Fish biologist, Mike Goehle, displaying fish collected during the electrofishing demonstration for students. (photo: Denise Clay, USFWS)

The Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office participated in the 2008 Great Lakes Student Summit held in Buffalo, NY, May 14-15, 2008.  The two-day international event hosted more than 190 participants from both the U.S. and Canada. This included approximately 170 students (grades 5-8) and 24 teachers.  The first day of the event was held at the Buffalo Museum of Science on May 14.  Biological Science Technician, Bryan Young staffed an LGLFRO display, engaging students to learn more about the programs and mission of the Service.  On May 15 Fish Biologist, Mike Goehle and Biological Science Technician, Denise Clay treated participants aboard the tour boat, Miss Buffalo II, with an electrofishing demonstration in the Buffalo River. Mike and Denise held up a variety of Buffalo River fish collected in the demonstration. This included largemouth bass, common carp, pumpkinseed, bluegill, and golden shiner. As the fish were displayed, Helen Domske of New York Sea Grant, used the ship's microphone to talk about each species and their life histories.  This has proved to be an exciting part of the Great Lakes Student Summit over the years, as students get to see first hand how natural resource professionals collect and study fish in the Great Lakes.