Fisheries Ecology
Choose
a species harvested commercially in Oregon today. Research its life
cycle and known habitat. Write a booklet introducing young children to
the animal and its relationship to its environment.
Explore
the historic catch, the traditions regarding fishing and fishing sites,
the trade network, the preservation and use of fishes, and the
ceremonies of the Columbia River and coastal Native American tribes. Prepare
a report on their relationship with the salmon, on which they were spiritually
and materially dependent.
Consider
the importance of estuaries, one of the most productive ecosystems
on the planet, in Oregon fisheries. Review the impacts of fill and dredge
operations, logging and building roads, and other activities that result
inpollution. Prepare a Users Guide to an Estuary that details how to
preserve the integrity of the system, and the reasons for doing so.
Learn
to distinguish among the major kinds of fish harvested in Oregon. Prepare
a display board that explains their life cycles and their known food
items.
Research
the structure and function of the Columbia River ecosystem,7 and
major activities impacting salmon in the Columbia River Basin.8 Create a
concept map that elucidates changes that have occurred in the Basin since
European settlement, and the impacts of these changes on the system, on
salmon, and on other species.
Explore
the ocean food web, as it is now understood. Role play a discussion
between a person who fishes for tuna and one who fishes for squid. (Note
that some species of squid are a major food item of tuna.) Be sure to
consider both short- and long-term objectives.
Start
a scrapbook of the work of watershed councils in Oregon,9 as reported
in local and regional newspapers. Prepare an annotated bibliography of
the development and results of their work, and of stream restoration
projects generally. Computerize the information so that it can be updated
each year.
Review
the definition of a resource. Often the word is used to designate
something of use or a commodity. How would you define the fisheries
resource in a way that takes into account the conditions needed to sustain
the resource, and what it means to the people who work the resource?
Go
to a stream and watch a salmon run. Spend time at a fishing port or a
traditional Native American fishing site.
7Start with a summary, such as that provided by Wilkinson
(1992) or in River of Ghosts, (A Special Report. The Sunday Oregonian.
October 29, 1995).
8Today resource managers frequently refer to these areas as
the "four H's" Habitat in the tributaries, manistem, estuary and ocean;
over-Harvest; Hatchery programs and operations; and the Hydropower system.
9In addition to Snake River chinook and sockeye in the upper
reaches of the Columbia River Basin tributaries, coho, which live primarily
in small coastal stream systems, are in trouble over much of their historic
range, and some stocks of steelhead have been listed.
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