World Nature Conservation Day: Ways to Participate

Celebrated every year on July 28th, World Nature Conservation Day raises awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources and implementing best practices for nature conservation. Check out these five ways to make positive changes while fishing and help ensure the health of our water natural resources in honor of World Nature Conservation Day.

Introduce Someone New to Fishing

One of the best things we can do to contribute to the conservation of natural resources is to get someone new involved in fishing. When people are introduced to the beauty and wonder of nature, it helps them understand why natural resources conservation is so important. In other words, they are much more likely to become stewards of nature when they are personally invested in the outdoors.

Participate in Waterway Clean-Ups

Participate in a waterway clean-up effort to help remove litter from local fishing spots. Find out how to conserve natural resources by getting involved in a lake, river, or beach cleanup project in your area. This is a great way to improve the health of your local waterways while forming friendships with like-minded people who care about conservation.

When fishing or boating, always pack out your own trash, including monofilament fishing line and hooks that can harm wildlife. Focus on keeping our public lands clean for other anglers and future generations.

Practice Proper Catch and Release

Catch and release fishing is a good nature conservation strategy, but just the act of releasing a fish does not guarantee that it will live, survive, and thrive. The actions you take before, during, and after you land a fish can improve its chances of survival and help keep our nation’s fish stocks healthy. Learn more about choosing the right fishing gear, how to handle fish, and how to resuscitate your catches to help contribute to high quality fisheries (particularly for species that are frequently targeted).

Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

Invasive plants and fish can damage, displace, or reduce populations of native species that we want to conserve. Help prevent the spread of non-native aquatic plants and wildlife by removing vegetation, seeds and mud from your boat, trailer, vehicle, boots, waders, clothing, and equipment before leaving a fishing spot or visiting a new area. In addition, avoid using non-native live baits that might survive and become invasive.

Spread the word about World Nature Conservation Day and the positive things you can do to help preserve and honor our natural environments.