NW Fish Passage

In Episode 30 of NW Fish Passage, Annika Fain interviews Christine Longjohn. She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. She is an avid outdoors woman and fish biologist for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring. Her family comes from the Red Mesa area of the Navajo Nation in Utah. She graduated from Utah State University in 2020 with her undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences with two minors. She continued into graduate school at Utah State University to complete her degree in a Master's of Ecological Restoration in 2022. Christine previously worked with Federal and State management agencies in suitability assessments and collection of In-stream or riparian habitat data. She recently worked with The Nature Conservancy to assess the potential restoration sites on the San Juan River, located on the Navajo Nation. Christine's passion is working with wetland habitat resiliency. She changed her career to work with the tribes and protect water resources. She is excited to work with many tribes across the United States. She loves to be outside, especially fly fishing or hiking. Enjoy!

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Darrell Gray. Since 1995, Darrell has been a project manager at Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). The NSEA team enhances river, creek, and riparian habitat while educating people of all ages to provide Pacific salmon and Steelhead the best chance at survival. Since 2005, Darrell has facilitated the removal of 132 culverts that were partial or full barriers to fish passage and opened up over 160 miles of upstream habitat. He is excited about upcoming projects that will open up many more miles of upstream habitat. He encourages people to follow your passion and be persistent. Enjoy!

In this episode, Annika interviews Savannah Smith and Ebony Welborn, marine scientists and founders of Sea Potential. Sea Potential is a program that connects BIPOC youth to marine environments and maritime industry. Savannah and Ebony talk about what motivated them to study marine science, join EarthCorps, and start SEA Potential. They provide insight about some ideas about what businesses can do to make workplaces more inclusive. Also, they talk about their vision for the upcoming years and programs they are developing to work with youth. Enjoy!

In this episode, Annika interviews three people involved in the Coldwater Connection Campaign. Mara Zimmerman, Executive Director for Coast Salmon Partnership and Foundation; Luke Kelly, Washington Coast Restoration Project Manager at Trout Unlimited, and Jess Helsley, Wild Salmon Center Washington Program Director. These three are working together to prioritize the removal of barriers on the western Olympic Peninsula and reconnect blocked habitat over the next 10 years. They talk about their role in the Cold Water Connection Campaign, as well as the importance of monitoring, working together, and how everyone can get involved. For Web Resources mentioned in this episode visit: nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, Dr. Marisa Litz, lead of the Coast Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit focused on Pacific Salmon and Steelhead at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). She shares her academic journey from a B.S. in Anthropology to a M.S. and PhD. in Fisheries. Her graduate studies were supported by the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). Dr. Litz provides inspiration to many people and is a great advocate for more diversity in science. During the past year, she has continued to mentor, inspire, and is very involved in Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS). Links to these organizations are available at nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, Brian Footen, president and co-founder of EarthViews talks about his motivation for starting EarthViews (formerly FishViews) in 2013. Prior to co-founding the company, he had served as a Fish Research Biologist for over 20 years. Earthviews vision is to connect people to critically important aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. EarthViews has developed technology to bring 360 interactive virtual tours of these critical areas for federal, state and local resource managers as well as recreational enthusiasts. For information on resources/websites mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy!

In this episode, Karen DuBose, Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Coordinator at Skagit County Public Works, talks about her work with the County looking for poop in the water and coordinating with many different organizations. She spearheaded the "Poop Smart" campaign for Skagit County that is focused on keeping water clean for people, pets, agriculture, and fish and wildlife. Karen talks about challenges and successes, as well as funding that is currently available for homeowners that need septic system inspections. Additionally, she talks about the ambient monitoring program and new ways of identifying the sources of fecal bacteria She also provides advice for young professionals. For information on resources mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast/ Enjoy! #Poopsmart #fecalcoliform #nwfishpassage