The Fishes of Texas Project - Improving Fish Data Access for Research and Conservation

Learn about the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the University of Texas Austin in this comprehensive presentation that details the Fishes of Texas Project, a major initiative launched in 2006 to enhance freshwater fish occurrence data collection and accessibility across Texas. Explore how $2.7 million in funding, primarily from the US Fish and Wildlife Service's State Wildlife Grant Program, has supported the project's evolution from initial specimen-vouchered data digitization to an expansive interactive database incorporating citizen science, angler reports, and agency datasets. Discover the project's interactive website (fishesoftexas.org) through a detailed demonstration, understanding how this valuable resource contributes to aquatic research and management while making data openly accessible through platforms like GBIF and iDigBio. Join presenters Dean Hendrickson and Adam Cohen as they share insights on this successful government-university partnership that has revolutionized Texas fish data management and conservation efforts.