Gray Bass
Gray Bass, Researcher
Department
Freshwater Resource Assessment
Location
Blackwater Fish Hatchery—Holt, FL
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Degrees / Certifications
M.S., Fisheries, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California
B.A., Zoology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Education / Experience
Fishery Biologist, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Welaka, Florida, 1966–1967: Welaka National Fish Hatchery
Oceanographer, U. S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Suitland, Maryland, 1967-1969: Oceanographic data analysis; sea duty in the North Atlantic
Fishery Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (formerly the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission), 1970-present: Conducted fisheries and ecological studies on the Suwannee, Santa Fe, Ocklawaha, St. Johns, Escambia, Yellow, Blackwater, and Choctawhatchee rivers
Recent Projects / Interview Body
What are you working on now?
Right now, we are finishing an illustrated book describing Florida’s freshwater fishes. The book is currently in the editorial stages. I am also involved in a floodplain ecology study on the Escambia River. The study is designed to define relationships between river hydrodynamics (seasonal flooding) and production of bass and their crayfish prey. The basic question is, how much water do you need to maintain good fish and fish-food production? I am doing the crayfish population dynamics portion of the study, and Bob DeMauro is covering the bass investigation. We are also finishing up a 2 1/2 year study of Florida’s rare and endangered fishes, which encompassed a statewide field survey (including the Keys and some other marine habitats). Finally, through the reorganization of the FWC, I was recently transferred to the new Habitat and Species Division. There, I’ll be in the Species Coordination and Planning Section as the Fish representative.
Was work in your current field your original career interest—why or why not?
Yes, it was one of my earliest interests. I grew up in the tidewater country of North Carolina and fished in coastal rivers and the ocean, so it was natural to lean toward the aquatic sciences. My initial interests were in marine biology and oceanography. After grad school, however, the job openings were in freshwater, and one does have to eat.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
Well, that’s an ego question, and I’m reluctant to tackle it. However, when the Florida fish book is completed, it will likely be the summation of 35 years of running up and down most of Florida’s rivers. Emotionally, I think my heart goes back to the "glory years" of the commission, when we studied the Suwannee River system. Then, we did it all: the benthic invertebrates, water chemistry, fish, and fishing surveys. Another project that naturally stands out is the Cross Florida Barge Canal fisheries environmental assessment, back in 1975. This study demonstrated the adverse effects the construction of a proposed cross-state canal would have had on fish and fisheries.
What do you like most about your career?
I have enjoyed the freedom to conduct a wide variety of ecological studies, mostly on rivers. As with many of the old-timers, I also had the opportunity to pursue biological investigations outside the immediate scope of routine work.
What do you like least about your career?
The biggest adversity is the bureaucracy, which comes with most large organizations. Bureaucracy takes time away from the fish and bugs.
What are some of your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is to find and develop field research or management projects that will actually make a difference in the conservation of natural resources. Even with all our years of ecological investigations, nature still holds the upper hand. With all the variables involved, it’s really difficult for fisheries workers to manipulate or manage nature and the humans who exploit it. You can overcome this obstacle by wanting to learn nature’s secrets just for the sake of understanding them yourself.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?
- Learn to read and write well. This is the cornerstone of good science.
- In your studies, emphasize the "hard sciences," zoology, fisheries, chemistry, etc., and do not avoid these subjects by taking generalist courses.
- Set out with a goal to obtain an advanced degree. Competition for this type of work is stiff.
- Listen to advice; ask questions, and don’t try to do it all by yourself.
