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 Stephanie
Where did you go to school?
· SUNY Plattsburgh & New York University
What is your area of research?
· MA in Environmental Education
Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
· I have always been interested in the natural environment, and knew I wanted to work towards protecting animals and their habitats. I decided to pursue marine conservation because estuaries and coastal environments provide unique habitats for many different species of animals. These areas are also some of the most threatened by human development because of the various benefits they offer.
What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
· A scientist must be continuously curious and have the desire to learn something new every day.
Why is your research topic important?
· Fisheries science is important because it provides scientists with information about the life history of fish species but also provides information about the health of the overall ecosystem.
What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
· Aside from bringing fish scales, we’ll be bring information on fishing regulation and why fishing limits are important.
What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
· Be open to trying anything once. You may be surprised what interests you.
What is your favorite ocean organism?
· Harbor seals are my favorite ocean dwellers because they enjoy laying on beaches, just like I do.