Southwest Biological Science Center

Contact Information:

Name:

Coggins, Lewis (Lew)

Title:

Fishery Biologist

Discipline(s):

(Not yet specified.)

Research Station:

GCMRC

Work Address:

2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001

Telephone Number:

(928)556-7376

Email Address:

lcoggins@usgs.gov

Biographical Sketch:

Lew Coggins is a staff Fishery Biologist at GCMRC. He grew up in Northern Arizona exploring then little known places around the Colorado Plateau and Grand Canyon. His interest in sport fishing and fisheries led him to Alaska where he worked in a wide variety of sport and commercial fisheries. His research interests include fisheries stock assessment and modeling, endangered fish management, and fish ecology in regulated rivers.

• EDUCATION
  • 1990 B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona.
  • 1997 M.S. Fisheries, University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
• EXPERIENCE
  • 2001-Present: Fishery Biologist (GS-12), U. S. Geological Survey
    Staff Fisheries Biologist with the Southwest Biological Science Center, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center. My work currently centers on research and monitoring to promote management actions conducive to continued existence of threatened and endangered fish species in Grand Canyon, and the achievement of adaptive management program goals and objectives. Primary duties include: developing stock assessment models to infer trends in the population dynamics of both native (including endangered species) and non-native fishes in Grand Canyon; developing and conducting original research on interactions between native and non-native fishes in Grand Canyon; presenting research and monitoring results through verbal and written means to a diverse set of audiences including peer scientists, federal advisory committee members, and the general public; interacting with the biological program manager, science advisors, protocol evaluation panel participants, and fisheries cooperators to assist in the structure and oversight of all fisheries monitoring and research activities in Grand Canyon. Additional duties include: assisting the biological program manager with the development of annual work plans; working with other center scientists to develop integrated ecosystem monitoring and adaptive management experiments; leading multi-day field efforts within Grand Canyon and field supervision of the activities of up to 15 technicians and technical boat operators; and participating in contractor lead field activities. Supervisor contact: Barbara Ralston , 928-556-7455
  • 1999-2001: Fishery Biologist (GS-9), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    Project coordinator for the USFWS, Flagstaff Fisheries Resources Office charged with monitoring population trends of the fishes of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Primary duties included: developing stock assessment models to infer trends in the population dynamics of the endangered humpback chub in Grand Canyon using both past and present data sources; performing data analyses and interpretation associated with the reporting of current monitoring and research efforts; preparing operational plans and interim and final reports detailing the operations and results of ongoing research and monitoring projects; and serving as advisor for all the Arizona Fisheries Resources Offices regarding study design and appropriate statistical analyses for fisheries research and monitoring efforts. Additional duties included: negotiating and modifying contractual agreements with the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center; overseeing all administrative aspects of the Flagstaff Fisheries Resources Office; supervising a staff of 1 biologist, 1 technician, and up to 4 volunteers; collecting field data within the Colorado and Little Colorado River corridors using a variety of fish capture methods; and coordinating with federal, state, and tribal entities to secure permits, pursue additional funding sources, facilitate cooperative work arrangements, and communicate research findings. Supervisor contact: Rob Simmonds, 928-367-1953.
  • 1998-1999: Research Fishery Biologist (GS-12), U. S. Geological Survey
    Responsible for providing data analysis and computer modeling services for the Alaska Biological Science Center in research endeavors as applied to terrestrial and aquatic species of interest. Provided statistical review of study plans and final research products. Secured grant funding for a research project addressing the effects of environmental variability on Bristol Bay sockeye salmon recruitment. Conducted a simulation study on the relative performance of length- and age-based metrics to detect change in fish population structure. Analytical methods used to complete duties encompassed: traditional statistical techniques; various population dynamics and growth models; and stochastic and deterministic computer simulations. Additional duties included: implementing cooperative agreements with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; responding to grant opportunities under new agency initiatives; reviewing and commenting on proposed decision support system proposals; and advising senior and peer level staff regarding the character and function of Alaskan fisheries. Supervisor contact: Jennifer Nielsen, 907-786-3670.
  • 1998: Westward Region Finfish Research Supervisor, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Commercial Fisheries
    Acting regional research supervisor to oversee finfish research conducted in the Westward Management Region. This region includes a diverse set of salmon and herring fisheries within the Alaska Peninsula, Chignik, Aleutian Islands, and Kodiak management areas. Insured technical rigor in study plans and final research products prepared by staff, constructed and managed budgets for research programs, and represented the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at various public meetings. Adjusted research programs to better accommodate management needs and communicated research goals to the regional aquaculture association, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, and other interested local organizations. Maintained frequent contact with staff to ensure that ongoing and future research plans were progressing as anticipated and removed barriers to progress as necessary. Supervised 2 fisheries biologists. Supervisor contact: Wayne Donaldson, 907-486-1842.
  • 1995-1998: Kodiak Area Finfish Research Biologist, ADF&G, Division of Commercial Fisheries
    Supervised research conducted on Kodiak Island salmon stocks. Projects included: population assessment using mark-recapture methods on sockeye salmon smolt at three lake systems associated with Exxon Valdez damage assessment studies; in-season sockeye salmon test fishery operations and stock separation via scale pattern analysis; salmon catch and escapement age, length, and sex data collection; and Frazer Lake fish-pass operation and adult salmon population assessment. Conducted salmon stock separation, run reconstruction, escapement goal evaluation, and constructed preseason salmon run forecasts utilized by resource managers and industry. Developed a novel in-season estimator of run strength using test fish data, and revised mark-recapture estimators applied to smolt emigrations. Conducted a Monte Carlo simulation study to evaluate the effects of measurement error in spawner-recruit data when estimating optimum escapement goals. Conducted Age Structured Analyses to provide supporting data for establishing pacific herring guideline harvest levels. Assisted with planning and implementation of 2 graduate theses. Authored regional fishery reports, presented research findings to local aquaculture association, and participated in board of fisheries presentations. Completed Masters Thesis entitled "Effects of Sample Size and Ageing Error on Estimates of Sustained Yield" and presented/published findings in the International Symposium on Fishery Stock Assessment Models for the 21st Century. Assisted the regional research supervisor in constructing program budget and assured adherence to budgetary constraints via tracking procedures. Supervised up to 10 fisheries biologists and technicians. Supervisor contact: Charlie Swanton, 907-459-7225.
  • 1992-1995: Fisheries Biologist, ADF&G, Division of Sport Fisheries
    Acted as project or crew leader for a variety of stock assessment and creel survey projects associated with rainbow trout, arctic char, lake trout, chinook and coho salmon. Wrote operational plans addressing all aspects of field operations including: sampling protocols, sample size guidelines, and crew work schedules. Responsible for: procuring equipment; tracking project budgets; training staff; and assuring attainment of project objectives. Served as lead division representative to the angling public in the King Salmon area office providing information on sport fishing and regulations. Authored final project reports and presented research findings to area sport fishing interests. Supervised up to 9 technicians. Supervisor contact: Mac Minard, 907-459-7350.
  • 1988-1992: Fisheries Technician, ADF&G, Division of Sport Fisheries
    Acted as crew leader or crew member on creel survey projects charged with estimating fishing effort, catch, and harvest for several chinook and coho salmon sport fisheries in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Acted as crew leader or crew member on stock assessment projects charged with estimating abundance and demographic characteristics of rainbow trout and arctic grayling populations. Responsible for deploying and maintaining remote field camps for up to 3 months, operating and maintaining various propeller and jet driven river boats to 18' in length, and ensuring crew and camp safety. Maintained daily radio contact with area offices to relay project performance and logistical considerations to the project leader. Prepared season end reports containing detailed project performance data and suggestions for improvements in future field operations. Supervisor contact: Mac Minard, 907-459-7350.
• PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES
  • 2002 Certified Grand Canyon River Guide
  • 2000 Swift Water Rescue Technician I.
  • 2000 DOI Motor Boat Operator Certification
  • 2000 Helicopter Safety/Aviation Hazmat.
  • 2000 First Aid/CPR.
  • 2000 Defensive Driving
• PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES
  • 1999 American Statistical Association Short Course: Bayes and Empirical Bayes Methods for Biostatistical Data Analysis.
  • 1998 American Statistical Association Short Course: Analysis of Messy Data.
  • 1996 Alaska Department of Public Safety: Fish and Game, Law Enforcement Training.
  • 1996 American Fisheries Society Short Course: Mark Recapture Experiments to Estimate the Abundance of Fish.
  • 1996 American Fisheries Society Short Course: Scientific and Technical Writing.
  • 1994 Single Engine Pilot License.
  • 1988 PADI, Open Water Scuba Diver
• AWARDS
  • 2003 USGS "STAR Award"
  • 2001 USFWS "STAR Award"
  • 2001 USFWS "On the Spot Award"
  • 2000 USFWS "On the Spot Award"
• PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
  • 1993 American Fisheries Society
  • 1998 American Statistical Association
• ADDITIONAL SKILLS
  • Computer
    Proficient using a host of personal computer based applications including: Word, Excel, Access, SAS, SPSS, SYSTAT, PowerPoint, and MapInfo. Experienced in computer application development using FORTRAN, Visual Basic, and Visual Basic Application languages.
  • Outdoor
    Extensive experience in field operations including deploying and maintaining remote field camps, river and marine navigation in a variety of powered and un-powered vessels to 22' in length, and all-season travel in both desert and high latitude environments.
  • Construction
    Carpentry and metal fabrication.

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