Montana's Fisheries Face Challenges: New Chair Takes Action

Some people might shrug at another university title being created, but for folks who care about the future of fishing in Montana, it’s a pretty big catch.

THE NEW CHAIR OF FISHERIES SCIENCE

The Montana Kaiman tells us that the University of Montana’s wildlife biology program has officially launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science, backed by $5 million from a mere 56 donors who want to protect the cold-water fish species that thrive in rivers like the Bitterroot and Clark Fork.

The new Chair is Yoichiro Kanno. He applied for the position in September of 2024 and was named to it this month. Prior to accepting the position, Professor Kanno spent 5 years as an Associate Professor, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University.

He will lead research on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping fish habitats, and what scientists can do about it.

SOME DISTURBING DECLINES

The Montana Kaimin points out that the urgency isn’t just academic. Rivers such as the Big Hole have already seen troubling declines, with brown trout populations dropping about 55% compared to long-term averages. Professor Kanno hopes to tackle challenges like these through research, hands-on student training and restoration projects that help regulate river flow and temperature.

That kind of work also fits into the bigger picture of fisheries planning and on-the-ground management.

In addition to the recent $5 million dollar backing, the program aims to raise $20 million for a new conservation and research center to help protect Montana’s iconic fisheries.

You can get more details on the Fisheries Science program and its mission here.