Fish and Fisheries

How can we manage inland and marine fisheries in a rapidly changing world?

 

fish swimming in large enclosure
Photo: Rachel Benedict, WDNR

Fishes are critically important components of lake and river ecosystems, and fishing is an important way in which people and aquatic ecosystems are connected. We have numerous research projects focused on both inland and marine fisheries. One focus is on understanding the role of climate change, species interactions, and harvest in the decline of cold- and cool-water fishes, like walleye, in the upper Midwest. Other studies examine the connections between fish populations and aquatic plants. We also use marine stock assessment data to better understand the success of fisheries management and the effects of climate change. Understanding fish requires considering human actions, and so increasingly requires a social-ecological approach.

Recent publications:

Xu, L., Feiner, Z.S., Frater, P., Hansen, G.J.A, Ladwig, R., Paukert, C.P., Verhoeven, M., Wszola, L. and Jensen, O.P. 2024. Asymmetric impacts of climate change on thermal habitat suitability of inland lake fishes. Nature Communications. 15: 10273. PDF

Kerkhove, A., Trudeau, A., Jensen, O.P., Isermann, D., Dombrowski, P., Latimer, A., Feiner, Z. Understanding the Role of Recreational Angling Technology in Angler Expectations of Catch, Trip Catch, and Angler Satisfaction. Fisheries. PDF

Embke, H.S., A.L. Rypel, S.R. Carpenter, G.G. Sass, D. Ogle, T. Cicosz, J. Hennessy, M.J. Vander Zanden. 2019. Production dynamics reveal hidden overharvest of inland recreational fisheries. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 116 (49): 24676-24681. PDF

Fish and Fisheries Researchers

Zach is standing in a light snowfall with green tree in background with snow sitting on the limbs. Zach is wearing a stripped blue shirt, smiling at the camera.

Zach Feiner

Position title: Research Scientist

Website

Katie Hein

Position title: Research Scientist

Olaf Jensen

Position title: Associate Professor

Website

Jake Vander Zanden

Position title: Professor and CFL Director

Website