Identification of Nongame Fishes Workshop
Instructed by Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski
Course Description
Participants will learn how to identify nongame fishes commonly found in Michigan using key characteristics. Emphasis will be placed on the minnow, sucker, and darter families. Day 1 (half day) will include lecture and hands-on specimen identification, and Day 2 will include field collection and identification of live and preserved specimens.
Location
Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education Discovery Lab Room 209, 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
When
Tuesday, July 28th – 1:00pm to 5:00pm & Wednesday, July 29th – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Meals
Lunch will be provided on Wednesday and is included with registration
Cost
Current Students – $50 MI AFS Members – $85 Non MI AFS Members – $100
A copy of Fishes of the Great Lakes Region by Hubbs & Lagler is included.
Lodging
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express for $169 per night. Please call (906) 632-3999 and ask for the MI AFS block. Participants are welcome to stay at any of the hotels or rentals in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
What to Bring
Participants are invited to bring their own field samples for identification. Participants will need to
bring appropriate field gear that would include chest waders and rain gear. If you do not have access to waders or rain gear let us know when you register.
Registation
To register please follow this link: Registration Form
After registering you will receive instructions for paying via PayPal. Maximum class size is 24 people. The registration deadline is July 17, 2026.
Student Award and Travel Grant
Purpose
To financially assist students who are interested in attending the MI AFS Identification of Nongame Fishes Workshop.
Eligbility Criteria
The recipient of these awards must be someone who is currently enrolled in a degree program at a college or university.
Submission Requirements
An application letter from the student nominee that includes: student’s name, address, telephone number, educational institution, department, degree level, reasons for attending the workshop, and reasons why financial assistance is needed.
Selection Criteria
The committee will evaluate the applicants based on the following criteria: 1) AFS involvement.
2) Reasons for attending the workshop. 3) Financial need.
Deadline
Please submit your application letter by 07/13/2026 to Brad Utrup – utrupb@michigan.gov
*If funds remain after the deadline, offers will be made to early career professionals.
Webinar Series
Missed a past webinar? Check out the Archive!
For questions or more information please contact:
Brad Utrup
MI AFS Continuing Education Chair
UtrupB@michigan.gov