NANFA-- Convention press release

Christopher Scharpf (ichthos_at_charm.net)
Sat, 11 Aug 2001 21:12:48 -0400

The group will convene in the rolling, graceful foothills of Hocking Hills
State Park, near Logan, Ohio, from August 24th through 26th, 2001.

"Most people don't pay any attention to fish, unless they want to catch them
or eat them," says meeting organizer Robert Carillio, of Warren Ohio. "But
small fish like minnows and darters are an integral part of any healthy
ecosystem. Not only do they provide forage for larger fish and water birds,
but they also help to control the numbers of mosquitoes and other biting
insects."

The North American Native Fishes Association‹NANFA for short--is an
organization made up of anglers, home and professional aquarists, university
and other professional researchers, conservationists, and naturalists. The
group is dedicated to the study and conservation of North America's native
fishes.

Carillio explained that the continentıs fishes are an untapped resource,
waiting to be discovered. For example, he said, the DNA of the hearty
mummichog, which can withstand terrible pollution, might provide clues for
developing new drugs to protect against the ravages of cancer treatment and
environmental toxins. So too, might the genes of catfish from stagnant,
oxygen poor waters offer clues for treating victims of asphyxiation.

"Because of construction and development, America's fishes are going extinct
at an unprecedented rate," he said. "Weıre losing species before we have any
idea of what role they play in the ecosystem."

Scheduled activities include:

Mac Albin, Franklin County Metroparks Aquatic Ecologist, "Fishes of The Big
and Little Darby Creek"

Mark Smith, Ohio NANFA, "Keeping Native Brook Trout in the Home Aquarium"

Pat Quackenbush, Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist, "Aquatic Life of the
Hocking Hills Gorges"

Nick Zarlinga, Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo, "Creating Realistic and Natural
Habitats in the Aquarium for Native Fishes"

Matt White, Ohio University, Athens, "Game Fish are Natives, Too!"

Ken Wintin, Arizona Desert Museum, "Native Fishes at the Arizona Desert
Museum"

Mike Fremont, Rivers Unlimited, "Economic Impacts of a Clean River/Dam
Removal/Muskingum River"

Randy Sanders, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife,
"Stream Protection and Restoration Efforts in Ohio"

Robert Carillio, Ohio NANFA, "Realistic Lighting to Enhance Your Aquarium
Habitat and Fishes"

Roger Thoma, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, "Fishes of the Lake Erie
Shoreline and Wetlands"

Robert Davic, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, "The Mahoning River:
Past, Present and Future"

Meeting organizers are planning a total of 5 field trips. The main
collecting trip will be to Salt Creek, a tributary of the Scioto River in
Vinton County. ODNR biolgist Randy Sanders will demonstrate electroshocking
techniques (be sure to bring rubber waders). More than 40 different species
live in the creek. Mark Smith will lead a trip to Fairfield County to
collect in a small, clean, privately owned creek thatıs home to various
darter and dace species.

For members of the public, the meeting registration fee is $65. Spouses and
significant others can attend for just $55. This fee includes a Saturday
buffet banquet. Additional savings can be had by staying at a Hocking Hills
State Park Cottage, at a cost of $89.80 per night. (A one night stay is
$112.25. Because the Park is very popular, cottages fill quickly. We
strongly urge that you reserve your cottage now. To make reservations, phone
the Park directly at 1-800-282-7275. For information on other lodging
choices, call 1-800-HOCKING to request a free Visitorıs Guide, or visit
http://www.hockinghills.com .

Send registration fees, by August 18, to NANFA, 1107 Argonne Drive,
Baltimore MD 21218.

Meeting updates are available on the NANFA website, at http://www.nanfa.org

###



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