Science

Science In The Thorofare

The Thorofare region of Yellowstone needs no introduction in angling circles. It's a legendary place many of us hope to visit one day. If you haven't been there, but are dreaming of doing so, this recent story in Fly Fisherman Magazine may help you clear your calendar and make a trip happen. Paul Weamer wrote about the incredible science going on to track...

Orvis Podcast: Trout Stream Bugs

In this recent episode of the Orvis podcast, Tom Rosenbauer chats with Anna Le about aquatic entomology in trout streams. Le is an educator and aquatic entomologist, and she dishes out some great tips to help you learn to gauge the health of a river just by looking at its bug life. You can find the podcast here.

Fish Getting Smaller as Water Warms

A new study looks at one of the leading theories for an explanation as to why fish are getting smaller as waters warm around the world. The leading theory, according to this article from Phys.org, is that a fish's gills have a harder time extracting oxygen from warmer water, leading to stunted growth. That theory, however, has now been proven mostly false...

PFAS: Forever Chemicals

Late in 2023 MidCurrent ran a story about an upcoming PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) ban set to take place in the coming years. PFAS are used to waterproof everything from rain gear to waders, which makes them an integral part of an angler’s outfit. PFAS shed off our fly fishing gear and enter the environment, contaminating everything from fish...

Washington's Wildlife After Dam Removal

The folks over at Engadget - yes, Engadget - put together a wonderfully enlightening story on the impacts of the Elwha River Dam removal in Washington State. As we've documented extensively here are MidCurrent, the removal of the Elwha River dams has been one of the best success stories for conservation in recent memory. It's the largest dam removal project...

Orange Rivers in Alaska

Last week MidCurrent reported on a disturbing new story from Scientific American which details how some of Alaska's rivers are turning orange. Alec Luhn did a wonderful job explaining the issues going on in Alaska, and I highly recommend you read his story. To summarize, though, Luhn accompanied scientists who were studying climate change in Kobuk Valley...

Salmon, Mines Compete Over 'New' Rivers

As glaciers retreat in the northern climates - specifically in Alaska - new habitat for salmon is opening up. But salmon aren't the only ones with their eye on this new real estate, according to Hatch Magazine. Mining companies are also trying to stake claims on these new rivers, in part to help feed the world's insatiable need for minerals. It's an...

Scientists to Study Offshore Wind Impacts on Fish

Scientists are set to study, for the first time, the impact of installing offshore wind turbines has on fish species in those areas. According to the Virginia Mercury, scientists from the Nature Conservancy and the federal government will be spearheading the study. You can read more about the project here.

Orvis Podcast: Water Temperature and Saltwater Fish

In the most recent episode of the Orvis podcast, Tom Rosenbauer sits down with Dr. Aaron Adams to talk about the impact of water temperature on saltwater flats fish. Water temperature is often discussed in relation to trout, but it's not as prominent when talking about fishing on the flats. This discussion will help you understand where fish move to, and...

The Dangers of Trucking Salmon

When we talk about problems facing salmon, we often focus on their struggles in Alaska and throughout the Columbia River Basin. However, salmon in other parts of the world need our attention too, especially those off the California coast. In this recent story, studies are analyzed and recent evidenced synthesized to further the point that California's...