Moyle-Deacon Native Fishes Award – Steve Parmenter

Steve Parmenter is the first recipient of the new Moyle-Deacon Native Fishes Award, presented by Cal-Neva AFS’s Native Fishes Committee. Steve has worked with California Department of Fish and Wildlife since the late 1980s, and he has played an important role in the conservation of several desert fish species including Mohave tui chub, Owens sucker, Owens speckled dace, and Owens pupfish. Throughout his career with CDFW, his talents and dedication have been put to use for a wide variety of projects. He has implemented a rehabilitation project for Owens Valley Native Fish Sanctuary and BLM Spring, worked with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to establish and maintain new refuge areas, and worked to curtail the effects of largemouth bass and tules on the refuges. Steve has been active and effective in carrying on the conservation message by teaching local students and working with local and federal government. Steve has been a dedicated member of the Desert Fishes Council and has helped to co-organize council gatherings in Death Valley. It is exciting to have Steve as the inaugural recipient of this award.