December 15, 2018 – How Old is My Striped Bass?

Zachary Schuller and Stephanie Rekemeyer, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Striped bass is a valuable species for New York’s commercial and recreational fisheries. They spend the majority of their life in the ocean, returning to our local bays and rivers to spawn in the spring. Come learn how to age striped bass scales and learn how you can help contribute to management of this species.

 

Interviewing Zach

Where did you go to school?

Roger Williams University

 

What is your area of research?

Diadromous Fisheries

 

Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?

Growing up on the Great South Bay I was forever fascinated by the marine ecosystem. I always tried to figure out how to catch more fish or where the waves were going to break best. This determination led me to enrollment at Roger Williams University to study Marine Biology.

 

What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?

Persistence, open mindedness, and diligence.

 

Why is your research topic important?

Without fisheries dependent and independent data, NY State can fall out of compliance and incur penalties or fisheries closures.

 

What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?

Microfiche reader and pressed striped bass scales.

 

What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?

There are numerous fields to study in marine science so involve yourself with one you are passionate about.

 

What is your favorite ocean organism?

Cuttlefish