CULLMAN – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce held its June Community Luncheon at All Steak on Friday, June 26, 2015. Dr. Rusty Wright, Associate Professor of the School of Fisheries, and Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University, was the guest speaker. He spoke about fisheries in Alabama and the challenges of managing them.
Currently, Auburn University's major research project at Smith Lake focuses on the introduction of a potentially invasive fish called the blueback herring.
“The blueback herring is an anadromous from the East Coast of North America, which means they swim upstream to spawn,” Wright explained.
“They have a cooler temperature preference than our native fish, so they are going to live in deeper water. They were first observed in Smith Lake around 2010. I am not really sure how they got there, but we know the State didn’t put them there, so it's likely anglers probably introduced them either intentionally or unintentionally.”
It is uncertain what the effect of the blueback herring will be on the state's native species of fish, but Wright feels there could be both positive and negative impacts.
Wright's research also extends to other related studies.
“My research focuses on the basic understanding and application of ecological principles and mechanisms that shape aquatic communities and ecosystems,” he said.
“I work primarily with fishes and fisheries in small impoundments, larger reservoirs, and estuaries. I currently have projects in the Mobile Tensaw Delta, State Fishing Lakes, and privately owned ponds throughout the state.”
After he had completed his presentation, Wright answered the audience's questions.
Next month’s Community Luncheon will feature Michael German, the State’s Field Office Director for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
