Fritz pausing for a photo while performing some research

Fritz Rohde is a biologist with the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Division where he splits his time among several saltwater ventures. His real research interests, however, lie in the freshwater realm. He has co-authored a book on the freshwater fishes of the eastern seaboard and is the primary author and photographer for "Freshwater Fishes of South Carolina" released in 2009. In his spare time, he has described a few species and co-hosted the 2007 NANFA convention in Greensboro, NC. His interests in NANFA include seeing the high quality of AC maintained, keep continuing good relations with local DNRs and academia, opening dialogue with members, and keeping up the standards set at the annual meetings.

Brian with his daughter on the Kokosing River, March 20, 2011

Michael with his official NANFA collecting shirt at Williamson Swamp Creek

I first became involved in fishkeeping when, at ten years old, I was given three homemade 45 gallon aquariums. The catch was that I had to transport them the mile and a half from a friend's house to my own. Because I feared I would be told no if I asked permission to bring them home, I carried them there without assistance, a process that took most of three days. Later that summer, I caught six brown bullhead babies in Lake Washington and transported them home in a paper cup. They immediately killed all of my tropicals.

I joined NANFA in 1999. Recently, I completed the scanning and indexing of all issues of American Currents from 1972 to the present. These issues are now available on a two-CD set. While there are no fish collecting opportunities here in the State of Washington, I occasionally take some time for collecting when on business trips in states where it is legal.

My vocation is that of a "jack of all trades" for a large corporation where I help to develop and deploy manufacturing and procurement strategies. I have served on the Boards of two non-profit organizations and was president of "For the Children of the World" for six years.

I am deeply interested in the preservation of native fish species and the habitat that nurtures them. I firmly believe that informed hobbyists can contribute as much toward this goal as fisheries professionals. It has always been my experience that diversity in knowledge, education, and background brings strength to any organization. If you read through the past issues of American Currents, it becomes clear that that is where NANFA has excelled. It is important that NANFA continues to support initiatives that will encourage the same diversity in the future.

Tom in front of an Invertebrate tank with native snails and Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus shufeldti)

Josh doing some NANFA outreach

Josh Blaylock
Richmond, KY

Growing up in Southeastern Kentucky, I spent a lot of time in creeks, streams, and mountains.  Fishing in the waterways and hiking the mountains gave me a great love for my state.  My enjoyment of nature and Kentucky came together around 2008 when I found NANFA while researching native fish aquariums.  My love for natives has grown over the years.  The more I read and researched the deeper appreciation I have for our native fishes.  Outreach, education, and protection have been a priority for me.  These priorities lead me to the Kentucky Regional Representative for NANFA in 2012, and now to the board of directors.  I am also a member of Kentucky Waterways Alliance & Kentucky River Watershed Watch.  In 2011 I started my own webpage, www.kycreeks.com, which is dedicated to the beauty, diversity, and conservation of the waterways within Kentucky.  I strive to continue outreach and education about native fishes, as this is the way to get others to care and get involved in their protection.