A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
Abigail J. Lynch, Ph.D.
Abigail (Abby) J. Lynch is a Research Fish Biologist with the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center. Abby conducts science and science syntheses on the impacts of global change to inland fishes at local, national, and global scales. Her work aims to inform conservation and sustainable use and to help fishers, managers, and other practitioners adapt to change.
Collaborative Networks
Abby leads the National CASC's aquatics program and co-leads the CASC Fish Research Team. She is adjunct/affiliate faculty at Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, the University of Florida, and the University of Missouri.
She serves as the coordinator for the international 'InFish' research network, a steward for the Fish and Climate Change Database (FiCli), and an Associate Editor for Fisheries Management and Ecology.
Abby received her Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University on climate impacts to Great Lakes Lake Whitefish, M.S. in marine science on Atlantic Menhaden population genetics at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, and B.S. in biology and B.A. in English literature from the University of Virginia. She also served as a Knauss Marine Policy Fellow with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Fisheries Program.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
M.S. in Marine Science, College of William & Mary
B.S. in Biology, University of Virginia
B.A. in English, University of Virginia
Affiliations and Memberships*
IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group; IUCN Fisheries Expert Group
IPBES Global and Nexus Assessments (Fellow, Author)
2024 World Fisheries Congress International Program Committee (Co-chair)
UN International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (International Steering Committee)
FAO International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability (Advisory Board Member)
American Fisheries Society International Fisheries Section (Past-President)
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Science and Products
Incorporating Climate and Environmental Justice into Research and Resource Management: Broadening participation in environmental science through fellowship programs
Science to Action Fellowship
The Science to Action Fellowship program supports graduate students in developing a product that puts science into action, directly applying scientific research related to climate change impacts on fish, wildlife, or ecosystems to decision making about natural resources.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Framework
Webinar: The RAD (Resist-Accept-Direct) Climate Adaptation Framework
“Climate-Smart” Fisheries and Aquaculture to Support Resilient Aquatic Ecosystems in Vietnam
Informing Mekong River Basin Resiliency and Climate Adaptation
CASC Fish Research
Developing an Indicator of Species Vulnerability to Climate Change to Support a Consistent Nationwide Approach to Assessing Vulnerability
Evaluating How Changing Climate and Water Clarity Can Affect Restoration of Native Coregonine Fish in Midwestern Lakes
Freshwater Biodiversity with Global Change
Quantifying the Impacts of Climate Change on Fish Growth and Production to Enable Sustainable Management of Diverse Inland Fisheries
One from Many: Combining State Creel Data to Estimate Regional Harvest
The Effects of Flow Extremes on Native and Non-native Stream Fishes in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research
Global dataset of nutritional value, economic value, and climate vulnerability for species-specific recreational fisheries harvest for consumption
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research (Depreciated April 2024)
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research (Depreciated April 2023)
FiCli: Fish and Climate Change Database
Fish and Climate Change (FiCli) Database: Informing climate change adaptation and management actions for freshwater fishes
High-Resolution Georeferenced Major Rivers Point Data, Spaced in 150m intervals
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
![RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown (Audio Described) Thumbnail for video "The RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/RAD%20Screenshot.png?itok=oO4JOinp)
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
![RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown Thumbnail for video "The RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/RAD%20Screenshot.png?itok=oO4JOinp)
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
Artisanal Fishing in Lao PDR
Fisherman on the Mekong River, Lao PDR
Fisherman on the Mekong River, Lao PDR
Computational approaches improve evidence synthesis and inform broad fisheries trends
The effects of flow extremes on native and non-native stream fishes in Puerto Rico
Early pandemic recreational fishing patterns across the urban-to-rural gradient in the U.S.
Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change
Can the planetary health concept save freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems?
Climate impacts to inland fishes: Shifting research topics over time
CreelCat, a Catalog of United States Inland Creel and Angler Survey Data
Reimagining large river management using the Resist–Accept–Direct (RAD) framework in the Upper Mississippi River
Stocking fish in inland waters: Opportunities and risks for sustainable food systems
Estimating lentic recreational fisheries catch and effort across the United States
A brave new world: Managing for biodiversity conservation under ecosystem transformation
Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by recreational anglers: Considerations for developing more resilient and sustainable fisheries
Recreational Inland Fisheries as Food
Inland recreational fishing is often conceived as primarily a leisure-driven activity in freshwaters, yet it can contribute substantially to food systems. This tool explores nutrition, economic value, and climate vulnerability of inland recreational consumption by country.
Lake Class and Walleye Natural Resources Information
The goal of this tool is that users of the tool can use the information provided here to inform their decisions (or their advice to those with decision-making authority) about whether to Resist, Accept, or Direct in walleye fisheries in Wisconsin.
U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat)
CreelCat is a database and tool for inland fisheries management and research. State natural resource agencies endeavor to provide high-quality and sustainable fishing opportunities for anglers. Managers often use creel and other angler survey data to inform management efforts. CreelCat aims to provide managers and decision-makers with tools to aid the management of recreational fisheries
Inland Fisheries Across the World: Assessing the State of Freshwater Aquatic Resources
Inland fisheries represent 12% of total global fishery production, provide accessible and affordable high-quality protein to some of the world's most vulnerable populations, and lack the traditional assessment processes necessary for estimating harvest potential. This project aimed to develop a scalable framework to assess the current and future status of inland fisheries worldwide.
The Fish and Climate Change Database (FiCli)
The Fish and Climate Change Database (FiCli) is a comprehensive resource of climate change effects on inland fishes globally.
The US Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat) Application and CreelCatch R Package
Science and Products
Incorporating Climate and Environmental Justice into Research and Resource Management: Broadening participation in environmental science through fellowship programs
Science to Action Fellowship
The Science to Action Fellowship program supports graduate students in developing a product that puts science into action, directly applying scientific research related to climate change impacts on fish, wildlife, or ecosystems to decision making about natural resources.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Framework
Webinar: The RAD (Resist-Accept-Direct) Climate Adaptation Framework
“Climate-Smart” Fisheries and Aquaculture to Support Resilient Aquatic Ecosystems in Vietnam
Informing Mekong River Basin Resiliency and Climate Adaptation
CASC Fish Research
Developing an Indicator of Species Vulnerability to Climate Change to Support a Consistent Nationwide Approach to Assessing Vulnerability
Evaluating How Changing Climate and Water Clarity Can Affect Restoration of Native Coregonine Fish in Midwestern Lakes
Freshwater Biodiversity with Global Change
Quantifying the Impacts of Climate Change on Fish Growth and Production to Enable Sustainable Management of Diverse Inland Fisheries
One from Many: Combining State Creel Data to Estimate Regional Harvest
The Effects of Flow Extremes on Native and Non-native Stream Fishes in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research
Global dataset of nutritional value, economic value, and climate vulnerability for species-specific recreational fisheries harvest for consumption
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research (Depreciated April 2024)
The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A Database and Interactive Tool for Inland Fisheries Management and Research (Depreciated April 2023)
FiCli: Fish and Climate Change Database
Fish and Climate Change (FiCli) Database: Informing climate change adaptation and management actions for freshwater fishes
High-Resolution Georeferenced Major Rivers Point Data, Spaced in 150m intervals
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
A video narrated by National CASC Fish Biologist Abby Lynch explaining the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework, a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change_._ The video is a narrated slide show with animations and photos guiding the viewer through the framework.
![RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown (Audio Described) Thumbnail for video "The RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/RAD%20Screenshot.png?itok=oO4JOinp)
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
![RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown Thumbnail for video "The RAD Framework for Ecosystem Management amid Climate Breakdown"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/RAD%20Screenshot.png?itok=oO4JOinp)
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a decision-making tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to ecological changes resulting from climate change.
Artisanal Fishing in Lao PDR
Fisherman on the Mekong River, Lao PDR
Fisherman on the Mekong River, Lao PDR
Computational approaches improve evidence synthesis and inform broad fisheries trends
The effects of flow extremes on native and non-native stream fishes in Puerto Rico
Early pandemic recreational fishing patterns across the urban-to-rural gradient in the U.S.
Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change
Can the planetary health concept save freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems?
Climate impacts to inland fishes: Shifting research topics over time
CreelCat, a Catalog of United States Inland Creel and Angler Survey Data
Reimagining large river management using the Resist–Accept–Direct (RAD) framework in the Upper Mississippi River
Stocking fish in inland waters: Opportunities and risks for sustainable food systems
Estimating lentic recreational fisheries catch and effort across the United States
A brave new world: Managing for biodiversity conservation under ecosystem transformation
Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by recreational anglers: Considerations for developing more resilient and sustainable fisheries
Recreational Inland Fisheries as Food
Inland recreational fishing is often conceived as primarily a leisure-driven activity in freshwaters, yet it can contribute substantially to food systems. This tool explores nutrition, economic value, and climate vulnerability of inland recreational consumption by country.
Lake Class and Walleye Natural Resources Information
The goal of this tool is that users of the tool can use the information provided here to inform their decisions (or their advice to those with decision-making authority) about whether to Resist, Accept, or Direct in walleye fisheries in Wisconsin.
U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat)
CreelCat is a database and tool for inland fisheries management and research. State natural resource agencies endeavor to provide high-quality and sustainable fishing opportunities for anglers. Managers often use creel and other angler survey data to inform management efforts. CreelCat aims to provide managers and decision-makers with tools to aid the management of recreational fisheries
Inland Fisheries Across the World: Assessing the State of Freshwater Aquatic Resources
Inland fisheries represent 12% of total global fishery production, provide accessible and affordable high-quality protein to some of the world's most vulnerable populations, and lack the traditional assessment processes necessary for estimating harvest potential. This project aimed to develop a scalable framework to assess the current and future status of inland fisheries worldwide.
The Fish and Climate Change Database (FiCli)
The Fish and Climate Change Database (FiCli) is a comprehensive resource of climate change effects on inland fishes globally.
The US Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat) Application and CreelCatch R Package
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government