Katie O'Reilly
@drkatfish.bsky.social
Aquatic Invasive Species with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant | #GreatLakes | Come for the #ecology & #scicomm, get reeled in by the fish puns
https://iiseagrant.org/about/our-team/katie-oreilly/
https://iiseagrant.org/about/our-team/katie-oreilly/
Pinned
Katie O'Reilly
@drkatfish.bsky.social
· Dec 25
That's a wrap on 2025's #25DaysofFishmas - the 10th year of #Fishmas silliness! Thanks to everyone who has followed along as we explored some of the amazing fish that call the US home.
From Atlantic to Pacific, there's a lot worth protecting - wishing everyone peace and renewal of hope for 2026.
From Atlantic to Pacific, there's a lot worth protecting - wishing everyone peace and renewal of hope for 2026.
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
My first ever attempt at #SundayFishSketch. Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).
February 8, 2026 at 11:56 AM
My first ever attempt at #SundayFishSketch. Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
February 8, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
To celebrate adding "Eggs and Larvae of 500 Taiwan Fishes" 《魚大十八變：魚卵及仔稚魚多樣性圖鑑》by Shao et al. to my #TeamFish library, here is the larvae of Coryphaena equiselis 棘鬼頭刀 pompano dolphinfish, drawn after the book's great photo. Another #TaiwanFishes #台灣魚類 for #SundayFishSketch! 🦑🐡🧪
February 8, 2026 at 3:54 PM
To celebrate adding "Eggs and Larvae of 500 Taiwan Fishes" 《魚大十八變：魚卵及仔稚魚多樣性圖鑑》by Shao et al. to my #TeamFish library, here is the larvae of Coryphaena equiselis 棘鬼頭刀 pompano dolphinfish, drawn after the book's great photo. Another #TaiwanFishes #台灣魚類 for #SundayFishSketch! 🦑🐡🧪
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
#SundayFishSketch is a lil cutie cling fish!
February 8, 2026 at 7:39 PM
#SundayFishSketch is a lil cutie cling fish!
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Anyone have any fish field guide recs?
Been having fun going through my trove of aquarium pics but would be nice to learn more about the fish. These are all pacific reef fish i think, mostly puffer/box fish family
#art #sciart #sundayfishsketch
Been having fun going through my trove of aquarium pics but would be nice to learn more about the fish. These are all pacific reef fish i think, mostly puffer/box fish family
#art #sciart #sundayfishsketch
February 8, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Anyone have any fish field guide recs?
Been having fun going through my trove of aquarium pics but would be nice to learn more about the fish. These are all pacific reef fish i think, mostly puffer/box fish family
#art #sciart #sundayfishsketch
Been having fun going through my trove of aquarium pics but would be nice to learn more about the fish. These are all pacific reef fish i think, mostly puffer/box fish family
#art #sciart #sundayfishsketch
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
🚨 PLEASE SHARE! 3 more days to apply! 🔈 #CIGLR is excited for our 2026 #GreatLakes Summer Fellow applications! There are (4) full-time, 12-week positions paying $10,000 each. Apps are due 09 Feb 2026 @ 11:59 pm (EST)! Eligibility & how to apply: ciglr.seas.umich.edu/2026-great-l...
2026 Great Lakes Summer Student Fellows Program – Application Information | CIGLR
ciglr.seas.umich.edu
February 6, 2026 at 6:16 PM
🚨 PLEASE SHARE! 3 more days to apply! 🔈 #CIGLR is excited for our 2026 #GreatLakes Summer Fellow applications! There are (4) full-time, 12-week positions paying $10,000 each. Apps are due 09 Feb 2026 @ 11:59 pm (EST)! Eligibility & how to apply: ciglr.seas.umich.edu/2026-great-l...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
PFAS levels in #GreatLakes fish are dropping, study finds
The declining levels were driven by an industry phase-out of legacy PFAS chemicals
www.wpr.org/news/pfas-le...
The declining levels were driven by an industry phase-out of legacy PFAS chemicals
www.wpr.org/news/pfas-le...
PFAS levels in Great Lakes fish are dropping, study finds
A new study shows PFAS levels in Great Lakes fish are on the decline as manufacturers have phased out some chemicals in recent decades.
www.wpr.org
February 6, 2026 at 8:10 PM
PFAS levels in #GreatLakes fish are dropping, study finds
The declining levels were driven by an industry phase-out of legacy PFAS chemicals
www.wpr.org/news/pfas-le...
The declining levels were driven by an industry phase-out of legacy PFAS chemicals
www.wpr.org/news/pfas-le...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
A report released we released in January found that in 2024, 35.7 billion gallons per day were withdrawn from the #GreatLakes basin: https://ow.ly/YOi150Y8lXH
Find out more in our new fact sheet summarizing the report!
Find out more in our new fact sheet summarizing the report!
February 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
A report released we released in January found that in 2024, 35.7 billion gallons per day were withdrawn from the #GreatLakes basin: https://ow.ly/YOi150Y8lXH
Find out more in our new fact sheet summarizing the report!
Find out more in our new fact sheet summarizing the report!
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
As dams come down, native fish are returning to their home waters. But invasive species are taking advantage of that same access. How do we separate native fish from undesirable ones?
In Traverse City, researchers are testing an innovative solution called FishPass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUj...
In Traverse City, researchers are testing an innovative solution called FishPass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUj...
How This River Keeps Unwanted Fish Away | Great Lakes Now
YouTube video by Great Lakes Now
www.youtube.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:33 PM
As dams come down, native fish are returning to their home waters. But invasive species are taking advantage of that same access. How do we separate native fish from undesirable ones?
In Traverse City, researchers are testing an innovative solution called FishPass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUj...
In Traverse City, researchers are testing an innovative solution called FishPass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUj...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
A manatee turned around ever so slowly and came back to investigate the Cam and warm us up inside on a chilly February afternoon 🤗〰️🐮〰️🥶 #manatee #manateesofcoralcity #seacow #seapotato #coldsnap #sirenia #closeup #comehere #coralcity #coralcitycamera #miami #coral #portmiami #biscaynebay
February 6, 2026 at 3:39 PM
A manatee turned around ever so slowly and came back to investigate the Cam and warm us up inside on a chilly February afternoon 🤗〰️🐮〰️🥶 #manatee #manateesofcoralcity #seacow #seapotato #coldsnap #sirenia #closeup #comehere #coralcity #coralcitycamera #miami #coral #portmiami #biscaynebay
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
How healthy are the Great Lakes? It depends where. Results are being shared at the GL Forum this week in Chicago.
See full report: binational.net/2026/01/20/2...
See full report: binational.net/2026/01/20/2...
February 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM
How healthy are the Great Lakes? It depends where. Results are being shared at the GL Forum this week in Chicago.
See full report: binational.net/2026/01/20/2...
See full report: binational.net/2026/01/20/2...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
As sweeping changes to the federal Clean Water Act in recent years have weakened protections for wetlands, Illinois has become the first state in the nation to officially recognize a conservation tactic known as rewilding.
Illinois Rewilding Law, first in US, a step toward state wetland protection
Officials and environmentalists, pushing for state regulation of wetlands, say law will help close federal gaps after Trump rollbacks.
trib.al
February 4, 2026 at 4:32 PM
As sweeping changes to the federal Clean Water Act in recent years have weakened protections for wetlands, Illinois has become the first state in the nation to officially recognize a conservation tactic known as rewilding.
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
As a scientist, this is my favorite type of email to receive…
February 4, 2026 at 1:06 AM
As a scientist, this is my favorite type of email to receive…
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Grad students & recent alums: Only 2 days left to apply for the MN Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship! 🌊
🔹 $55k stipend + $2.5k for prof dev
🔹 Work with MN DNR, MDH & more
🔹 Real-world water policy impact
Deadline: Feb 5 at 11:59 PM CT. ⏳
Apply on eSeaGrant: z.umn.edu/mnsg_science...
🔹 $55k stipend + $2.5k for prof dev
🔹 Work with MN DNR, MDH & more
🔹 Real-world water policy impact
Deadline: Feb 5 at 11:59 PM CT. ⏳
Apply on eSeaGrant: z.umn.edu/mnsg_science...
February 3, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Grad students & recent alums: Only 2 days left to apply for the MN Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship! 🌊
🔹 $55k stipend + $2.5k for prof dev
🔹 Work with MN DNR, MDH & more
🔹 Real-world water policy impact
Deadline: Feb 5 at 11:59 PM CT. ⏳
Apply on eSeaGrant: z.umn.edu/mnsg_science...
🔹 $55k stipend + $2.5k for prof dev
🔹 Work with MN DNR, MDH & more
🔹 Real-world water policy impact
Deadline: Feb 5 at 11:59 PM CT. ⏳
Apply on eSeaGrant: z.umn.edu/mnsg_science...
Since January 20, 2025, the #GreatLakes region has lost 19,450 federal jobs including at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (which lost 20% of its workforce) + US Fish & Wildlife Service, threatening scientific research and ecosystem protection www.nemw.org/trump-admini...
February 3, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Since January 20, 2025, the #GreatLakes region has lost 19,450 federal jobs including at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (which lost 20% of its workforce) + US Fish & Wildlife Service, threatening scientific research and ecosystem protection www.nemw.org/trump-admini...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
How do #PFAS get into drinking water? Our director, Christy Remucal, describes how "forever chemicals" move around the #GreatLakes in The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/pfas-are-turning-up-in-the-great-lakes-putting-fish-and-water-supplies-at-risk-heres-how-they-get-there-271489
https://theconversation.com/pfas-are-turning-up-in-the-great-lakes-putting-fish-and-water-supplies-at-risk-heres-how-they-get-there-271489
PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk – here’s how they get there
Some of these ‘forever chemicals’ are toxic at very low levels. They can get into water systems and bioaccumulate in fish, ultimately posing risks to people.
theconversation.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:45 PM
How do #PFAS get into drinking water? Our director, Christy Remucal, describes how "forever chemicals" move around the #GreatLakes in The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/pfas-are-turning-up-in-the-great-lakes-putting-fish-and-water-supplies-at-risk-heres-how-they-get-there-271489
https://theconversation.com/pfas-are-turning-up-in-the-great-lakes-putting-fish-and-water-supplies-at-risk-heres-how-they-get-there-271489
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
How understanding Alligator Gars can help Mississippi River floodplain restoration! @nfwfnews.bsky.social
New conservation story: gardenandgun.com/feature/in-p...
New conservation story: gardenandgun.com/feature/in-p...
In Pursuit of Alligator Gar, the Ancient Giant of the Shallows
The prehistoric fish with a toothy grin is fueling floodplain restoration efforts on the Mississippi River
gardenandgun.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:46 PM
How understanding Alligator Gars can help Mississippi River floodplain restoration! @nfwfnews.bsky.social
New conservation story: gardenandgun.com/feature/in-p...
New conservation story: gardenandgun.com/feature/in-p...
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Happy #WorldWetlandsDay to the real MVPs.
February 2, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Happy #WorldWetlandsDay to the real MVPs.
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Great Lakes habitat hall of fame!
Coastal wetlands.
Coastal wetlands.
February 2, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Great Lakes habitat hall of fame!
Coastal wetlands.
Coastal wetlands.
or more succinctly:
this bad boy can fit so many fish species in it
this bad boy can fit so many fish species in it
February 2, 2026 at 8:02 PM
or more succinctly:
this bad boy can fit so many fish species in it
this bad boy can fit so many fish species in it
There are about 532,938 acres of #GreatLakes coastal wetlands - some 833 square miles - that provide habitat for nearly 80 species of fish species at some point during their life cycle. Yellow perch, pike, and bass all often start out their lives in these nurseries! #WorldWetlandsDay
February 2, 2026 at 7:53 PM
There are about 532,938 acres of #GreatLakes coastal wetlands - some 833 square miles - that provide habitat for nearly 80 species of fish species at some point during their life cycle. Yellow perch, pike, and bass all often start out their lives in these nurseries! #WorldWetlandsDay
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
Mondays are better with an octopus squid 🦑💫
The octopus squid (Octopoteuthis deletron) is unusual among squids. Most squids have eight arms and two long tentacles, making a total of 10 appendages. As young Octopoteuthis mature, their two feeding tentacles are reabsorbed into their bodies.
The octopus squid (Octopoteuthis deletron) is unusual among squids. Most squids have eight arms and two long tentacles, making a total of 10 appendages. As young Octopoteuthis mature, their two feeding tentacles are reabsorbed into their bodies.
February 2, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Mondays are better with an octopus squid 🦑💫
The octopus squid (Octopoteuthis deletron) is unusual among squids. Most squids have eight arms and two long tentacles, making a total of 10 appendages. As young Octopoteuthis mature, their two feeding tentacles are reabsorbed into their bodies.
The octopus squid (Octopoteuthis deletron) is unusual among squids. Most squids have eight arms and two long tentacles, making a total of 10 appendages. As young Octopoteuthis mature, their two feeding tentacles are reabsorbed into their bodies.
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
February 1, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Reposted by Katie O'Reilly
A late #SundayFishSketch of my finished Mooneye illustration 🐡
February 2, 2026 at 4:14 PM
A late #SundayFishSketch of my finished Mooneye illustration 🐡