American Fisheries Society 48th Annual Cal-Neva Chapter Meeting that took place on March 27-29, 2014, in Sacramento, California. The theme of the 48th Annual Conference of the California-Nevada Chapter of the American Fisheries Society was “Challenges. Collaboration. Solutions”. The theme was intended to showcase our scientists with their different areas of expertise and knowledge in both fisheries science and regulatory policies to inform the audience about their role to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems including their role as leaders, followers, team members, and advocates.

For the 14th straight year, the Northern California District of the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists (AIFRB) presided over the judging of student oral presentations and posters. Nine student papers and six posters were in the running for cash prize awards, including $150 each for Best Student Oral Presentation and Best Student Poster.  Best Student Presentation and Poster – Runner up were each awarded $125.  There was a tie for third place in the Best Student Presentation category, both of whom received $75, as did the Third Place Poster.  This year an Honorable Mention was also presented ($50) in the Best Student Presentation category. The 2014 award winners were:

Student Presentations

Best Student Paper                                         Megan Sabal, UC Santa Cruz

Best Student Paper – Runner Up                   Jamilynn Polleto, UC Davis

Best Student Paper – Third Place (tie)           Ethan Mora, UC Davis

Best Student Paper – Third Place (tie)           Tye Nichols, San Diego State University

Honorable Mention                                         Emily Miller, UC Davis

Student Posters

Best Student Poster                                        Katie McElroy, UC Santa Cruz

Best Student Poster – Runner Up                  Kristina Ho/Katie Lee, UC Davis

Best Student Poster – Third Place                  Sarah Baird, UC Davis