Dr. Aaron Koning
Fish Ecology and Management— Great Lakes Campus — Summer Session II (July 12 to August 13, 2021)
The study of fish ecology and management is a growth industry. Biologists with knowledge and skills in fish management are in demand in the fishing industry (global commercial fishing generated nearly one-quarter TRILLION dollars in revenue in 2017), fish research (which can provide insights into current management of harvest strategies), and fish conservation (over 1400 species of fish are currently considered endangered). No wonder there are more and more opportunities, as well as greater and greater need, for fish biologists, managers, and conservationists to serve, protect and restore fish populations worldwide.
July 2021 brings Au Sable’s new course, Fish Ecology and Management, to Au Sable’s Great Lakes Campus in Michigan. Based in a location within 40 minutes of the headwaters of six Michigan rivers, two fish hatcheries, and Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan), the Great Lakes Campus is richly endowed with surrounding freshwater fish habitat and management expertise, as well as with active efforts in conservation gaining worldwide attention. The ongoing restorations of the Lake Sturgeon and the Arctic Grayling in the nearby Manistee River, the removal of three dams on the Boardman River to restore the natural free-flowing conditions, and the proximity of Michigan’s first designated Natural Wild-Scenic River, the Jordan, make this the perfect site.
In this course, place will be complemented by person in one of Au Sable’s newest faculty members, Dr. Aaron Koning of Cornell University. A recognized expert on sustainable fisheries management, Aaron has been featured in such publications as National Geographic and Science for his work on effectively combining protection of native fish populations with sustainable harvesting methods in northern Thailand. A Postdoctoral Fellow of Cornell’s renowned Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Aaron is also a former Research Assistant of the Au Sable Undergraduate Research Program.
Dr. Brian Keas, Au Sable’s Director of Educational Development, stated, “Aaron is skilled at connecting knowledge and practice of fish ecology and management, and students in his course should expect to fully participate in numerous field experiences with both the fish and the researchers and fisheries managers around the region.”
Welcome Aaron, and welcome to every student who will be coming to take advantage of this exceptional educational opportunity. See you in the water!