So Why Should a Fish Biologist Want to Play in the Dirt?

In general, reservoir biologists are trained to focus their management efforts on the sport fish community; stock assessments, regulations, angling and boater access.  But there is a growing realization that as reservoirs age their capacity to support once popular recreational fish communities begins to diminish, often in relation to habitat changes.  The ability to address or reverse aging effects and increase fish habitat features can help biologists restore quality habitat and subsequently fishing opportunities.  Learning to “play in the dirt” can be an especially effective tool when managing aging reservoirs.