Alpena NFWCO Fishery Biologist Andrea Ania teaches Sandborn Elementary students how to use a dichotomous key to identify fish. Photo takend in Alpena, Michigan by Scott Koproski on 9/30/2008.

The Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office provided a fishery experience for Alpena Public School's  Sanborn Elementary fifth and sixth grade science class on September 30.  The event was held on the grounds of the Federal Building along the Thunder Bay River in Alpena, Mich.

Students learned how to identify the parts of a fish's anatomy and how to use a dichotomous key to distinguish fish species.  They were able to handle and recognize a number of fish species including the round goby (an aquatic invasive species), yellow perch, and spottail shiner.  Students also viewed and learned about how different fish sampling nets are used, including a beach seine, trap net and bottom trawl.  A bottom trawling demonstration was also provided to allow students to view fish sampling in action.  The trawling was part of a fishery study to detect and quantify aquatic invasive species in the Thunder Bay River and other areas of Lake Huron and the St. Marys River. 

This event was a great opportunity to introduce students to fish and fish sampling.  Approximately 28 students participated in the experience. They were very interested and had many questions.  The Alpena News attended the event and printed a photo in the newspaper on October 1 of Alpena NFWCO Fishery Biologist Andrea Ania talking with students.