Request information from Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Working with the ADFG Fish Pathology Lab and ADFG Database
Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates a fish disease lab and it keeps records of what it finds in a database. The database is open to the public. It is not on-line. You must contact ADFG for the information you want. They will send it.The report you receive back is a list of records of the fish type, what was found, and a couple of other facts (see sample at end of this document). It will likely be only one page.
Difference between Pathology Report and Database Record Report:
The database record report is NOT the same as the “Pathology Report” you receive if you submit fish to ADFG for testing. If you have submitted a fish sample, you will receive a full Pathology Report. You can discuss with ADFG staff the results, and ask them many questions about what they found. Often, they know a lot about the disease that is not written in the report. You should feel comfortable asking them all the questions you think of.Database records are for fish that someone else submitted to be tested in the past. Once you get your record request, you can also ask additional questions. However, the staff may not have a lot of time to talk with you. You might need to get more information on-line about fish diseases that are listed in the report. You can also contact other fish scientists. See the “other resources” listed at the end of the How to Test Fish.
Submitting Fish Samples
You may submit fish samples to ADFG. Click here to read how. Asking ADFG to test your fish is not the same as asking to see their database records for fish that have already been tested. Sometimes ADFG may not be able to test your fish. But they will always be able to send you any records they have from the database for information that you request.How to Request Information from the ADFG Fish Database
- 1.Call ADFG Lab in Anchorage at 267-2244. Ask to speak to Tammy Burton. If she is no longer there, ask to speak to someone who can process your request for information from the ADFG Fish Database. You may also email your request. Try tammy.burton@alaska.gov. If the contact information becomes outdated, go to their website and find a contact person there.: http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/geninfo/research/patho/pathohpg.php
- 2.Tell them the watershed(s), the fish type(s) you are interested in, and what year(s) you are interested in. They will retrieve the information from their database. They may ask for additional information first if your request is not clear to them. Note, even though they usually only receive requests from researchers, part of the purpose of the database and the lab is to provide information to the public. So do not worry about bothering them. They like to see their database used.
- 3.They will send you the information. They can send you the form as an attachment in an email, or you can request a fax.
- 4.You should get the information very quickly. If you do not receive the information within two weeks, try contacting them again. If your request was straightforward, it is pretty easy for them to print out the information.