The New York Chapter and Northeastern Division of the American Fisheries Society annual meeting was held in Saratoga, New York, from February 4-6. Seven Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) representatives attended, including Tom Brooking (Research Support Specialist), Jim Watkins (Associate Director), Sam LaSalle (Technician), Mete Rice (Technician), Angelica Melero (CBFS Intern), Elizabeth Guzman (CBFS Intern), and future CBFS director Olaf Jensen.
Jim Watkins filled in for Robert Dickie and presented a poster on round goby reproduction following estuarine salinity exposure. Sam LaSalle presented a poster on her work analyzing the return of Hexagenia to Oneida Lake. Mete Rice presented his research on Age - 0 walleye and yellow perch growth in Oneida Lake. Elizabeth Guzman and Angelica Melero, both CBFS interns this past summer, conducted research on round goby in Oneida Lake and other Central New York lakes. They presented posters on round goby densities among invaded lakes and round goby behavioral dynamics across invasion stages. Future CBFS director Olaf Jensen traveled from Wisconsin to attend the conference and present his work on the impact of forward-facing sonar on angler catch rates.
All CBFS attendees delivered outstanding presentations highlighting their unique, knowledge-advancing research. Elizabeth Guzman was presented with the student Klumb-Spindler travel award, which covered her hotel and registration at the conference.
The exchange of knowledge extended beyond formal sessions, as many took part in fisheries-focused conversations during coffee breaks, social hours, and dinners. This meeting was a valuable opportunity to showcase current CBFS research, strengthen professional connections, and engage in fish-filled conversations.
