True Fish Stories: Understanding Anglers and Fish Harvest on Oneida Lake

Oneida Lake is the 3rd-most fished lake in New York State, making anglers an important part of the Oneida Lake ecosystem both biologically (through harvest) and economically (through expenditures associated with fishing). As such anglers have an important role in influencing management decisions regarding this valuable resource.

The intern on this project will collect and analyze information from the human-component of the Oneida Lake ecosystem through interviews of anglers at boat launches upon completion of their fishing trip. Additionally, the intern will contribute to education and extension about Oneida Lake. With guidance from mentors at the Cornell Biological Field Station and Madison County CCE, the student will develop their own research question or extension materials in conjunction with the survey. 

These data will provide catch and harvest rates that are used to estimate angler success as well as fishing mortality for various species and provide insights into angler opinions/attitudes on various fishing- related topics. Collaboration with CCE Madison Environment & Nature Program will help educate community members about their role in aquatic ecosystems.

Roles and responsibilities 

The intern will interview anglers at boat launches located on Oneida Lake to collect data on the fish they caught, the fish they wanted to catch, and their opinions on topics related to Oneida Lake’s fishery. Interviews will take place 4 days per week; 2 randomly-selected weekdays and both weekend days, from June 1 through July 31. 

Outside of the interview schedule, the data will be entered into an Excel worksheet for analysis and the intern will work with their mentors on a research or extension project. On interview days, the intern will conduct interviews during a morning or afternoon time slot for 6 hours, with 1 hour before and 1 hour after for travel time and equipment preparation. The intern will use a provided vehicle to travel to and from boat launches and will need a valid drivers license. 

The intern’s primary responsibilities are to demonstrate politeness and patience when talking with anglers, to arrive at destinations on time, to fill out each interview form completely, and to enter data carefully; but they will also be encouraged to take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided through the Cornell Biological Field Station summer internship program.
 

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• Preferred but not required: biology or environmental science coursework
• Interest in science communication and fisheries field/lab experience
• The selected intern will be required to drive on behalf of the summer project and must have reliable transportation

Learning outcomes  

• Learn how and why to conduct creel surveys of anglers
• Create (with guidance) a research or extension project related to the human component of the Oneida Lake ecosystem
• Improve communication skills both one-on-one with interviewees as well as through developing and communicating the results of their research or extension project
• Learn about the fisheries, human communities, and ecology of lake ecosystems