Topic

Aquatic ecologists and fisheries biologists have long recognized that many ecological processes and conservation problems require broad and synthetic approaches.  The “scape” perspective is a point-of-view that combines a broader scale, an integrative context, and specific types of analyses. “Scapes”’ecology has applications to research and management across ecosystems and is equally relevant to riverscapes, seascapes, and lakescapes. The “scape” perspective looks at aquatic ecosystems as interrelated components (patches/habitats/sites) that are connected and/or fragmented in a variety of ways.  Reviewing similarities in “scape” problems and approaches across ecosystems can identify opportunities, challenges, and an agenda of relevant future research that will benefit fish ecology and fisheries conservation.

Objectives

Talks in this interdisciplinary and across-ecosystem symposium will (1) explore how to conceptualize fish and fisheries problems from the “scape” perspective, (2) map and interpret aquatic landscapes in a larger ecological and conservation context, (3) take landscape and other quantitative metrics to the water, then, (4) based on insights from these larger perspectives and specific examples, synthesize challenges, opportunities, and future directions.

Value

We have reached out to a broad array of student/nonstudent presenters across ecosystems and disciplines. By combining broader perspectives, examples from three different ecosystems, and a panel discussion of problems and opportunities, this symposium will have the potential to advance research and improve conservation for a range of fish species.  We plan to introduce a diverse mix of participants from research and conservation backgrounds working within stream, lake, and ocean ecosystems which will make for engaging discussion and wonderful social interaction throughout the conference.