Native Fish Committee

Chairpersons

Cathy Gidley
Phone: 208-610-6139
Email: cathy.gidley@idfg.idaho.gov

Corie Laude
Phone: 208-255-8567
Email: corie.laude@idfg.idaho.gov

Overview

The Native Fish Committee is comprised of a diverse group of fisheries scientists representing many different federal, state, and tribal agencies and private enterprises. The committee has focused on educational outreach from the class room to an annual foray to explore native fish assemblages or species in their natural environment. Periodically the committee finds itself representing a native species at risk and writing letters of support for conservation actions or a position statement on behalf of native fish and the chapter. The committee recognizes the issues and problems confronting Idaho’s native fish from anthropogenic impacts to natural or succession changes and the impacts of non-native species. Regardless of the species stature regarding sport and non-sport fish all are important components to a fish assemblage and ecosystem. Annually recognition is given with the R. L. Wallace Award to an individual or individuals that have made an exemplary effort or efforts on behalf of an Idaho native fish or fishes.

Mission

The Mission of the Native Fish Committee is to promote the conservation of Idaho’s native fish through education and outreach activities, public recognition of outstanding work towards native fish conservation; and to serve as an outlet for the discussion and dissemination of information pertinent to Idaho’s native fish.

Goals

The Native Fish Committee will seek to achieve the mission through these goals:

Goal 1: Educate biologists, chapter members, and other interested parties on the biology, habitat requirements, status, and threats/impacts to Idaho’s native fish.
Goal 2: Publicly acknowledge individuals or groups who have made noteworthy contributions to the conservation of Idaho’s native fish.
Goal 3: Provide technical assistance to the chapter on issues involving native fish.

Recent Accomplishments

Presented Ned Horner of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (retired) with the 2008 R. L. Wallace Native Fish Conservation Award for his contributions over his career.
Progress continues with assistance to publication of Fishes of Idaho.

2009 Program of Work

The committee will seek to accomplish the goals through the following program of work:

Hold a leatherside chub workshop in 2009. This workshop will involve sampling to describe the distribution and abundance of this species. This workshop will be held in September (specific date to be determined) in the Goose River and Raft River drainages
Work to complete the book Native Fishes of Idaho
Modify the criteria for the Native Fish Award
Support the 2010 annual meeting and the focus on native fish
Pursue a workshop at the 2010 annual meeting on native fish identification