Inland Fishes of Washington

This new, updated, and greatly expanded edition of "Inland Fishes of Washington" (first published in 1979) describes all the known native and introduced fishes found in freshwater habitats of Washington State, including most of the fishes of Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. The authors have drawn on their many years of experiences in the field and the classroom to create a valuable reference for the general public, biologists, teachers, students, and environmental organizations. "Inland Fishes of Washington" includes: information on all 91 fishes found in Washington; life history accounts apply to the majority of fishes in Idaho, Oregon, and British Columbia; 103 colour illustrations of Washington fish; 73 state distribution maps of fishes; keys for identifying specimens, with illustrative diagrams and instruction in basic methods of fish identification; life history, and ecological information related to distribution, habits, and habitat, age and growth, reproduction, food, significance, and numerous references; statistical tables showing population counts and record catches; a discussion of the importance of fish to Washington; overview of conservation and management of fishery resources in inland waters and environmental issues related to water resources; and references ranging from on-site, hands-on biological surveys to scholarly studies on morphology. An overview of Washington's topography and natural provinces clarifies the influence of geographical, historical, economic, and political forces on the existence of freshwater fishes today. This wide-ranging study gives balanced coverage to nearly everything that is known about the appearance, distribution, growth, reproduction, consumption, and survival of these fish. Salmon, perhaps the most prized fish in the Northwest, are here placed within the context of the many other mutually supporting species that together make up the ecological network that sustains them all. Forces impacting fish populations - the presence of non-native and introduced fish, historical, and contemporary urban development, the management of water resources - are also discussed. The book provides instruction on the basic methods of fish identification, with keys and illustrations that bring together the traits and forms most useful in distinguishing species and subspecies. The keys follow a simple arrangement that progressively illustrates and discusses traits distinctive of each fish. The body of the book consists of the keys and life histories of the 91 species of freshwater fishes, covering habitat, food, age, and rate of growth, reproductive patterns, and economic significance. Pertinent references are cited in areas that range from on-site, hands-on biological surveys to scholarly studies on morphology, and from advice on angling to the economic impact of sportfishing. The environmental impact of both historical and contemporary urban development is noted, and both population counts and record catches are supported by useful statistical tables. The valuable information presented here benefits from the authors' first-hand experience in the field, their years of study and research, and their awareness of and access to the best investigative work being done today by biologists and researchers across the country.