Lisa Wetzel
I see fish as an interesting and integral part of our world; for recreation, as a food source and for ecosystem function. I have worked as a fishery biologist for over 25 years and have expertise in life history analysis, specifically using otoliths (microstructure and microchemistry) to gain insight into fish age, growth, habitat usage, and migration history.
Research Interests:
I am interested in evaluating life history characteristics of fish to increase our understanding of how populations function within their ecosystem and how we can best support and restore them. I am also interested in the impact that hatchery, introduced or invasive species have on native populations and food webs.
I have experience with various fisheries field and laboratory techniques including: beach seining, fyke netting, lampara netting, electrofishing, weir design and installation, hatchery spawning and rearing techniques, cryopreservation of milt, scale mounting, otolith polishing, fish aging (otoliths, scales and fin rays), microstructural analysis of otoliths using an imaging system, microchemical analysis of otoliths (LA-ICPMS, MC-LA-ICPMS).
Other duties have included:
- Supervision of field crews
- Coordination with collaborators
- Budget tracking
- Proposal writing & project development
- Lab management-equipment maintenance and supply purchasing
- Field sampling, including boat operation (MOCC certified)
- Data analysis, writing for report and article submission, presentation of project results orally and through posters.
Professional Experience
1991 to Present - Fish Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA
1987-1991 – Fisheries Technician and Research Assistant, University of Washington School of Fisheries, Seattle, WA
1987-1990 – Field crew, Alaska Salmon Program, University of Washington, School of Fisheries, Seattle, WA
Education and Certifications
M.S. 1993. Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
B.S. 1989. Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Science and Products
Genetic differences between hatchery and wild steelhead for growth and survival in the hatchery and seaward migration after release (Study sites: Dworshak Hatchery and Clearwater Hatchery; Stocks: Dworshak hatchery and Selway River wild; Year classes: 199
Differences in survival and growth in hatchery and stream environments, and in maturation of residuls in a stream, between progeny of hatchery and wild steelhead (Study sites: Brushy Fork Creek and Dworshak Hatchery; Stocks:Dworshak hatchery and Fish Cree
Genetic differences in growth, migration, and survival between hatchery and wild steelhead and Chinook salmon: Introduction and executive summary
Differential survival among sSOD-1* genotypes in Chinook Salmon
Verification of a ‘freshwater-type’ life history variant of juvenile American shad in the Columbia River
Development of a bioenergetics model for age-0 American shad
Growth characteristics and otolith analysis on age-0 American shad
Diet of juvenile and adult American Shad in the Columbia River
Thiaminase activity and life history investigations in American shad in the Columbia River
Growth characteristics and Otolith analysis on Age-0 American Shad
Thiaminase activity and life history investigations in American Shad in the Columbia River
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) return after an absence of nearly 90 years: A case of reversion to anadromy
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Genetic differences between hatchery and wild steelhead for growth and survival in the hatchery and seaward migration after release (Study sites: Dworshak Hatchery and Clearwater Hatchery; Stocks: Dworshak hatchery and Selway River wild; Year classes: 199
Differences in survival and growth in hatchery and stream environments, and in maturation of residuls in a stream, between progeny of hatchery and wild steelhead (Study sites: Brushy Fork Creek and Dworshak Hatchery; Stocks:Dworshak hatchery and Fish Cree
Genetic differences in growth, migration, and survival between hatchery and wild steelhead and Chinook salmon: Introduction and executive summary
Differential survival among sSOD-1* genotypes in Chinook Salmon
Verification of a ‘freshwater-type’ life history variant of juvenile American shad in the Columbia River
Development of a bioenergetics model for age-0 American shad
Growth characteristics and otolith analysis on age-0 American shad
Diet of juvenile and adult American Shad in the Columbia River
Thiaminase activity and life history investigations in American shad in the Columbia River
Growth characteristics and Otolith analysis on Age-0 American Shad
Thiaminase activity and life history investigations in American Shad in the Columbia River
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) return after an absence of nearly 90 years: A case of reversion to anadromy
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.