CB: Fish and water have been focal points in my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up on the American River, summering in Santa Cruz, and generally being inclined to adventure all helped to fuel my ever-growing love of the natural world. This love of nature, especially fish, was fostered by my dad, a passionate angler and fellow outdoorsman. He curated memorable experiences that exposed me to what amazingness was just outside our front door. One of my favorite memories is heading out to the American River while the salmon were spawning and spending time trying to wrap my head around their massive journey and perplexing lifecycle.
My connection to the natural world coupled with my interest in science molded me into the biologist I eventually became. As I grew up, the intrinsic value of California’s resources became clearer and clearer through both my experiences and education and the more and more I felt pulled to protect them. I also became an enthusiastic angler which pushed me in the more fish-focused direction. I initially decided to pursue a career with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife working with trout. After that I explored consulting and then ultimately landed at CalTrout where I believe I can make the biggest, most effective impact for fish as well as make genuine lasting relationships with like-minded people.
CB: As an angler, fisheries biologist, and Santa Cruz local, I am thrilled to be able to work to find creative solutions, build relationships, and make a measurable difference for fish in my own backyard. I also love working with the intelligent and passionate people of CalTrout. It truly feels like a family, which is a unique and wonderful thing to find in the workplace.
CB: I think that being a woman in this field is a unique opportunity to set an example for other women aspiring to build their own career. When I entered the fish conservation workforce in 2012, I was one of very few women in my department. I was lucky to have a few very strong, smart, motivated women that showed me the ropes and built my confidence in the field. These women exemplified to me the strength, intellect, and enthusiasm that I wanted to grow into with my career and their mentorship was invaluable. As I developed in my role and began to hire young women on my field crews, I did my best to continue the impactful mentorship I received with hopes of growing more confident, ambitious women in fisheries. I have kept that identity as a mentor and thrive when I can help guide other women through those early years of their conservation careers.
CB: As a kid, I was fascinated by women like Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey. I remember thinking it was amazing that they got to work with animals as their job. As I got older, I discovered women like Rachel Carson, which catalyzed my interest in the environment and science. And ultimately, the most inspiring women to me are the mentors and fellow female conservationists I have encountered in my career –biologists, geneticists, herpetologists, attorneys, outfitters, executives, writers, and professors.
CB: Do it! You will meet the most inspiring people, find yourself in some of the coolest places, and do some of the wildest things while getting paid for all of it. I encourage all young women out there that have a passion for conservation to start exploring the different facets of conservation work (field work, research, legal, etc.) until they find something that really clicks. Of course, choosing the appropriate major in school is useful, but I think the way to really discover where you’re supposed to land is by getting out there and diving right in.
CB: It is tough to land on ONE favorite. My favorite fishes are: Little Kern Golden Trout, riffle sculpin, and great white shark. And my favorite bodies of water are: South Fork Kern River, Little Kern River, and the American River watershed (all the forks of it and their forks too).
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Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. He is author or co-author of more than 240 publications, including the definitive Inland Fishes of California (2002). He is co-author of the 2017 book, Floodplains: Processes and Management for Ecosystem Services. His research interests include conservation of aquatic species, habitats, and ecosystems, including salmon; ecology of fishes of the San Francisco Estuary; ecology of California stream fishes; impact of introduced aquatic organisms; and use of floodplains by fish.
Robert Lusardi is the California Trout/UC Davis Wild and Coldwater Fish Researcher focused on establishing the basis for long-term science specific to California Trout’s wild and coldwater fish initiatives. His work bridges the widening gap between academic science and applied conservation policy, ensuring that rapidly developing science informs conservation projects throughout California. Dr. Lusardi resides at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and works closely with Dr. Peter Moyle on numerous projects to help inform California Trout conservation policy. His recent research interests include Coho salmon on the Shasta River, the ecology of volcanic spring-fed rivers, inland trout conservation and management, and policy implications of trap and haul programs for anadromous fishes in California.
Patrick Samuel is the Conservation Program Coordinator for California Trout, a position he has held for almost two years, where he coordinates special research projects for California Trout, including the State of the Salmonids report. Prior to joining CalTrout, he worked with the Fisheries Leadership & Sustainability Forum, a non-profit that supports the eight federal regional fishery management councils around the country. Patrick got his start in fisheries as an undergraduate intern with NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division in Sacramento, and in his first field job as a crew member of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wild and Heritage Trout Program.
1 Comment
Wow!! Great pics and biographies. These young ladies are making a difference and enjoying their outdoors as well. Keep up the good work!!Best regards, Vincent