Give a Fish Its Due: Nongame Native Fish of the Western United States Part 1

The Nongame Native Fish of the Western United States Symposium will feature the unsung heroes of the fisheries world, the species often relegated to the “misc.” or “general notes” columns of our datasheets.  They are not a priority of most research project sponsors and, as a result, less studied by researchers, unless the species is federally listed.  They are also less valued by society, so infrequently directly managed by agencies.  However, these species have unique traits and play important roles in aquatic ecosystems.  The goal of this symposium is to provide information to help increase understanding of the biology and ecological role of featured nongame native fish of the Western United States and some associated conservation actions.  Presentations will focus on unique and special nongame native fish species in the desert Southwest, Colorado River, Utah, Idaho. Oregon, and Washington. In addition, the conservation actions of the Desert Fishes Council, Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS), and Western Division of the AFS will be featured.