Sea Grant collaboration produces essential work on fish ecology and aquatic ecosystems

Posted July 18th, 2023 in Education, Featured, Fisheries, Funding, News
Book cover of Biology and Ecology of Fishes; headshots of authors Tomas Hook of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and James Diana of Michigan Sea Grant

An updated textbook has been released that provides a fundamental introduction to aquatic life and ecosystems and multidisciplinary fish studies, including an understanding of the anatomical, environmental, and ethological topics of fish ecology.

This updated edition is the result of a collaboration between Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Michigan Sea Grant. Sea Grant is a national network of 34 university-based programs and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support coastal communities through research, extension, and education.

Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Third Edition, incorporates two distinct aspects of fish study: biology and management. Beginning with a general introduction to aquatic life and ecosystems, the textbook covers the basic topics of anatomy, physiology, and theoretical ecology of fish. It also includes more practical issues concerning fish populations, management, and habitats. Combining both tracks into a single holistic approach has never been more critical in preparing the next generation of fish biologists and fishery scientists.

“New chapters and content include additional information about emerging issues and stressors facing fish populations and communities, such as climate change, invasive species, and effects of fisheries harvest” said co-author Tomas O. Höök, professor of Fisheries Biology in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. 

Image of cover of Biology and Ecology of Fishes by James S. Diana and Thomas O. Hook. It features images of 5 fish swimming in dark water

Biology and Ecology of Fishes provides an essential overview for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying fish ecology or fisheries biology. It can also serve as a reference for researchers and professionals in fish ecology, population management, and related fields. Topics cover everything from fish diversity, growth, and reproduction to mortality, recruitment, and social behavior. The book also discusses life-history patterns and reproductive strategies, and the effects of climate change on fish and conservation. Readers will also find detailed coverage of growth and bioenergetics, feeding and predation, basic fisheries data analyses, and more. 

“Similar to the first two editions of the book (with James Diana as sole author), with this third edition we have aimed to draft a text that is readable and accessible with an emphasis on concepts and issues,” added Höök.

Co-author James S. Diana is emeritus professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability and former director of Michigan Sea Grant. 

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a bi-state cooperative program of NOAA, University of Illinois, and Purdue University bringing science together with communities for solutions that work. Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and NOAA that funds research, education, and outreach projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant is a network of 34 science, education, and outreach programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Lake Champlain, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Learn more about the book, including how to order, from the Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Third Edition page on Wiley Publishing’s website.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a partnership between NOAA, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources, bringing science together with communities for solutions that work. Sea Grant is a network of 34 science, education and outreach programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Lake Champlain, Puerto Rico and Guam.

 

Writer: Elizabeth Striano, Michigan Sea Grant
Contact: Tomas Höök, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

IISG Instagram

When participating in a crayfish participatory science activity, be sure to snap plenty of photos of any crayfish you catch or observe. Not only is it a great way to capture the fun and excitement of the day, but it also helps document the species present. To ensure accurate identification by scientists, it’s important to provide clear photos from multiple angles. Dorsal (top), lateral (side), and ventral (underside) views of the crayfish should always be photographed.

To learn more about the specific features to highlight in your photos visit the link in bio or
InvasiveCrayfish.org/Management/#Community

14 0
Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18519504694041949
When participating in a crayfish participatory science activity, be sure to snap plenty of photos of any crayfish you catch or observe. Not only is it a great way to capture the fun and excitement of the day, but it also helps document the species present. To ensure accurate identification by scientists, it’s important to provide clear photos from multiple angles. Dorsal (top), lateral (side), and ventral (underside) views of the crayfish should always be photographed.To learn more about the specific features to highlight in your photos visit the link in bio or InvasiveCrayfish.org/Management/#Community

Who says “Back to School” means back indoors? While the weather is still warm, take your students on an outdoor science adventure by exploring crayfish in your local waterways.

The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative invites grades 2-12 educators to take part in a hands-on participatory science activity. By catching, identifying, and reporting crayfish species in your area, students contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand where native and invasive crayfish live.

Check out what other educators have found and get involved: inaturalist.org/projects/great-lakes-crayfish

8 0
Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17949007619874652
Who says “Back to School” means back indoors? While the weather is still warm, take your students on an outdoor science adventure by exploring crayfish in your local waterways.The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative invites grades 2-12 educators to take part in a hands-on participatory science activity. By catching, identifying, and reporting crayfish species in your area, students contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand where native and invasive crayfish live.Check out what other educators have found and get involved: inaturalist.org/projects/great-lakes-crayfish

Come round up some rusty crayfish and help remove this #invasivespecies from the Fox River at the 7th Annual Rusty Rodeo. Join us at this FREE event and help collect, identify, and remove rusty crayfish from the river using aquatic nets and buckets. Prizes are given to the participant who collects the most, the largest, and the smallest rusty crayfish. Learn more about native and invasive aquatic species at educational pop-
up exhibits.

Participants will need to provide their own supplies. We suggest bringing an aquatic net, a bucket, and clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a partnership program with: Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department, Fox Valley Park District, and Friends of the Fox River. No registration required.

More info: https://kaneforest.com/upload/2025RustyRodeoFull-pageFlyer.pdf

#CrayWeek #Crayfish #InvasiveSpecies #RustyCrayfish #FoxRive

4 0
Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18019096961738059
Come round up some rusty crayfish and help remove this #invasivespecies from the Fox River at the 7th Annual Rusty Rodeo. Join us at this FREE event and help collect, identify, and remove rusty crayfish from the river using aquatic nets and buckets. Prizes are given to the participant who collects the most, the largest, and the smallest rusty crayfish. Learn more about native and invasive aquatic species at educational pop-up exhibits.Participants will need to provide their own supplies. We suggest bringing an aquatic net, a bucket, and clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a partnership program with: Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department, Fox Valley Park District, and Friends of the Fox River. No registration required.More info: https://kaneforest.com/upload/2025RustyRodeoFull-pageFlyer.pdf#CrayWeek #Crayfish #InvasiveSpecies #RustyCrayfish #FoxRive
Skip to content