3rd Annual Western Division Student Colloquium

The Palouse Unit of the AFS (PUAFS) hosted the 3^rd Annual Western Division of the American Fisheries Society (WDAFS) Student Colloquium, in Moscow, Idaho, from 14-16 October 2010.  This event was open to all Western Division AFS student members.  Thirty-six students from Montana State University, University of Idaho, Washington State University, Colorado State University, Idaho State University, and University of Montana attended.  The objectives of the WDAFS Student Colloquium were to provide a forum for students to exchange technical and scientific policy information, promote understanding of the nature and extent of aquatic and fishery science, to facilitate timely exchange of information among chapters and student sub-units, and provide a friendly and supportive forum for student members of American Fisheries Society.  Participating students accomplished these goals through networking socials, a cultural field trip, and presentations of student research.

Eleven students, two of whom were undergraduates, gave oral presentations of the research they have conducted throughout the Western region.  These presentations provided an important opportunity for students to gain experience preparing and presenting communications to an audience of their peers.  This experience was especially helpful for those unable to attend and present at other meetings.

Participating students arrived on Thursday, 14 October, and met other participants at the welcoming networking social.  Friday, 15 October, was reserved for students to experience a full day jet boat tour of Hell’s Canyon.  On the last day of the colloquium, 16 October, students presented their research, toured the University of Idaho’s aquaculture facilities, attended the business luncheon where it was decided that University of Montana will host next year's colloquium, and relaxed at a farewell social hosted by EcoAnalysts, Inc.  PUAFS wants to thank the many supporters of the student colloquium: Idaho Chapter AFS, WDAFS, Education Section of AFS, EcoAnalysts, Inc., and US Geological Survey Cooperative Research Program.