Leading Researcher Named First UM Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science

Yoichiro Kanno joins University of Montana's top-ranked Wildlife Biology Program

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of Montana has named Yoichiro Kanno, one of the nation's leading fisheries scientists, as the inaugural Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science. Kanno will join UM's nationally recognized Wildlife Biology Program in January 2026, strengthening the university's position as a leader in aquatic research, education, and conservation.

Why it matters

Kanno's appointment comes at a critical time for maintaining the West's fish populations, blue-ribbon waterways, and communities that depend on them. His expertise in stream fish ecology and conservation, with an emphasis on cold water ecosystems, will help inform the management of fisheries resources in Montana and the surrounding region.

The details

As the Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair, Kanno will continue his work on protecting native fish species like cutthroat and bull trout, and provide science-based solutions to sustain Montana's world-class recreational fisheries. The endowed chair position was established in 2024 after more than 50 donors committed $5 million to the UM Foundation, ensuring permanent support for hands-on education and research in sustainable fisheries management.

  • Kanno will join UM in January 2026 as the inaugural Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science.
  • Kanno will spend the spring 2026 semester with a split appointment between UM and Colorado State University, before becoming full-time at UM starting in fall 2026.

The players

Yoichiro Kanno

One of the nation's leading fisheries scientists, who will join the University of Montana as the inaugural Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science.

University of Montana

A university with a nationally recognized, interdisciplinary Wildlife Biology Program, which is welcoming Kanno to strengthen its position as a leader in aquatic research, education, and conservation.

UM Foundation

The organization that established the Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science in 2024, after more than 50 donors committed $5 million to ensure permanent support for hands-on education and research in sustainable fisheries management.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big challenge for humanity, and I believe Montana is the right place to work on it because we still have so much to protect, and we have people who care deeply about protecting it.”

— Yoichiro Kanno (kpax.com)

“I'm very excited about the opportunity to join the amazing faculty and students in wildlife biology at UM. The program is nationally and globally recognized for its work in wildlife and fisheries conservation. It's a dream come true for me to hold an endowed position at a renowned program like UM's.”

— Yoichiro Kanno (kpax.com)

What’s next

Kanno will spend the spring 2026 semester with a split appointment between UM and Colorado State University, as he concludes ongoing research and work with students in Fort Collins. He will be full-time at UM starting in fall 2026.

The takeaway

Kanno's appointment as the inaugural Siebel-Lewis Endowed Chair in Fisheries Science strengthens UM's position as a national leader in aquatic research, education, and conservation, at a critical time for maintaining the West's fish populations and blue-ribbon waterways.