Candidate Statement for WDAFS Vice President

Thomas W. H. Backman

Background

Thomas W. H. Backman is a Senior Fisheries Scientist for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. He received a Bachelor of Science (1973) and a Master of Science (1976) from San Diego State University. During this period he was deeply involved with marine fisheries work and issues. He then shifted from abalone, lobsters and warm water fish to the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Backman received his Doctorate in Fisheries from the University of Washington in 1984.

Tom taught marine ecology in Ensenada, Mexico and developed a Panaied Shrimp bio-economic production model for the Mexican Department of Fisheries. In 1986 he moved to Washington, D.C where he administrate the Anadromous Fisheries Grant and Emergency Stripped programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1998, he started an American Shad ecology and supplementation research program of the USGS-BRD laboratory in Wellsboro, PA.

His responsibilities since joining CRITFC in 1991 focus on ESA, restoration and production issues for the Columbia River salmonids. For the past three years he has conducted research on Gas Bubble Disease in migratory salmon.

AFS Involvement

A member of the AFS society since 1985, Backman has been active in the Potomac, Pennsylvania, and Oregon Chapters and the Society. He served as president of the Oregon Chapter (1997-8). While on the OR EXCOM he organized a successful annual meeting, and dealt with a very difficult state legislature.

At the society level, Dr. Backman has served on the ethics, computer, and Fishery Action Network committees. He has organized sessions at two national meetings. Tom has published several articles in society journals.

Vision

Our aquatic resources are depleted and stressed to the point where many species and populations have fallen into threatened and endangered status. The ecosystems are broken and in need of protection and restoration. Governments, tribes, and the public are seeking our members’ expertise to understand aquatic ecology, fish genetics, population ecology, and fisheries management.

My vision is a Society of professionals prepared to meet the challenges facing us. The division can facilitate our members through professional development, communication, education and member support. Both the division and its chapters provide a means for fishery workers to interact, learn, and support each other. We must maintain the respect and provide advice to policy and decision-makers seeking solution to our environmental problems. A goal is to aid the Chapters in meeting their needs and the demands placed upon them. I want all the Division and Chapters to grow and provide leadership from the watershed level to Eco-regions within the western United States. I will draw upon my experience with the very successful Oregon Chapter. Many of the challenges facing us are common through out the west. The division needs to facilitate the sharing of information across the chapters and insuring that we have a strong voice in the region and at the Society Level.

I will encourage the Division and chapters to advocate for fisheries restoration. Individuals within organizations or in small firms find it difficult to affect positive changes. Collectively we can bring sound science to for-front. The society is here for you and I will work to maintain your access and voice. Diversity and inclusion is what leads to good decisions. As a member of the EXCOM I will seek your advice and insure that important decision be made with the broadest of support.