One of the major reasons for the success of most fisheries today is the practice of catch and release. The wholesale acceptance of this tremendous conservation tool by the sportfishing public, is a major factor in the thriving populations of sportfish today, both in saltwater and freshwater.
Exceptional organizations, such as, The International Game Fish Association and The Billfish Foundation, which advocate the merits of catch and release to their membership have helped contribute immensely to this success. Freshwater species, such as the largemouth bass, have benefited greatly by the efforts of organizations like the B.A.S.S., and their efforts of promoting the merits of catch and release. They have imparted to their membership, the benefits of this conservation tool, not only to the recreational fisherman, but to the tournament angler as well. By the practice of it's members, of the principles on which the organization was founded, fishermen for generations to come will continue to enjoy this great sport. These organizations, and many more like them, have instilled in the hearts and minds of sportfishermen worldwide, the tremendous benefits of this marvelous conservation tool.
State and Federal agencies,entrusted with the monitoring and enforcement of rules and regulations put in place for maintaining sustainable fisheries, have played a crucial role as well. The employment of the many dedicated biologists and fishery management officials has been, and continues to be, a major factor in this success. These talented and devoted individuals continue to provide information to the sportfishing industry and the general public, on many of the critical aspects of conservation and management. Some of the crucial areas are harvest limits, size limits, and information aimed at reducing mortality rates in the various species, upon releasing.
Some anglers, who have enjoyed this great sport of fishing for years, remember a time when most of the nations fisheries were not blessed with the thriving populations we are enjoying today. The over harvest of many of the species by commercial, as well as recreational fishermen, painted a dim future for the sport. The famous Chesapeake Bay, in the mid 80's, imposed a moratorium on the striped bass, or rockfish, as some refer to it. These efforts were a necessary management tool, that eventually opened the eyes of the sportfishing public, to the need of conserving our natural marine resources. The recovery of the sustainable populations this species has seen since those times, is a testament to the conservation efforts of this country.
This marvelous conservation tool of catch and release is a concerted effort. First, by those dedicated sportfishermen who desire to see this great sport continue to flourish. Their continued compliance with the rules and regulations, imposed by the state agencies responsible for the management of our nations fisheries, is vital. Secondly,the ongoing efforts of the management agencies, such as state DNR's, in learning more about the various species and how best to maintain sustainable populations. Lastly, those tremendous organizations mentioned above, who endeavor to promote responsible stewards of the sportfishing community. Their efforts are aimed at educating and informing the sportfishing public of the necessity of ethical angling practices and conservation.
This joint effort of every individual in the sportfishing community will ensure that we, as a nation, will be able to continue enjoying this great sport for years to come. We owe it to our children, to pass on the sportfishing opportunities we are enjoying today. We, as individuals and a nation, need to continue supporting the agencies and organizations responsible for providing the thriving populations of game fish that exist today.
Catch and release, while not the only ingredient in the excellent sportfishing opportunities we are enjoying today, is playing a vital role. Support your state DNR's and those organizations which are promoting ethical and responsible stewardship of this great sport of fishing. Leave a legacy, for the generations to come, of some of the recreational opportunities that we are enjoying today.
Capt. Jake Davisone is a contributing editor for http://www.SportfishCentral.com and a member of GuideExpress। For more information on other exciting sportfishing destinations around the world and sportfishing tips and techniques, visit SportfishCentral.com - Here you will find information, as well, on the top charters, guides and outfitters in the sportfishing industry. If you are a Charter Captain, Saltwater or Freshwater Guide or Outfitter, you can submit your business free into our database.
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