Salmonflies: the Hidden Key to Family Cohesion
Faculty Mentor Information
Adam Eckersell, Antonio Castro
Presentation Date
7-2017
Abstract
The Henrys Fork watershed is a world-renowned fishing destination, which provides many ecosystem services that maintain the local inhabitants' welfare. We are investigating the importance of the salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) to fishing-related ecosystem services and trout production. Although anglers have noted that emergences are seasonally available to trout in the Henrys Fork region, the significance of the salmonfly has not been documented. Salmonflies directly contribute to efficient angling, which in turn provides many ecosystem services, including cultural identity, relaxation, family cohesion, and a boost to the local economy. We are conducting an ecological and sociocultural assessment to better understand the contributions of salmonflies to fish population and cultural ecosystem services. To sample trout, we employed a hook and line technique. A non-lethal gastric lavage was then preformed to obtain their stomach contents. We have also conducted face-to-face surveys with locals and visitors to explore their perceptions and traditional knowledge about salmonflies. This study aims to evaluate the importance of salmonflies to sustaining direct and indirect ecosystem services in an angling-centric economy, both from the sociocultural and ecological perspective.
Salmonflies: the Hidden Key to Family Cohesion
The Henrys Fork watershed is a world-renowned fishing destination, which provides many ecosystem services that maintain the local inhabitants' welfare. We are investigating the importance of the salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) to fishing-related ecosystem services and trout production. Although anglers have noted that emergences are seasonally available to trout in the Henrys Fork region, the significance of the salmonfly has not been documented. Salmonflies directly contribute to efficient angling, which in turn provides many ecosystem services, including cultural identity, relaxation, family cohesion, and a boost to the local economy. We are conducting an ecological and sociocultural assessment to better understand the contributions of salmonflies to fish population and cultural ecosystem services. To sample trout, we employed a hook and line technique. A non-lethal gastric lavage was then preformed to obtain their stomach contents. We have also conducted face-to-face surveys with locals and visitors to explore their perceptions and traditional knowledge about salmonflies. This study aims to evaluate the importance of salmonflies to sustaining direct and indirect ecosystem services in an angling-centric economy, both from the sociocultural and ecological perspective.