishes some of the world’s leading fisheries research journals: the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society; North American Journal of Fisheries Management; North American Journal of Aquaculture, Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, and Fisheries. The AFS organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed. In addition to these primary functions, the Society has many other programs in areas such as professional certification, international affairs, public affairs, and public information. AFS Mission Statement The mission of the American Fisheries Society is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. The Alaska Chapter of AFS The Alaska Chapter is the local organization in Alaska for the American Fisheries Society. Major activities include our annual meeting, consisting of technical paper presentations, special guest lecturers, and continuing education courses for fisheries professionals. Through resolutions and letters to policy makers, the AK Chapter has supported continued conservation and stewardship of Alaska’s fisheries. Visit the Alaska Chapter AFS Website at http://www.fisheries.org/afs-ak/ Cover Art: Halibut by Bruce Nelson Artist Biographical Sketch: Bruce Nelson has been using his paintbrush to reflect the world around him since he was 8 years old. He spent a year studying in Europe, and in 1980 on a summer vacation while in college he came to Alaska for a commercial fishing job and never left. From deck hand to skipper Bruce fished on many different boats and different fisheries throughout the state. This work exposed him to much of remote Alaska and gave him time to observe and paint coastal landscapes and wildlife. Bruce has over 50 prints and posters to his credit. Some of Nelson's works include three local Kodiak crab festival posters, 1996 Alaska state medallion, 2001 Indiana state trout stamp, works for Ducks Unlimited, Alaska Outdoor Council and was awarded a grant for the only scientific illustrations of a complete set of Gray whale bones. His paintings have been purchased by Alaska museums, NOAA/NMFS, ADF&G, and art collectors. Nelson works out of his studio on Kodiak Island. His artwork can be seen and purchased at Northern Exposure Gallery in Kodiak and Fishermen's Eye Graphics in Sitka. 1 A special thanks to those individuals who offered their knowledge, time, and expertise in planning and organizing the 2012 Chapter meeting together Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Alaska Chapter Executive Committee Audra Brase, Past President Trent Sutton, President Mark Wipfli, President Elect Philip Loring, Vice President Nicky Szarzi, Secretary Lee Ann Gardner, Treasurer Thomas Farrugia, Student Unit President Program Committee Mark Wipfli, University of Alaska Fairbanks Gordon Kruse, University of Alaska Fairbanks Courtney Carothers, University of Alaska Fairbanks Thomas Farrugia, University of Alaska Fairbanks Local Arrangements Committee Mary Beth Loewen, Alaska Dept of Fish and Game Julie Matweyou, University of Alaska Fairbanks Tina Fairbanks, Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association Nathaniel Nichols, Alaska Dept of Fish and Game Mark Witteveen, Alaska Dept of Fish and Game Kevin Brennan, Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association Mark Wipfli, University of Alaska Fairbanks Lee Ann Gardner, RWJ Consulting AK-AFS Student Subunits (UAF, UAA, UAS) Meeting Sponsors ABR, Inc. – Environmental Research & Services Alaska Airlines Alaska Department of Fish and Game Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association BP Alaska, Inc. Era Aviation (official airline of the Kodiak AFS conference) LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc. R2 Resource Consultants, Inc. Sealaska Corporation 2 Cover Art Donation Bruce Nelson, Kodiak Island artist Public Outreach, Kodiak Island Julie Matweyou, University of Alaska Fairbanks Registration Lee Ann Gardner, RWJ Consulting Patricia DeMontfort, Delicate Balance AK-AFS Student Subunits (UAF, UAA, UAS) Audio/Visual Support AK-AFS Student Subunits (UAF, UAA, UAS) Tuesday Reception Social Hosts Quentin Fong and staff – Food preparation, University of Alaska Fairbanks Staff – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Webmaster Audra Brase, Alaska Department of Fish and Game List-Serve Manager Hamachan Hamazaki, Alaska Department of Fish and Game King Crab Shirt Design Lisa Stuby, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Plenary Speakers Dr. Frank Asche Department of Industrial Economics University of Stavanger, Norway Dr. Franz Mueter School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks Patrick Saltonstall Alutiiq Museum, Kodiak 3 Session Chairs and Co-Chairs Jeff Adams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Milo Adkison, University of Alaska Fairbanks Anne Beaudreau, University of Alaska Fairbanks Andrea Bersamin, University of Alaska Fairbanks Allison Bidlack, University of Alaska Southeast Randy Brown, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Courtney Carothers, University of Alaska Fairbanks Ben Daly, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Jeff Falke, University of Alaska Fairbanks Thomas Farrugia, University of Alaska Fairbanks Robert Foy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hal Geiger, St. Hubert Research Group Steve Heinl, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gordon Kruse, University of Alaska Fairbanks Bert Lewis, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Philip Loring, University of Alaska Fairbanks Aaron Martin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sue Mauger, Cook Inletkeeper Jason McFarland, University of Alaska Fairbanks Julie Nielsen, University of Alaska Fairbanks Alexandra Oliveira, University of Alaska Fairbanks Ted Otis, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Ray RaLonde, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cecil Rich, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Erik Schoen, University of Washington Andy Seitz, University of Alaska Fairbanks Dan Urban, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Vanessa von Biela, U.S. Geological Survey Matthew Whitman, Bureau of Land Management Mark Wipfli, University of Alaska Fairbanks Chris Zimmerman, U.S. Geological Survey Continuing Education Coordinator Tammy Hoem Neher, University of Alaska Fairbanks Continuing Education Instructors Introduction to Scientific Sampling and Scientific Writing with Statistics Instructor Hal Geiger, St. Hubert Research Group - Hands-on DIDSON Sonar Instructor Mary Beth Loewen, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Instructor Carl Pfisterer, Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Aircraft Survival Training Instructor Chief Charley Fowler (AST), U.S. Coast Guard 4 Poster Session Organizers Natura Richardson, University of Alaska Fairbanks Thomas Farrugia, University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Presentation Judging Coordinator Theresa Tanner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Banquet Entertainment Jim Brashear, “The Fisheries Influence” presentation White Twang, music Banquet Auction Michael Bach, auctioneer A Special THANKS to Institutions, Organizations, and Individuals that Donated Live and Silent Auction Items and Made Other Financial Contributions to the Meeting 5 Page intentionally left blank 6 Table of Contents page Plenary Speaker Biographies…….…………………………………………………………………………………...... 9 At-a-Glance Schedule………………………………………………………………………………………………..........12 City Map........................................................................................................................................................................13 Convention Center Map.........................................................................................................................................14 Banquet Program .....................................................................................................................................................15 2012 Alaska Chapter AFS Conference Schedule .........................................................................................16 Sunday 21st ...........................................................................................................................................................16 Shelikof Social Monday 22nd .........................................................................................................................................................16 Continuing Education Kodiak Island Brewery Social Tuesday 23rd ........................................................................................................................................................16 Continuing Education Tours Welcome Reception @ Kodiak Marine and Science Center/NOAA Wednesday 24th ..................................................................................................................................................17 Sessions Plenary Marine Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainable Fisheries Recent Advances in Marine Biology Elasmobranchs in Alaska Marketing Sustainability of Alaskan Salmon Fisheries Ensuring Subsistence Through Partnerships Hatchery Programs in Alaska: Reviewing the Old, Evaluating the New Water Temperatures in Alaska Freshwater Habitats Business Meeting Poster