Julia Lightner is a biologist for Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with over 20 years of experience. She currently aids LDWF in the management of Elmer’s Island by providing access for recreation and educational opportunities, continuing to research the natural resources on the refuge, and restoring and protecting the species that live on the refuge as well as their habitat.
Q: What is your job title and affiliation?
A: Biologist DCL-A, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Q: How did you get started in this field and how long have you been doing this type of work?
A: I got interested in conservation through an Environmental Field Program (EFP) that I attended in college, where we spent three months camping in state parks and refuges of the Southeast and speaking to regional experts on the environment. I have been working in this field (conservation/biological sciences) for over 20 years.
Q: Describe the part of your job/role that you enjoy the most.
A: Part of my job is being responsible for Elmer’s Island Refuge, and I enjoy any time I can spend out there working on outreach, restoration and recreational access projects.
Q: Describe the part of your job/role that you believe is the most impactful.
A: LDWF has been trying to improve recreational access for Elmer’s Island and I’ve been able to propose several projects that were funded through NRDA. I think they’ve had some impact on people visiting and enjoying their trips to the Refuge.
Another project I’m working on this year is a reimbursement program to help shrimpers purchase TEDs (turtle excluder devices) for their skimmer boats (a new federal requirement from NOAA).
Checking the labels on your seafood products to make sure they are from Louisiana or from the Gulf Coast helps to support the coastal community and economy.
Julia Lightner
Q: What do you think is the best/easiest way people can help restore or preserve wetlands?
A: One way to support restoration would be to support the local advocates, many of which are the local fishermen and dock owners. Checking the labels on your seafood products to make sure they are from Louisiana or from the Gulf Coast helps to support the coastal community and economy. Fishing is one of the leading industries of our coast. Buying local seafood also reduces the fuel consumption needed for transporting imported fish; reducing the carbon footprint is helpful for preventing further sea-level rise.
Q: In your opinion why is coastal restoration in Louisiana important? For folks out of state, why is Louisiana’s coastal restoration work important for the nation?
A: Much of coastal Louisiana is the result of the Mississippi River meeting the Gulf of Mexico, and over time creating some of the most productive and beautiful estuaries, made up of miles and miles of swamp, marsh, and barrier islands. The area is so important as a nursery ground for crabs, shrimp, oysters and fish, for bird migration over the Gulf of Mexico, and the industries that use the area for ports and transportation.
Q: What is your favorite recreational activity to do in the wetlands? OR Which wetland inhabitant (bird, fish, plant, etc) do you think best represents you?
A: I attended a photography class a few years ago, and that hobby started from taking pictures of and trying to identify different shorebirds. So I guess nature photography is probably one of my favorite activities these days.
CWPPRA 