Alumna Breena Apgar-Kurtz graduated from the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs in 2012 and is now a Fishery Management Biologist for the Lummi Nation. We had a chance to catch up with Breena and hear about her job, her time at SMEA, and advice she has for current SMEA students.

Can you give us a brief description of what you do?

As a technical finfish fishery representative, I forecast annual salmon returns, calculate fishery rates and make fishery recommendations to policy representatives. During halibut and salmon fisheries, I participate in season management including catch accounting, fishery management plans and sampling.

What do you like best about your job?

My favorite part of my job is connecting with the community. When I see the fleet on the water, it makes me happy to see fishermen fulfilling their cultural, economic, and social needs. Every year, Lummi Nation has a First Salmon Ceremony to honor Spring Chinook. Attending this ceremony reminds me of the importance of passing down traditions through songs, dances and seafood.

How did SMEA help you prepare?

SMEA gave me a broad perspective of economical, social, legal and political natural resource management in Puget Sound. One important aspect of SMEA is the ability to take classes in other departments. Having this opportunity allowed me to specialize within my field, prepare my thesis topic and build my network.

If you had one piece of advice for current SMEA students, what would it be?

Please be nice to each other. You never know if that person will be your future boss, coworker or collaborator.

If you are a SMEA alum who would like to share what you’re doing, you can do so through our Alumni Update, we’d love to hear from you! You can also update your information via the UW Alumni Services site http://www.washington.edu/alumni/services/update/