Why We Love Fish Conservation Projects (and You Should, Too)
By Debbie Hanson
Nov 21, 2014
When you have a “less than stellar” day of fishing, which excuses do you use? My list tends to include things like the weather, a lack of bait, the wrong bait, the fact that I forgot my lucky fishing hat or the fact that another boat or person was in my favorite spot.
When you have a “less than stellar” day of fishing, which excuses do you use? My list tends to include things like the weather, a lack of bait, the wrong bait, the fact that I forgot my lucky fishing hat or the fact that another boat or person was in my favorite spot. While any day on the water is a good day in my opinion, you may also be a bit like me and consider the best days to be the ones when you are catching as opposed to just fishing.
Don’t let fish populations become another reason why. Even when fish populations are at healthy levels, there are a number of variables that can affect your ability to catch or not to catch. Which means that all anglers should consider getting involved in fish conservation projects that help prevent low fish population numbers being added to the list of reasons why you’re not catching.
We love fish conservation projects because they contribute to a positive fishing experience in the following ways:
By protecting fish habitats. Conservation projects, such as the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, are focused on restoring habitats that have been damaged and protecting those that are healthy. When these types of conservation projects are successful, better fishing opportunities are created.
By stocking waterways to help regulate fish numbers. When fish are reared in a federal or state-run fish hatchery, and then released into a waterway according to a specific stocking schedule, this helps to regulate fish populations. Anglers will have a higher quality fishing experience when fish populations are monitored and low populations are improved through stocking initiatives.
By enhancing our water resources. Changes in water quality are a concern since fish depend on clean water in order to live and thrive. Anglers often join conservation organizations to get involved with projects such as improving water quality on a local river or cleaning up the shorelines around a lake.
Lend a hand to assist with conservation efforts while learning more about the fisheries in your area by participating in a local fish conservation project. Check our list of state conservation activities and get involved today.
Don’t let fish populations become another reason why. Even when fish populations are at healthy levels, there are a number of variables that can affect your ability to catch or not to catch. Which means that all anglers should consider getting involved in fish conservation projects that help prevent low fish population numbers being added to the list of reasons why you’re not catching.
We love fish conservation projects because they contribute to a positive fishing experience in the following ways:
By protecting fish habitats. Conservation projects, such as the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, are focused on restoring habitats that have been damaged and protecting those that are healthy. When these types of conservation projects are successful, better fishing opportunities are created.
By stocking waterways to help regulate fish numbers. When fish are reared in a federal or state-run fish hatchery, and then released into a waterway according to a specific stocking schedule, this helps to regulate fish populations. Anglers will have a higher quality fishing experience when fish populations are monitored and low populations are improved through stocking initiatives.
By enhancing our water resources. Changes in water quality are a concern since fish depend on clean water in order to live and thrive. Anglers often join conservation organizations to get involved with projects such as improving water quality on a local river or cleaning up the shorelines around a lake.
Lend a hand to assist with conservation efforts while learning more about the fisheries in your area by participating in a local fish conservation project. Check our list of state conservation activities and get involved today.
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.
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