Conference addresses shifting fisheries distributions

The 33rd Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium was held in Sitka last month. The three-day conference, hosted by Alaska Sea Grant, brought together more than 60 fishery researchers, managers and community partners to explore political, jurisdictional, and management structures for adapting to environmental changes and shifting species distributions in high-latitudes. Participants traveled from across Alaska and other parts of the United States as well as from Canada, Norway and Australia to share case studies and contrast approaches.

The first day of the symposium kicked off with keynote speaker Greta Pecl, professor of marine ecology at the University of Tasmania. Dr. Pecl highlighted key questions for climate-driven marine species redistribution in the context of fisheries, ecology, natural resource management and social science. Following were research presentations and panel discussions on the topics of fish and shellfish species shifting distributions, modeling shifting distributions, fisheries sustainability and adapting management structures in a changing climate, as well as the human dimensions of shifting resources.

“I enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of the presentations,” said one attendee. “It wasn’t all analytical modeling or all social science, but different approaches and perspectives surrounding the issue of shifting distributions in fisheries. That is unique for a conference.”

In addition to presentations and panels, symposium participants had the opportunity to take guided tours of the Sitka Sound Science Center and Sitka National Historical Park, as well as attend a film screening of Yáa at Wooné: Respect for All Things hosted by the Herring Protectors. Attendees also enjoyed a dinner reception featuring local dance troupe Sheet’ka Kwaan Dancers, who performed songs and dances telling stories from Tlingit oral tradition. Sitka’s scenic beauty and rich maritime heritage added an enriching backdrop to the event.

“The symposium had a great mix of topics and people,” reflected another participant. “I especially learned a lot from those working outside my area of expertise that I don’t often have an opportunity to interact with—climate scientists, social scientists, local and indigenous knowledge holders. Hearing the different perspectives and learning [about] new cultures was special and forced me to think about how my work can incorporate these different perspectives.”

Alaska Sea Grant has been coordinating the Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium series since 1982, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and North Pacific Research Board. This year marked the return of the symposium series after a five-year hiatus.

“We are facing climate-related challenges in managing fisheries worldwide” said Alaska Sea Grant Director Ginny Eckert. “The symposium was an important step in sharing information about how science can inform our path forward.”

More information about the 2024 Wakefield Symposium, including speakers and presentation abstracts, is available on the symposium website.