Habitat Conservation Across Boundaries and Disciplines

The aquatic systems that sustain our fisheries are connected with terrestrial and atmospheric systems. Successful management must be based on knowledge that spans those ecosystem components. Whether working inland, offshore, or near the coastal fringe, it is both sensible and imperative that we each consider the full mix of science/management/policy/education. By definition, we owe it to ourselves, the fish, and those who depend on fish to be familiar with the professional disciplines that relate to fisheries. 

Habitats are a unifying theme in our effort to be sustainable. Whether in a freshwater or marine system, the continuum of fish habitats serves to connect us all. Actions everywhere can wield impacts downhill, downstream, or downwind. Decisions that change flow patterns or fish distribution have intended and unintended ramifications elsewhere. Actions that change river hydrology will affect the health of freshwater populations, which in turn will affect estuarine health and eventually factor into food web dynamics in offshore waters.