The Fisheries Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

This week Kadie catches up with Bridgette Nicolosi, a master's student at Georgia Southern University. Bridgette's research focuses primarily on larval fish ecology—an often overlooked yet critical area of fisheries research. She has experience across diverse ecosystems, from the cold mountain streams of the West to the Piedmont of the Carolinas and now the coastal plains of the Southeast, she is deeply committed to protecting fish species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Her passion for aquatic conservation drives both their academic and fieldwork, aiming to shed light on the vital role of larval fish in sustaining healthy fisheries and ecosystems. Outside of work, Bridgette is an avid nature enthusiast who finds inspiration in the outdoors. Whether hiking, camping, or crafting unique jewelry from flowers found along the way Bridgette immerses herself in the outdoors, finding balance and creativity in the environment she strives to protect. 

If you'd like to get in touch with Bridgette you can find her on Instagram @bnicolosi or email her at bridgettenicolosi@gmail.com. 

You can vote for Bridgette in the Ultimate Explorer Competition here and find her handmade jewelry at Land of Sky Design Co. on Etsy. 

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston chats with Dr. Mike Bednarski, who is the Chief of Fisheries for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR). Mike compares and contrasts the infamous "big three" invasive freshwater fishes that are hot topics of conversation in Virginia. They also discuss Mike's career arc, as well as some of the threats facing the future of fishing and fisheries management and a few recent "wins" for the VDWR. Finally, they chat about the economic importance of recreational fishing and the careful art of balancing multiple stakeholder groups when it comes to management decisions. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

Main point: "Don't move fish around."

Mike's email address: mike.bednarski@dwr.virginia.gov

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Brendan chats with Dr. Michael Rennie about the IISD Experimental Lakes Area – or ELA for short.  The ELA is one of the most influential freshwater research facilities in North America, using whole lake experiments to unravel some of the mysterious connections hidden in our natural world. Brendan and Dr. Rennie discuss the history of the ELA and how whole lake experiments help us understand ecology by revealing the indirect connections in ecosystems.  They also discuss some of the ongoing projects in ELA that the Community Ecology & Energetics Lab is currently working on, such as his work to reintroduce extirpated freshwater shrimp into a lake and some new and exciting work on microplastics.

Dr. Rennie is currently recruiting for a PhD position at his lab at Lakehead. Check it out here: CEE Lab PhD opportunity.

Main point: "Take a few minutes and stop and think about that next decision or opinion".

Dr. Rennie can be found at: https://ceelab.ca/contact/  Brendan's social media handle: @BrendanSpearin

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Nick hops back in the hosting saddle to chat with Joe Cermele. Joe has been in the popular fishing media world for twenty years. You may have read his work in Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, or a handful of other print magazines (or online), watched his work in B-Side Fishing or Hook Shots, or listened to him on Bent or Cut and Retie, two podcasts Joe has hosted. In this episode we cover how that landscape has changed and what advice he may offer to fisheries professionals in trying to communicate their work. 

Main point: Consider the work involved before commenting!

You can find Joe on instagram @joe.cermele138 and his podcast, Cut and Retie, pushes out new episodes every Friday to whatever app you're using. 

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks, as always, to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Elise (IG: @elise_the_mermaid) chats with Rose Leeger (IG: @researcherose), a Nova Southeastern University alum, 3-time NOAA intern, and current PhD student at University of Colorado Boulder in the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. Topics covered include Rose's research experience which spans oysters, penguins, the Antarctic toothfish (aka Chilean sea bass), and more! We also discuss how Rose's interdisciplinary work relates to the Antarctic Treaty and the largest Marine Protected Area in the world, the Ross Sea.

Main point: Find your superpower!

Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries- podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Kadie chats with returning guest, Tyler Winter and new guest, Dr. Shannon Fisher about how Minnesota's recent Native Fish Bill came about via collaborative efforts between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and various conservation groups. 

Tyler is a lifelong angler, conservationist, and environmental scientist. Tyler and his friends founded Native Fish for Tomorrow as a consumptive conservation group to challenge the "rough fish paradigm". As anglers they prove that native fish are a resource that should be managed for sustainability and their ecosystem services. And they hope to inspire others to angle for native fish so they can enjoy the resource too! Tyler was previously interviewed in episode 221 about the No Junk Fish Bill.

Dr. Shannon Fisher’s professional career spans 24 years with the state of Minnesota where he currently works as the Fisheries Populations and Regulations Manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In addition to his regular duties, he has coordinated and led research on burbot and bowfin populations and served as the agency’s lead on native rough fish management strategies. Shannon’s passions include fishing, deer hunting, gardening, bowling, cribbage, and spending time with his partner Lance, children Jaden and Allie, and the family pets.

Main points: native rough fish have their place and internalize/understand catch hyperstability

If you'd like to get in touch with Shannon, you can reach him at shannon.fisher@state.mn.us. You can reach Tyler via nativefishfortomorrow.org or email him at tyler@nf4t.org.

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity those individuals are affiliated with in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston chats with Steven Bardin, who is quite possibly the busiest person in the field of fisheries. Steven owns a successful small business where he manages the fisheries in private impoundments to meet his clients' goals. He is also a co-founder of the Black Bass Stewardship Group and the Director of the Fisheries Management Division of the Major League Fishing bass tournament organization. They discuss some of Steven's current projects, the growth seen in the business, his foray into being an adjunct professor, and some conservation efforts by Major League Fishing and their partners. Steven also shares some great advice for biologists on how to approach sharing their science with the angling community through podcasts and other media. They wrap up the episode discussing a recent award that was very gratifying for Steven and cap things off with a very early look at the Third Black Bass Symposium held in San Antonio, TX in August, 2025. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

Main point: "Be observant."

Steven's email address: steven@txprolakemanagement.com

Texas Pro Lake Management's website: https://txprolake.com/

Major League Fishing's Fisheries Management Division website: https://majorleaguefishing.com/fisheries-management/

The Black Bass 2025 Symposium website: https://storymaps.com/stories/baf0dddafa2b4ba08ea6e1781a361ff5

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Elise (IG: @elise_the_mermaid) talks with Dalhousie University PhD candidate Zoya Tyabji (IG: @zotabs)! For her PhD research, she surveys landing sites across India to gain a deeper understanding of the catch composition of sharks, rays, and chimaeras, in combination with fisher interviews to understand the social needs of stakeholders, how current management policies impacts fishers, and what can be done to ensure conservation measures are effective. They also discuss Zoya's recent publication which combined scientific data, news and university archives, and sawfish rostra found in a local religious temple to help understand historical sawfish presence throughout India. 

Main Point: Consider cultural diversity and involve local communities in fisheries management.

Link to sawfish paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378247873_Past_and_present_sawfish_Pristidae_records_from_India

Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries- podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Kadie chats with Dr. Maia Sosa Kapur, a Research Mathematical Statistician with the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center. Throughout the interview, we talk about how Maia found her dream career in stock assessment, what the day-to-day and season-to-season look like for stock assessment work, different cool research projects Maia has led and contributed to (including sablefish research and crab harvest in Native Hawaiian fishponds), and more! If you've ever experienced a bit of an identity crisis while pursuing your career, this is the episode for you!

Main point: There are no prerequisites for succeeding in this field.

Learn more about the NMFS Sea Grant Ecosystem and Populations Dynamics Fellowship here!

If you'd like to get in touch with Maia, you can check out her website: mkapur.github.io or email her: maia.kapur@noaa.gov

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Preston chats with Dr. Jeff McKinnon. Jeff is a professor of biology at East Carolina University and primarily studies various evolutionary processes in fish populations around the world. He is also the author of the recently published book Our Ancient Lakes: A Natural History. They discuss some of Jeff's research projects, provide listeners with a brief synopsis of what makes ancient lakes such tremendous and unique study sites for evolutionary biologists, and talk about writing the book. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

Main point: "Beware of shifting baselines and remember that extinctions can't be reversed."

Jeff's email address: mckinnonj@ecu.edu

Jeff's book, Our Ancient Lakes: A Natural History, can be purchased here: https://mitpressbookstore.mit.edu/book/9780262047852

The McKinnon Lab website: https://www.mckinnonevo.com/

Get in touch with us!

The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 

Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast

Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop

Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).