Rick Clark

Education       Background       Research       Publications       Curriculum Vitae

 

CLARK_photoVisiting Scientist
Office Location: 101C UPLA Building
Phone: 517-432-5099 or 517-355-0126
E-mail: clarkri@msu.edu
Area of Expertise/Interest: Population dynamics, stock assessment, modeling, ecology, and management of fishes.

 

Education

 

  • Ph.D. - Natural Resources Management, University of Michigan, 1985
  • M.S. - Fisheries Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1974
  • B.S. - Zoology, Pennsylvania State University, 1972

 

Background

I started my career in Austin, Texas in 1975 as a wildlife statistical analyst with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  I provided computer and statistical support for biologists working on projects involving mourning doves, largemouth bass, and walleye.

From 1977 to 1993, I worked as a Fisheries Research Biologist with Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Institute for Fisheries Research (IFR) in Ann Arbor.   I was fortunate to work on a broad range of fisheries stock assessment projects that covered almost all of the recreationally and commercially important fishes in Michigan.   I assessed fisheries and developed decision analysis tools for:  brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass in streams;  lake trout, whitefish, Pacific salmon, walleye,  yellow perch, and channel catfish in the Great Lakes;  and walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout in Inland lakes. 

From 1993 to 2000, I served as Director of Fisheries Research and Evaluation Section for Fisheries Division, MDNR.   I provided leadership in planning and implementing the Division’s Fisheries Research Program and directed activities of six research stations across the State.   In addition, I was a member of Fisheries Division Management Team where I participated in making major decisions on Division programs and management and served as Acting Division Chief when Chief was absent.   I guided the editorial process for Fisheries Division Research and Technical Reports and approved final versions of reports for publication.  I managed Fisheries Division-university partnerships (including PERM at MSU) and administered Fisheries Division’s research grants to State universities.

From 2000 to 2002, I served as Tribal Affairs Manager for Fisheries Division of MDNR.  I was a member of the State of Michigan’s negotiating team for the federal court cases involving allocation of Great Lakes fish stocks between State and Tribal fishers.  My primary role was to help develop the scientific basis for the State’s position in the case.  I designed and ran computer models of lake trout populations to forecast results of alternative resource allocation schemes, fishing efforts, fishing methods, and gear types.  I helped explain the biological issues to attorneys, policy makers, and user groups. I coauthored portions of the final agreement (2000 Great Lakes Consent Decree).   Later, I was responsible for guiding Fisheries Division’s implementation of the 2000 Great Lakes Consent Decree, overseeing the newly created Tribal Fisheries Coordination Unit, and developing and coordinating research projects to support implementation.  I was also responsible for preparing Fisheries Division for the next phase of the case regarding treaty fishing rights in inland waters.  This included developing position papers, biological data and survey protocols, fisheries computer models, and management and enforcement protocols.  During the preparatory phase of this case, I designed and helped to implement a statewide stock assessment program for large, inland lakes in Michigan and led the redesign of MDNR’s statewide catch and harvest survey, which basically expanded the ongoing Great Lakes survey to include important inland waters.  I retired from MDNR in 2002.

From 2002 to 2008, I continued working on inland treaty fishing issues through Adjunct positions at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.  I served as member of State of Michigan’s negotiating team in the Inland Treaty case.  My primary role in this case was similar to that of the Great Lakes case.    I coauthored portions of the final agreement (2007 Inland Treaty Consent Decree).

Along the way, I got involved with the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC).   With AFS, I served as Associate Editor of the North American Journal of Fisheries Management from 1987-89 and President of the Michigan Chapter for 1994.   With GLFC, I worked on numerous issues with the Lake Michigan Lake and Technical Committees, including coauthoring Lake Michigan’s Fish Community Objectives 1995 and serving as chair of the Lake Michigan Salmonine Stocking Task Group 1997-98.

From 2009 to 2011, I was fully retired from fisheries work, but kept busy running my Pinto horse farm.   In June 2011, I came back to work on quantitative fisheries projects with the QFC. 

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Research

I have extensive experience in designing, constructing, and implementing fisheries stock assessment programs and management protocols. Over my career, I have developed and utilized fisheries simulation models to evaluate the effects of fishing and harvest policies, including recreational and commercial fisheries applications, multiple gear and stakeholder situations, stocking policy evaluations, and lamprey mortality evaluations. My models have been used extensively to evaluate fishing regulations and stocking policies for lake trout and Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan and many sport fish populations in inland waters of the State of Michigan. Currently, I am reviewing and improving the scientific basis for the Lake Michigan “Red Flags” procedure, which was designed to evaluate the health of Chinook salmon populations.

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Publications

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

  • Madenjian, C.P., D.B. Bunnell, D.M. Warner, S.A. Pothoven, G.L. Fahnenstiel, T.F. Nalepa, H.A. Vanderploeg, I. Tsehaye, R.M. Claramunt, and Clark, R.D., Jr.  In press. Changes in the Lake Michigan food web following dreissenid mussel invasions: a synthesis. Journal of Great Lakes Research
  • Jones, M.J., R.D. Clark, Jr., and I. Tsehaye. 2014. Workshops to revise and improve the Lake Michigan Red Flags Analysis (with addendum) . Great Lakes Fishery Commission Project Completion Report.
  • Jones, M.J., R.D. Clark, Jr., and I. Tsehaye. 2013. Workshops to revise and improve the Lake Michigan Red Flags Analysis. Great Lakes Fishery Commission Project Completion Report.
  • Fleischman, S.J., M.J. Catalano, R.A. Clark, and D.R. Bernard. 2013. An age-structured state-space stock-recruit model for Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 70:401-414. A reprint of this publication can be obtained by contacting R.A. Clark at clarkri@msu.edu
  • Clark, R.D., Jr. 2012. Review of Lake Michigan Red Flags Analysis. Quantitative Fisheries Center Technical Report T2012-01.
  • Clark, R.D., Jr. 2012. Direct estimates of the catchability of gill nets on spawning congregation of cisco in Lake Superior, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority, Project Completion Report.
  • Brenden, T.O., L. Wang, P.W. Seelbach, R.D. Clark, Jr., M.J. Wiley, and B.L. Sparks-Jackson. 2007. A spatially constrained clustering program for river valley segment delineation from GIS digital river networks. Environmental Modelling and Software. pp. 1-12. A reprint of this publication can be obtained by contacting T.O. Brenden at brenden@msu.edu.
  • Hanchin, P. A., B. J. Gunderman, and R. D. Clark, Jr.  2008.  The Fish Community and Fishery of the Cisco Lake Chain, Gogebic County, Michigan and Vilas County, Wisconsin with Emphasis on Walleyes, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 4x, Ann Arbor.
  • Wang, L., T. Brenden, P. Seelbach, A. Cooper, D. Allan, R. Clark, Jr., and M. Wiley. 2008. Landscape based identification of human disturbance gradients and references for streams in Michigan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 141:1-17. A reprint of this publication can be obtained by contacting T.O. Brenden at brenden@msu.edu.
  • Hanchin, P. A., Todd G. Kalish, Zhenming Su, and R. D. Clark, Jr.  2007.  The fish community and fishery of Lake Leelanau, Leelanau County, Michigan with emphasis on walleyes, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 42, Ann Arbor.
  • Hanchin, P. A., R. P. O’Neal, R. D. Clark, Jr., and R. N. Lockwood.  2007.  The walleye population and fishery of the Muskegon Lake System, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties, Michigan in 2002.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 40, Ann Arbor.
  • Brenden, T.O., L. Wang, R.D. Clark, Jr., P.W. Seelbach, and J. Lyons. 2007. Comparison between model-predicted and field measured stream habitat features for evaluating fish assemblage-habitat relationships. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:580-592.
  • Schneider, J. C., R. P. O’Neal, and R. D. Clark, Jr. 2007.  Ecology, management, and status of walleye, sauger, and yellow perch in Michigan.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 41, Ann Arbor.
  • Brenden, T. O., R. D. Clark, Jr., A. R. Cooper, P. W. Seelbach, L. Wang, S. Aichele, E. G. Bissell, and J. S. Stewart. 2006. A GIS framework for collecting, managing, and analyzing multi-scale landscape variables across large regions for river conservation and management. Pages 49-74 in R. M. Hughes, L. Wang, and P. W. Seelbach, editors. Landscape Influences on Stream Habitat and Biological Assemblages. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 48, Bethesda, Maryland.
  • Hanchin, P. A., R. D. Clark, Jr., R. N. Lockwood, and T. A. Cwalinski.  2005.  The fish community and fishery of Burt Lake, Cheboygan County, Michigan with emphasis on walleyes and northern pike.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 36, Ann Arbor.
  • Hanchin, P. A., R. D. Clark, Jr., R. N. Lockwood, and N. A. Godby, Jr.  2005.  The fish community and fishery of Crooked and Pickerel lakes, Emmet County, Michigan with emphasis on walleyes and northern pike.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 34, Ann Arbor.
  • Hanchin, P. A., R. D. Clark, Jr., and R. N. Lockwood.  2005.  The fish community and fishery of Michigamme Reservoir, Iron County, Michigan with emphasis on walleyes and northern pike.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 33, Ann Arbor.
  • Clark, R. D., P. A. Hanchin, and R. N. Lockwood.  2004.  The fish community and fishery of Houghton Lake, Roscommon County, Michigan with emphasis on walleyes and northern pike.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 30, Ann Arbor.
  • Belyea, G. Y., S. L. Maruca, J. S. Diana, P. J. Schneeberger, S. J. Scott, R. D. Clark, Jr., J. P. Ludwig, C. L. Summer. 1998.  Impact of double-crested cormorant predation on the yellow perch population in the Les Cheneaux Islands of Michigan.  Proceedings of Cormorant Symposium, Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, December 1997.
  • Diana, J. S., G. Y. Belyea, R. D. Clark, Jr.  Editors.  1997.  History, status, and trends in populations of yellow perch and double-crested cormorants in Les Cheneaux Islands, Michigan.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division Special Report 17.  94 pp.
  • Eshenroder, R. L., M. E. Holey, T. K. Gorenflo, and R. D. Clark, Jr.  1995.  Fish Community Objectives for Lake Michigan.  Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Special Publication 95-3, 56 pp.
  • Lockwood, R. N., R. D. Clark, Jr., and J. W. Merna.  1995.  Evaluation of catch-and-release regulations for smallmouth bass on the Huron River, Michigan.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 2016, 39 pp.
  • Nuhfer, A. J., R. D. Clark, Jr., and G. R. Alexander. 1994.  Recruitment of brown trout in the South Branch of the Au Sable River, Michigan in relation to stream flow and winter severity.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 2006, 14 pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., and G. R. Alexander.  1992.  Evaluation of catch-and-release trout fishing regulations on the South Branch of the Au Sable River, Michigan.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 1987, 27 pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. N. Lockwood.  1990.  Population dynamics of bluegills subjected to harvest within the 5.0- to 6.9-inch size range.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 1961, 46 pp.
  • Clapp, D. F., R. D. Clark, Jr., and J. S. Diana.  1990.  Range, activity, and habitat of large, free-ranging brown trout in a Michigan stream.  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 119:1022-1034.
  • Clapp, D. F., and R. D. Clark, Jr. 1989.  Hooking mortality of smallmouth bass caught on live minnows and artificial spinners.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 9:81-85.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. A. Martin.  1988.  A computerized system for managing hatchery fish transportation in Michigan.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 8:102-111.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. 1985.  A mathematical model for assessing recreational fishing regulations. Doctoral Dissertation, School of Natural Resources.  The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., and G. R. Alexander. 1985. Effects of a slotted size limit on a multispecies trout fishery.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 1926.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., and B. Huang. 1985. The conflict between sportfishing, commercial fishing, and rehabilitation of lake trout in Lake Michigan.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 5:261‑276. (Received Best Paper Award for 1985)
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and G. R. Alexander. 1984.   Effects of a slotted size limit on the brown trout fishery of the Au Sable River, Michigan.  In:  R. M. Hamre, editor.  Proceedings of the Wild Trout III Symposium.  Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishermen, Viena, Virginia.
  • Weber, J. R., and R. D. Clark, Jr. 1984.  Mortality and growth of lake trout in western Lake Huron.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 84‑3.  10pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. 1984.  A tale of two whitefish fisheries:  the boom‑and‑buster and the green‑branch.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 84‑4.  14pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. 1983. The effects of fishing regulations on annual fluctuations in abundance and harvest. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research Report 1917. 37pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1983.  Potential effects of voluntary catch and release of fish on recreational fisheries.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 3:306‑314.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1981.  Analysis of "quality fishing" regulations through mathematical simulation of a brown trout fishery.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Fisheries Research Report 1895.  33pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., G. R. Alexander, and H. Gowing.  1981.  A history and evaluation of regulations for brook trout and brown trout in Michigan streams.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 1:1‑14.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., G. R. Alexander, and H. Gowing.  1980.  Mathematical description of trout stream fisheries.  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 109:587‑602.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. T. Lackey.  1980.  The relationship between monitoring and modeling of fish populations.  In:  Biological Monitoring of Fish.  C. H. Hocutt and J. R. Stauffer, Jr., Editors.  Lexington Books, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. pages 379‑391.
  • Prentice, J. A., R. D. Clark, Jr.  1978.  Walleye fishery management program in Texas ‑ a systems approach.  In: Selected Coolwater Fishes of North America.  R. L. Kendall, Editor.  American Fisheries Society Special Publication No. 11.  pages 408‑416.
  • Prentice, J. A., R. D. Clark, Jr., and N. E. Carter. 1977. Walleye acceptance ‑ a national view.  Fisheries. 2(5):15‑17.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., D. L. Garling, and R. T. Lackey.  1977. Computer use in freshwater fisheries management. Fisheries.  2(4): 21‑23.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. T. Lackey.  1976.  A technique for improving decision analysis in fisheries and wildlife management. Virginia Journal of Science.  27(4): 199‑201.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. T. Lackey.  1975.  Computer implemented simulation as a planning aid for state fisheries management agencies.  Division of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Bulletin FWS‑3‑75.  179pp. (M.S. thesis).
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. T. Lackey.  1974.  Managing trends in angler consumption of freshwater recreational fisheries. Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and R. T. Lackey.  1974.  Computer simulation as a planning aid in recreational fisheries management.  Virginia Journal of Science.  25(2):49.

POPULAR ARTICLES

  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1991.  From brook trout to brown trout.  The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.  Same article also published in Michigan Trout, a publication of Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., and G. R. Alexander.  1990.  South Branch catch-and-release regulations.  The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1990.  Movements of large brown trout. The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.  Same article also published in Michigan Trout, a publication of Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited.  Same article also published in The Evening Hatch, the newsletter of Michigan Fly Fishing Club.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1989.  Changes in trophy deer production in Michigan over the last 50 years.  pages 43-48 In: Richard P. Smith, editor.  Commemorative Bucks of Michigan's - Michigan Big Game Records. 2nd edition.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1989.  Behavior of large brown trout.  The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.  Same article also published in Michigan Trout, a publication of Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited.  Same article also published in The Evening Hatch, the newsletter of Michigan Fly Fishing Club.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1989.  The voluntary catch survey.  The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.  Same article also published in Michigan Trout, a publication of Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr.  1988.  Six years of catch-and-release regulations on the South Branch.  The RIVERWATCH, the newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and G. R. Alexander.  1988.  A review of the trout catch from the Au Sable River, 1987. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 22 pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr. and G. R. Alexander.  1987.  A review of the trout catch from the Au Sable River, 1986. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 26 pp.
  • Clark, R. D., Jr., G. R. Alexander, G. T. Schnicke, and W. J. Buc.  1980. Fly fishing on the Au Sable River Mainstream: a report on the expectations and early results of the special fishing regulations.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 14pp.

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 Curriculum Vitae