Heybud and others. A bit of info on what PB is doing at SDSU.

SDSU is IMO the premier University for "APPLIED FISHERIES RESEARCH" . Why is that important to PB and you? First very few schools stress applied fisheries research as most do big eco-system theory research. SDSU does what others don't - they do the meat and potatoes on the water research not all the fancy popular stuff. In short SDSU is out there digging to find the answers to questions private fisheries scientists and pond owners and fishermen are asking to better their on the water situation. Do SMB and WE compete for food and what are the consequences ? Is there a better way to age fish without killing them in the process? BG interactions and reproduction. Hey - that sounds like what PB is all about - again no coincidence there.

The endowment that PB has with SDSU is also very practical and unique . First it has a governing committee that must include a private fisheries biologist (Bob Lusk ) , a private sector fisherman , a fisheries science PhD (Dave) and the Fisheries Dept head (Chuck). It is very flexible but is directed to applied fisheries research and can go where $ are needed as determined by the committee. It specifically allows for helping fisheries students who may need help to attain or achieve their FS degree. If some kid gets in a bind we can help without a bunch of bells and whistles - the quiet approach. No one would know more about what student needed help than Dave. It can buy stuff the FS dept. needs to do research and help students at the same time (see the tanks and PhD student above - they were one deal). You can see the results in the tanks that will be used for years to do research and hear about the SMB/WE research at the 08 PB Convention and meet the real life student who you helped. It is involved in a project as we speak called "Northern Pond" to provide an in-class fish teaching diorama that includes IIRC - YP , SMB , LMB ,BG , WE , pike , PS , and other pond fish and critters (it will look just like a pond) to teach students through the use of real fish. The fish mostly came from PB members' ponds . They can comment about their fish. Cecil is doing the work and you can see it at the PB Convention before it heads home to SDSU. One point to note is that every $ in the endowment goes to accomplish these goals and there is no overhead for fund raising or other expenses. Another Pond Boss outstanding moment that each of you should be proud to have achieved.