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I possess an infinite passion for aquatic resources, just like you. This mutual enthusiasm brings us together, and our unique stories contribute to the diversity of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). I am honored to be associated with AFS and grateful for the opportunity to share my statement as a candidate for the AFS Office of Second Vice President in 2024.
BACKGROUND
Growing up in a small town in south-central Kansas surrounded by water has its advantages, especially if you love to fish. Fishing has always been an integral part of my life; you could say it runs in my blood. My grandfather, Jack H. Martin, patented the Martin’s Lizzard, a wooden bass lure with glass eyes that came with a guarantee, “To get the big ones.” As a kid deeply rooted in this pastime, I developed an innate passion and appreciation for the great outdoors and a lifelong love of fishing.
An early influence from the wild side captured my imagination and as I grew older, I yearned to be an aquatic biologist. My introduction to the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) began in 1988, when I volunteered as a high school student to pilot River Watch, a statewide community science volunteer water quality monitoring program. I gained more knowledge of aquatic systems training members of the Salish and Kootenai tribes in water quality sampling procedures during a seminar with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, I served as a fishery biology trainee with the U.S. Geological Survey in the National Water Quality Assessment Program’s South Platte River Study Unit.
These immersions motivated me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology that I eventually earned from the University of Colorado–Denver after a brief stop at Humboldt State University. I continued my education by obtaining a research assistant opportunity at the University of Colorado–Boulder, where I focused my master’s thesis on molecular variation in larval populations of the caddis fly Arctopsyche grandis. My research provided genetic evidence of a second species of Arctopsyche (A. inermis) in Colorado.
In 1998, I accepted an aquatic biologist position with the Colorado Water Quality Control Division. During my time there, I helped establish surface water quality standards for tributaries of the Colorado River that support imperiled native fishes. I joined the CDOW in 2001 as a nonnative fish control biologist responsible for implementing regulations governing the stocking of nonnative, nonsalmonid fish species compatible with native fishes across western Colorado. I became the Grand Junction area aquatic management biologist in 2006 with primary assignments to survey and manage sport fish, as well as native fishes and amphibians. In 2016, I was promoted to the supervisor of northwest region fisheries at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), formerly known as the CDOW. In this role, I oversaw cold and warmwater sport fish management and conservation of native aquatic species within the Colorado River basin.
In September 2022, while staying true to myself and my longstanding goal, I retired at the age of 50 after devoting almost 32 years to the aquatic wildlife and people of Colorado. During the first few months of my retirement, I often thought about how life would look once this extended vacation ended. Recognizing the need for further fulfillment, I returned to CPW in the spring of 2023 as a seasoned aquatic technician. Currently, I collaborate with stakeholders to review and provide recommendations for revising regulations and policies guiding aquatic wildlife management across Colorado.
AFS INVOLVEMENT
Unlike many, I was already a professional aquatic biologist when first introduced to AFS in March 2001. I attended the AFS Colorado–Wyoming (CO-WY) Chapter Meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Suffice it to say, I was “hooked.” This initial exposure sparked my interest in assisting with the Archives, Continuing Education, Fundraising, Membership, Mentoring, and Nominating committees. I also presented scientific papers at the annual CO-WY Chapter Meetings. In 2004, I began my participation with the CO-WY Chapter Executive Committee and completed my term as Chapter President in 2007.
My rewarding experiences with the CO-WY Chapter inspired me to become more involved, and in 2008, the AFS Western Division elected me as Vice President. Our leadership team created a student representative position to bridge communication between students and the Executive Committee and enhance professional development opportunities. We established a procedure manual and updated the Division’s bylaws and website. Members of the Division drafted comments and/or adopted multiple resolutions on various matters related to aquatic species. These topics included the proposed mineral extraction in Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed, the function of dams in the conservation of aquatic species in the Columbia, Snake, and Klamath river systems, the curtailing of illegal fish stocking, and aquatic species recovery plans. With the Environmental Concerns Committee, I contributed to an article on the Mining Law of 1872 (Woody et al. 2010). An additional personal highlight included exchanging information with international fishery scientists at the AFS Mexico Chapter Meeting in Mazatlan. I also served on the AFS Management Committee and Governing Board, expanding my understanding of AFS at the Society level. My presidential achievements crested when partnering with the AFS Washington–British Columbia and Oregon Chapters to host the 2011 AFS Annual Meeting in Seattle.
I remained involved with AFS activities after completing my responsibilities within Division governance. I chaired the Division Resource Policy and Environmental Concerns Committee from 2015 through 2016 when we restructured the committee to ensure representation from all Chapters within the Division. We encouraged decision makers to carefully consider aquatic concerns when proposing alterations to instream water reservations within the Chuitna River watershed and the potential development of the Susitna–Watana hydroelectric project. My experiences and lessons learned while serving on the Resource Policy and Environmental Concerns Committee spurred me to coauthor an article discussing engagement and challenges in advocacy (Martin et al. 2017).
My promotion to a managerial position with CPW required more attentiveness; as a result, I shifted my AFS energy to the local level. In 2016, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CO-WY Chapter at the Annual Meeting. As part of the commemoration, I was invited to speak at a retrospective symposium where I shared my thoughts about women in AFS and society and as students of natural resources. In 2017, I reunited with the Archives Committee, and since 2019, I have been the CO-WY Chapter Archivist. My AFS colleagues recognized me as the 2019 Outstanding Mentor of the CO-WY Chapter, one of my proudest acknowledgments.
VISION
My extensive background in public service and over 20 years of involvement with AFS have equipped me with the necessary skills to make valuable contributions to the AFS leadership team. I am, however, committed to lifelong learning and welcome opportunities to broaden my knowledge and gain insights into the complex and interrelated aspects of aquatic management and science. The next chapter of my journey is timely, allowing me to focus my attention on AFS matters. I believe we are most productive when we are fully engaged in personally meaningful tasks.
As I contemplate the future, I envision a combination of challenges and opportunities for AFS. Some of these are already established and arguably more pressing, such as the search for a new AFS Executive Director, the reassessment of the 2020–2024 AFS Strategic Plan, and the global ramifications of the climate crisis. Others are still unknown or less certain, highlighting the importance of AFS remaining relevant, responsive, and adaptable while strengthening its core: its members.
I visualize the AFS community as a true reflection of the world society. The power of our membership lies in the unique qualities and creative talents we all bring to AFS. Through our interactions with people from various cultures and disciplines, we acquire intriguing perspectives and exposure to differing opinions. We are simply better together and more influential as an organization when we mirror the people we serve.
Veteran members form the foundation of AFS, while students and early career professionals represent its future. Continuing to nurture and invest in one another enhances our professional toolkits. Mentoring is a symbiotic relationship that cultivates success in AFS and our personal and professional lives. By providing dynamic coaching that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and selfless leadership, we can bond with others more purposefully and make a positive impact.
Our passion for aquatic management and science is contagious. By sharing our enthusiasm and telling our stories, we can garner support for aquatic resources and professions worldwide. As educational stewards, we are responsible for personally connecting with people and explaining the significance of aquatic science in understandable terms, not only to decision makers, but also to those in our communities. Through innovative and accurate information exchange, establishing diverse networks, and forming inspired partnerships, we can capture the public’s attention and trust, igniting these stakeholders and facilitating their science awareness. This will prepare them to tackle environmental challenges and advocate for sound science solutions as ambassadors within their neighborhoods and villages. By doing so, society can develop an improved understanding and appreciation of the relevance of AFS and our pertinence to global aquatic conservation.
Advancing the ongoing initiatives prioritized by previous AFS leaders and implementing the above measures will empower us as we move toward achieving the vision of AFS. The American Fisheries Society is a family of students, early career professionals, and well-established scientists. Investing in our community offers priceless educational connections with colleagues from around the world and sparks conversations, camaraderie, and infectious action for the passion we all share. I am honored to be nominated for the 2024 Office of AFS Second Vice President and am eager to work alongside you in all that lies ahead.
