Exploring Alaska’s Uncharted Waters

How much do we really know about the fish living in Alaska's rivers, lakes, and streams? As it turns out, there's still a lot to discover. In this episode of The Fish Count, we're joined by ADF&G habitat biologists Joe Giefer and Nate Cathcart to explore the work behind the Anadromous Waters Catalog and Alaska Freshwater Fish Inventory. These programs help document where fish live, identify important habitats, and provide information used to protect Alaska's fisheries. We also get a firsthand look at what it takes to conduct fisheries research in some of Alaska's most remote locations. From a helicopter crash in the Brooks Range to unusual fish discoveries, changing salmon distributions and the challenges of working far from the road system, Joe and Nate share stories from the field and explain why their work matters. It's a conversation about science, exploration, and how much there is still to learn about Alaska's remarkable freshwater ecosystems.The Fish Count Podcast is a production of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. This episode was produced by Ryan Ragan and Amanda Luper. Audio and Graphics by Amanda Luper. Copyright 2026.