Wild Trout XIII: Reducing the Gap Between Science and Public Opinion
Read about the history of the Wild Trout Symposium (Fisheries Magazine, Aug 2014)
Wild Trout XIII - An Overview
Wild Trout XIII was held September 27-30, 2022 in West Yellowstone, Montana, at the Holiday Inn. In keeping with the symposium's goal of gathering a diverse group of attendees to discuss wild trout management from around the world, Wild Trout XIII welcomed nearly 130 attendees from across North America and Europe. Led by Symposium Chair Kevin Meyer of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, those in attendance enjoyed informative presentations and numerous opportunities to interact with those also interested in wild trout.
The theme for Wild Trout XIII was “Bridging the Gap Between Science and Public Opinion”. Plenary speakers addressed this theme from diversity points of view to begin the symposium.
First, Kirk Deeter, Trout Unlimited’s Editor-in-Chief for Trout magazine, highlighted that anglers need science to guide the future of wild trout management. Wild trout populations in the 21st century face many obstacles, and as the effects of climate change exacerbate these obstacles, angling pressure and angling methods may themselves become a conservation consideration. Anglers are generally willing to accept what science tells us because they hope such knowledge contributes to the sustainability of wild trout resources.
Next, Jesse Truskenski, Chief Science Officer of Riverence Holdings LLC and Past-President of the American Fisheries Society, provided the audience with ideas, anecdotes, and examples of the post-truth state of play in society and in fisheries management. She reflected on her experiences dealing with and overcoming fake news and propaganda, and strategies that others have developed to make your message and your information better understood and more infectious to the general public.
Dirk Miller, the Assistant Chief of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, concluded the plenary session by discussing challenges associated with science and public opinion from a state agency perspective.
Thirty-seven additional presentations covering a variety of topics were hosted at Wild Trout XIII within one of the following seven technical sessions: Socioeconomics and public engagement; understanding and restoring wild trout habitat to prepare for a changing world; Interactions between native and non-native trout; molecular studies to support wild trout conservation; Global perspectives on special regulations and wild trout monitoring techniques; Brook Trout research and management across the species’ historic and introduced range; and wild trout population monitoring techniques.
Twenty poster presentations were on display throughout the conference, including such topics as: mating systems and reproductive success; neuro-endocrinology; use of eDNA for population monitoring; macroinvertebrate recolonization following toxicant application; International conservation and restoration; thermal stability in Southeastern USA streams; using aerial imagery to assess streams; dam removal; and using crowdsourced data to estimate stream fish abundance.
Wild Trout XIII recognized those making significant contributions to the conservation and management of wild trout during the Awards Luncheon. Hosted by Awards Committee Co-Chair Andy Dolloff, U.S. Forest Service, the following awards were presented:
Aldo Starker Leopold Wild Trout Medal:
- Professional: Robert Gresswell, USGS (retired)
- Professional: R. Barry Nehring, Colorado Division of Wildlife (retired)
Ron Remmick Undergraduate Scholarship Award:
- Logan Thompson, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Marty Seldon Graduate Scholarship Award:
- Jeff Baldock, PhD Student, University Wyoming
- Ridge Sliger, PhD Canidate, Clemson University
Wild Trout XIII provided a forum for fisheries professionals, conservationists and interested anglers to share their research and ideas in a welcoming and informal environment. The breathtaking Yellowstone National Park is adjacent to the conference location and attendees took advantage to network and work the water of nearby streams and rivers. We hope you will join us for WT-XIV in West Yellowstone, MT in fall of 2025.
Proceedings
Wild Trout XIII Photo Album
