Seminar on Salmonids

A salmonid (sockeye) native to the Pacific Northwest, not Chile.\Photo courtesy of ODFW.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center’s public seminar series has moved online for the duration of the pandemic.  Next up, on Thursday, Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m., is Daniel Gomez-Uchida, Associate Professor, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.  His topic, specific to his country but applicable anywhere, is “Identifying knowledge gaps and key management goals associated with salmonid invasions in Chile.”

Dr. Gomez-Uchida’s description of his talk:

“Chile is a long, geographically and socially diverse country, displaying strong latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, and extreme ranges of climatic conditions, resulting in a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Such habitats encompass the known native range for salmonid fishes, and likely have done much to support their establishment and spread. Introduced salmonids have dramatically altered economic and social landscapes in the region: to date, attempts to quantify their ecological impacts on native ecosystems and taxa, and their contributions to the wider socio-economic system in the region have been dispersed. Here I outline a cross-disciplinary approach to identify key knowledge gaps, indicative for other regions experiencing or facing similar issues. Major gaps include (1) mapping distribution of both salmonid and native fishes, (2) evaluating ecological interactions between native taxa and salmonids and to understand their impacts at the ecosystem level, (3) understanding the societal importance of salmonid fishes, and (4) developing methods and policy for management and control of salmonids, including eradication or suppression. I argue that management goals around salmonid invasions are more likely to succeed if they are focused on specific populations, recognizing unique local settings at social, economic, and ecological levels. Changes in policy and education of society at large about these invasive, yet valuable species, must hinge on cross-disciplinary research and a network of scientists from diverse backgrounds.” 

For the live broadcast of the virtual Thursday Seminar, go here.

Password: 972587 or call +1-971-247-1195 US Meeting ID: 945 5573 1151