Chris Mayes
Year Graduated: 
2010
Fisheries Biologist
U.S. Forest Service
Submitted: 
May 29, 2019

Job description

As a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, I'm responsible for managing aquatic habitats for native and desired non-native species of fish and amphibians. This management includes habitat and population monitoring via snorkel surveys, identifying habitats in need of restoration, and designing and ultimately implementing restoration projects such as large wood placement in streams using helicopters. I also play a key role on interdisciplinary teams of foresters, wildlife biologists, archeologists, botanists, and others to develop forest management projects that both meet the needs of animals and of people.

Why did you choose this program?

I knew I wanted to be a fisheries biologist since I was a kid, and Humboldt State's Fisheries Biology program is renowned throughout the country as one of the best schools for fish-heads. Combined with the scenic beauty of the Humboldt coast, it was a no-brainer.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

The HSU Fisheries Biology program laid the foundation of knowledge I needed to become a specialist in the field of fisheries biology. Subjects such as freshwater ecology, ichthyology, freshwater invertebrates, and fisheries communications were integral for me to enter the work world as a fish bio who knew what he was talking about from day one.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The hands-on lab and field work was excellent. The Ichthyology lab forces you to get away from only using colors to identify your fish. Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling in streams such as Freshwater Creek lays the groundwork for what virtually every freshwater fish bio will end up doing from time to time. Lastly, the camaraderie you develop with your fellow fish bio classmates will last well beyond your time at HSU--I continue to trade notes with many of my former classmates who've made their careers working in fisheries.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

If you think fish are the coolest critters around and you don't mind getting wet, this program is for you! If you think you'll get a sense of accomplishment when you replace a fish passage barrier with a bridge and restore miles of spawning and rearing habitat for salmon, this program is for you! And if you love fishing as a hobby, you'll be amazed at how the HSU Fisheries Bio program can help you become a better angler as you learn everything there is to know about fish.

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