There’s no such thing as a fish (shout-out to one of the best podcasts out there). But there is such a thing as Nerd Nite Edmonton #81, which has an aquatic theme! You’ll learn about what effect bad data collection can have on fish populations, aquatic citizen science, and places to scuba dive you may not have thought about.
When: Thursday, May 30th, at 7:30pm
Fringe Theatre Arts Barn, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton
(Doors & bar open at 7pm, with drinks available all night!)
Where: Backstage Theatre at Fringe Theatre Adventures
How much: $30
Shona Derlukewich: Does the misidentification of fish have a significant repercussion on our fish populations?
In fisheries management, accurate fish species identification is critically important as the first basic step in data collection. Provincial and Federal legislation states, we must distinguish each species and implement the appropriate management/measures to protect fish and fish habitat. If not, we run the risk of costly, inaccurate data collection which could ultimately lead to the extinction of a species.
Over the years, I have known fish identification to be underappreciated and I strive to tell students why we need to change our mentality to care for all fishes especially the “small-bodied fishes”. From the ecosystem functionality to socio-economic impacts, I will guide you through the effects of misidentifying these underwater mystic creatures. Let’s go on the journey in the life of a fish without a name and offer them more respect!
Shona Derlukewich is a graduate of the University of Alberta – Conservation Biology and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology – Renewable Resources programs. She has provided field knowledge and educational teaching in fisheries over the past 18 years. With the help of Consultants, Governments, Trout Unlimited Canada and friends, Shona’s fish identification guides and workshops have provided the necessary tools to ensure the longevity of our fisheries and sustainable use. She is passionate about circulating her fisheries field knowledge to anglers, biologists, and technologists across Canada. She believes that together we can provide mentorship, education, and awareness to ignite the passions in our fisheries.
Facebook: School of Fish
Web: School of Fish
Lee Burton: Release The Minnow!
The Minnow is an exciting new citizen science tool. Come on a virtual tour and learn all about “The Story of Water” in this exciting new facility rolling out to a waterway near you!
Lee J. Burton is the Secretary to the Board at the Aquatic Biosphere Society of Canada. An experienced scuba diver and amateur filmmaker, Lee’s passion is to bring the mysteries of our water to the public eye. Through key roles at the Aquatic Biosphere Project, the MacEwan Scuba Club and the Alberta Underwater Council, Lee has shared a deep passion for water for over 20 years.
LinkedIn: Lee J Burton
Terina Hancock: Journey beyond the warm waters of the tropics
When most people think about scuba diving and holidays they think of tropical warm water, coral reefs and sandy beaches. However, there is a vast world out there amongst the cold waters and rocky shores. Journey with me as we go on a cool adventure beyond El Fin del Mundo.
Terina is a freshwater biologist with a BSc. in Conservation Biology that is passionate about scuba diving and learning/exploring our natural world in all forms. Although diving is not part of her day job, as a biologist she combines her curiosity of the natural world with her diving by exploring local lakes, differing oceans and recently underwater caves. In 2009 she visited Antarctica above water learning about the above ice world and after visiting the Arctic (Svalbard and East Greenland), she finally made her way back to Antarctica in 2024 to also experience below the water.
Facebook: Terina Hancock