ESPN Conservation

Premium polarized sunglass brand Costa Del Mar and BASS awarded six students scholarships through the 2008-2009 Costa Del Mar/BASS Conservation Scholarship Program. Five undergraduates received $2,000 annual scholarships for up to four years and one graduate received a $5,000 annual scholarship for up to two years.

The award is designed to support future natural-resources professionals.

Meet the 2008-2009 Costa Del Mar/BASS Conservation Scholarship recipients and read more about them in their own words.

GRADUATE

Patrick O'Rouke

I grew up in North Georgia just a few miles from Lake Sidney Lanier and the Chattahoochee River, a fantastic location for a budding fisherman to get his feet wet (both literally and figuratively), fishing the same waters that my father, grandfather and great-grandfather learned to fish in. By the end of high school, I decided I loved fishing so much that I wanted to base my career around it. I attended the University of Georgia from 2000-2004 where I majored in Fisheries and Aquaculture and minored in Agribusiness. During the last two years of my undergraduate career, I worked as a research technician for the USGS Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit and learned many of the basic research techniques I would need for the future. Upon graduation, I moved to Washington, DC to work for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) as the Everett C. Hames Policy Fellow, a position that ran concurrent with the 109th Congress (2005-2006). During my time at ASA, I worked to promote the interests of the recreational fishing community to federal and state resource agencies, Members of Congress and other non-governmental organizations. I was fortunate enough to be involved in issues central to fisheries conservation such as reauthorization of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund in the transportation bill, reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens oceans act, and the creation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. I was also fortunate enough during my fellowship to work under one of America's true conservation leaders, ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. My time with Gordon will always have an enormous influence on my career.

When the 109th Congress led way to the 110th and my time at ASA wound to a close, I accepted a position with the University of Florida Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences working as a research technician for Dr. Micheal S. Allen's lab. In January of 2008, I enrolled as a master's student under Dr. Allen. My thesis is based on developing a predictive population model for largemouth bass at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Central Florida by exploring the relationships between historical water levels, plant populations and largemouth bass electrofishing and angler catch rates. I plan to complete my M.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in fall 2009, after which I hope to obtain a position as a state fisheries biologist somewhere in the Southeastern United States.

I am passionate about fishing, and try to fish as much as possible in my spare time. Living in the so-called "fishing capital of the world" makes this a relatively easy endeavor, from bass fishing in inland Florida to chasing redfish on the nearby Gulf Coast. I always enjoy traveling to new places and catching new species or trying different styles of fishing. I also enjoy watching sports, particularly those involving my beloved Georgia Bulldogs. I work as a high school and college baseball umpire in the spring and summer and would love to someday get the chance to work the College World Series, the ultimate accomplishment for an amateur umpire. My family still lives in Georgia and I look forward to going home to visit them when I can.

I am incredibly appreciative of BASS and Costa Del Mar for providing these Conservation Scholarships. This money should allow me to expand my horizons as a professional through expanded funding for my research. I hope to be able to present my research at several conferences in the spring and learn from other fisheries professionals, with whom I will be able to interact. I believe it is important to provide the future leaders of the fish and wildlife conservation community the opportunity to receive a better education through new experiences. I know there will be many new challenges in managing these resources during the course of my career, and I hope to be able to prove my worthiness of receiving this scholarship through my approach to them.

UNDERGRADUATES

Preston Chrisman

I haven't always liked to fish. When I was younger, I played the usual sports in our community through our recreation department and was a Cub Scout. But I had no interest in fishing. My dad and older brother fished all the time and they never stopped asking me to go. They would go away for weekend fishing trips together — sometimes catching many, sometimes catching none, but they always had fun. Our family went to my dad's annual fishing club banquet when I was about 10 years old. I really didn't want to go as I had NO interest in anything to do with fishing; however, at the end of the night they started calling out names for door prizes. I perked up and hoped they would call my name, which they finally did. I ran up front and received a little cooler filled with fishing lures and all sorts of treasures that were just perfect for a little boy. I took it home and it was like sorting all my candy on Halloween night — what fun I had! A few months after that, I actually asked my dad to take me fishing at the lake. I've been hooked on fishing ever since that day. I still have that cooler, but it no longer comes close to holding my fishing tackle!

I now belong to two local bass clubs and fish tournaments in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee with my brother as my partner. We fish against our dad and his partner and are extremely competitive. In 2007 my brother and I won the New River Valley Bassmasters Youth Award for Outstanding Anglers. I have attended two Bassmaster University sessions as well as two Bassmaster Classics where I have met Jimmy Houston, Kevin VanDam, Larry Nixon, Hank Parker and my all time favorite, Mike Iaconelli.

I am currently a freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Fisheries Science and am a member of the Bass Fishing Team which won the National Championship in 2007. I will continue to fish every chance I get while pursuing my degree which will enable me to work to ensure that our future generations have safe lakes and streams to fish in. I want to be a part of protecting our land, our water, our aquatic animals and all of our natural resources.

Thank you so much to Costa Del Mar and BASS for offering these scholarships that will help ensure the availability of fisheries biologists for the future. I am genuinely humbled by the honor of being chosen for study in a field that I truly love. I will continue to fish, to study and learn and promote my passion for natural resource management. Costa Del Mar and BASS are helping me pursue my dream. Thank you!

Matthew Fox

I would like to thank Costa Del Mar and BASS for providing me with this opportunity. I am a Fisheries and Wildlife major in senior standing at Michigan State University, and I plan on attending graduate school next year. I have focused my undergraduate studies in fisheries and in the future I would like to pursue a career in fisheries management in the Great Lakes region. This scholarship will be helpful in the next year as I complete my undergraduate degree and embark on a graduate program.

I grew up in Greenville, Mich., and I have always placed school high on my list of priorities. Both of my parents are teachers for Greenville Public Schools, and they helped me realize that putting effort forth is rewarding and if I worked hard, I could go to college and study whatever I wanted. This attitude helped me throughout my elementary, junior high, high school, and college careers. I have learned a lot in my undergraduate program at Michigan State. I have realized that conservation of our natural resources is extremely important. I want to continue enjoying the many opportunities provided by our natural resources, and I also want to share these opportunities with others in the future.

My dad taught me how to fish before I started school. I developed a passion for both fishing and hunting that I still have today. In grade school, we would take trips to local lakes and I grew especially interested in largemouth bass fishing. In 8th grade, my family was fortunate enough to move to a house on a 100-acre lake just outside of Greenville that was full of bass. I have spent countless hours fishing this lake for the past 7 years. I especially enjoy fishing when I can share the experience with friends and family. Fishing has been a part of family vacations for both sides of my family. In the past decade, I have enjoyed family fishing trips for salmon in Lake Michigan, walleye and pike in Ontario, and halibut in Alaska. I hope to one day have a family and continue sharing experiences in the outdoors.

Justin Miller

Fishing and hunting have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Fishing neighborhood ponds and rivers of northern Indiana opened my eyes to freshwater conservation and guided me toward a career in fisheries management. I'm an avid summer fisherman, targeting bass, bluegill, and salmon, but my passion reaches new levels when ice fishing season rolls around and I begin targeting crappie, bluegill, and northern pike.

In my opinion, leadership is the greatest quality needed in the field of fisheries and wildlife. Without leaders, no progress can be made to benefit future generations. I hope to accomplish great feats within the field and become a role model for youth throughout my career. I'm currently studying for my Bachelor of Science at the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University. Upon graduation in May 2009, my plan is to pursue a career as a fisheries technician, eventually becoming a fisheries biologist. My goals are to improve and conserve natural resources, aquatic environments, and fisheries, and also promote conservation through youth outreach programs. Besides my academic work, I'm involved in a number of other activities to help me achieve my goals. I am currently working toward a certification as an Associate Fisheries Professional from the American Fisheries Society. I am the president of the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club and Rodeo Club. I'm also chairing a planning committee to host the 2009 North Central Section of The Wildlife Society student conclave, taking place in Jackson, Mich.

The Costa Del Mar/B.A.S.S. Conservation scholarship is a great program helping further the education of future conservationists. I would like to thank B.A.S.S., the Federation Nation, and Costa Del Mar for supporting my education and my future in conservation. I'm honored to receive this prestigious scholarship and will proudly represent Costal Del Mar's dedication to conservation throughout my endeavors.

Ian Palmer

I have always been passionate about fishing and the outdoors. It's accurate to say that my fishing started shortly after I learned to walk. By the age of 10 I had become a very capable fly fisherman and fly tier in addition to fishing for just about anything that swam. I was introduced to the tournament bass fishing experience when I was 14 with special thanks to my good friend, ex-ski racing coach and mentor Chris Loftus. One of the many fine points of tournament pre-fishing he shared was the notion that pulling a quality fish off a bed that he had marked for a tournament the next day might not be the best decision a back boater could make. Turning 16 brought eligibility to join the Rochester Bassmasters and the start of my first tournament season as a non-boater.

I fished as a co-angler that year locally with the Rochester Bassmasters and in the New York State B.A.S.S. Federation tournaments. Since getting a bass boat in 2005 I have fished three seasons as a boater, learning as much as I can about the sport and loving every minute I get to spend on the water. Tournaments have taken me not only around the Northeast but recently to the waters of Georgia and South Carolina for the Weekend Series National Championships on Clarks Hill.

Other activities and experiences continue to re-enforce my passion for fisheries and the choice of my career path. I am a full-time student pursuing duel degrees in Environmental Studies and Fisheries Technology at Finger Lakes Community College, which is part of The State University of New York. I love my studies at Finger Lakes and without hesitation would recommend the programs there to anyone interested in fisheries, wildlife or simply the workings of the outdoors. Experiencing the dedication and passion the instructors have for the environment has been simply awesome, and the hands on experience that is incorporated into the classes is the best learning a student could ask for. Being able to take time to go electrofishing, drag a seine net or culture fish during class is what makes the programs there one of a kind. I am currently in the process of selecting where to complete the final two years of my Bachelor studies and will then pursue a graduate degree.

I have performed on water volunteer fisheries activities for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. Away from the water I was a two time Junior Olympic volleyball player and a highly ranked Eastern alpine ski racer. As I progressed in each sport, exclusivity became a requirement. My choice then to pursue tournament bass fishing as an activity and a career involving fisheries and the environment was made easy by the support of my parents and those who have my best interest in mind. My thanks to all of you, and to Costa Del Mar and B.A.S.S.

Mart Williams

I was born and raised in Cadillac, Mich., and have been an avid outdoorsman and fisherman for most of my life. I started fishing bass tournaments competitively at the age of 16 with the Tear Drop Bass Tournament Trail in Northern Lower Michigan and have had great success. In May 2008, I organized a few of my close college friends to found the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartan Bass Club. Our club is affiliated with the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club. Both clubs are dedicated to further enhancing the education of fisheries and wildlife students through hands-on experience in management, natural resource education and public outreach.

My ultimate goal is to become a fisheries research biologist for a natural resource management agency. I would like to accomplish several objectives as I work to reach this goal. First, I am determined to maintain at least a 3.8 GPA, graduate with honors from MSU, and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. Second, I plan to fulfill the requirements for an American Fisheries Society certificate. Finally, in combination with valuable field and hands-on work experiences, I will continue to gain expertise and pursue a graduate degree to help set myself apart from my peers in this very competitive field. I am interested in pursuing a career in natural resource management because I would like to continue the legacy of protecting, conserving and restoring our precious aquatic and terrestrial environments. This will allow the current generation as well as future generations equal opportunity to experience the great outdoors and enjoy our natural resources.

During my MSU experience I have been involved in a variety of research projects focused on preserving our natural resources. I worked in the MSU Forestry Department with Dr. Richard Kobe, Dr. Michael Walters and Mr. Mart Williams during the summer of 2006 and in the laboratory throughout the year. In the summer of 2007, I worked with Mr. Jon Hansen, a graduate student at MSU, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Hayes, a Fisheries and Wildlife professor at MSU. The research project involved dam removal research and analysis on the Pine River, Manistee County, Michigan. I participated in collecting data for a long-term (11 years) research and monitoring project focused on documenting changes in the fish population dynamics and fluvial geomorphology of the Pine River following the removal of the Stronach Dam. I gained valuable experience utilizing various biological and physical data collection methods. Data collected will allow MSU to provide information to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and all other agencies regarding the effects of dam removal on various physical and biological components of stream functioning.

In addition to work experience, I have volunteered with the MDNR performing lake and stream management, including assisting with boat and barge electrofishing, net surveys, population estimates and walleye planting. These experiences allowed me to network with a variety of professionals including Mr. Mark Tonello and Mr. Tom Rozich, MDNR Fisheries Biologists, and fisheries technicians. I gained valuable experiences including: netting trout, fish planting, electrofishing, recording data, and taking and aging fish scale samples. These experiences have helped me determine potential projects I wish to pursue in graduate school. I am currently conducting undergraduate research for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Department. My research focus is to determine whether brown and rainbow trout movement patterns exist in the Pine River and if the removal of the Stronach Dam influenced their movement patterns. The results and conclusions of this research are necessary for a better understanding of fish and their relationship to dams, as well as better habitat management in the future. Further, I will continue my research fall 2008 looking at pre- and post-dam removal growth rates for both brown and rainbow trout in the Pine River.

I would like to personally thank Costa Del Mar and B.A.S.S. for awarding me with the 2008 Conservation Undergraduate Scholarship. I am tremendously honored and grateful to receive this national award. Scholarship assistance will help alleviate the burden of educational expenses, research equipment, travel expenses to professional meetings, and possibly a few lures. Your time, consideration, and devotion to our natural resources are truly appreciated.

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