With the EPA's recent decision to allow the use of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15) in 2001 and newer model cars and trucks, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says that trailerboaters will need to remain extra vigilant when filling up their truck and trailered boat at the local gas station. That's because while E15 could be fine for the tow vehicle, it's not good - nor authorized by the EPA - for use with boats. A strong solvent, ethanol has been known to degrade marine fuel systems, damage engines, add safety concerns, and lead to expensive repair bills.
http://gethookd.net
Showing posts with label Conservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conservation. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Toyota Share Lunker 508 Sets New Record for Lake Austin
T.J. Nissen of Austin holds the new record for Lake Austin after catching a 16.03-pound bass late in the day on January 27.
Nissen was fishing in four to five feet of 49-degree water when the fish took his crankbait. The fish is 28.25 inches long and 21.75 inches in girth. Only three other fish entered into the Toyota ShareLunker program have been that long.
Federal Consideration of Bottom Fishing Closure Suspended
The Secretary of Commerce has agreed with recommendations of NOAA Fisheries Services and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to suspend consideration of the potential large bottom fishing closure in the Southeast. Economic impact information generated by the American Sportfishing Assn. (ASA) in cooperation with the Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) and Big Rock Sports led to the decision. Keeping the zone open protects potentially thousands of jobs and industry retail sales in the impacted areas.
"I believe that two things primarily impacted this decision," said BCI Director Jim Martin. "First, the Council and NOAA Fisheries heard loud and clear that risking such an economic impact in a time of economic recession was the wrong decision. While we are all committed to the full rebuilding of red snapper in the South Atlantic, closing the entire bottom fishing complex for so long…perhaps over a decade, was going to have a devastating impact on the economy, our jobs and the industry as a whole. We have ASA and Big Rock to thank for doing the exceptional survey of potential economic impacts.
"Secondly, the new stock assessment for South Atlantic red snapper showed what anglers have been saying all along….that the stock was stronger than was originally reflected in previous stock assessments. The good news is that the most recent assessment showed several younger year classes have moved into the catchable population. With the continuation of prohibition on targeting red snapper, it is believed that most of these fish will recruit into spawning populations to help rebuild red snapper to levels without the drastic measure of closing all bottom fishing."
It will still take many years to fully rebuild red snapper, even with the prohibition on target fishing this species. Once this happens, a sustained yield of many times the current catch is expected if management is careful not to overfish red snapper.
There is still the issue of the incidental mortality of red snapper that are caught in recreational fishing, and are brought to the surface and released. Pure Fishing is working with ASA and others to examine techniques to resubmerge these fish back to the depth that they were caught before releasing them.
Added Martin, "In the short term, an economic disaster has been avoided by the wise decision by the Secretary of Commerce. The longer term good news is we expect to be able to rebuild South Atlantic red snapper without having to close the whole bottom fishing complex."
About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
About Jarden
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
"I believe that two things primarily impacted this decision," said BCI Director Jim Martin. "First, the Council and NOAA Fisheries heard loud and clear that risking such an economic impact in a time of economic recession was the wrong decision. While we are all committed to the full rebuilding of red snapper in the South Atlantic, closing the entire bottom fishing complex for so long…perhaps over a decade, was going to have a devastating impact on the economy, our jobs and the industry as a whole. We have ASA and Big Rock to thank for doing the exceptional survey of potential economic impacts.
"Secondly, the new stock assessment for South Atlantic red snapper showed what anglers have been saying all along….that the stock was stronger than was originally reflected in previous stock assessments. The good news is that the most recent assessment showed several younger year classes have moved into the catchable population. With the continuation of prohibition on targeting red snapper, it is believed that most of these fish will recruit into spawning populations to help rebuild red snapper to levels without the drastic measure of closing all bottom fishing."
It will still take many years to fully rebuild red snapper, even with the prohibition on target fishing this species. Once this happens, a sustained yield of many times the current catch is expected if management is careful not to overfish red snapper.
There is still the issue of the incidental mortality of red snapper that are caught in recreational fishing, and are brought to the surface and released. Pure Fishing is working with ASA and others to examine techniques to resubmerge these fish back to the depth that they were caught before releasing them.
Added Martin, "In the short term, an economic disaster has been avoided by the wise decision by the Secretary of Commerce. The longer term good news is we expect to be able to rebuild South Atlantic red snapper without having to close the whole bottom fishing complex."
About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
About Jarden
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Iaconelli Joins Effort to Protect Louisiana's Wetlands
Michael Iaconelli, one of professional bass fishing's elite anglers and host of City Limits Fishing on the Versus Network, is giving his support to help the National Wildlife Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation raise awareness for the need to restore and protect Louisiana's imperiled coastal wetlands.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Releases Video on Fizzing Bass
The Inland Fisheries Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) today announced the availability of a seven-minute video detailing the results of a two-year study to determine the best method of treating largemouth bass suffering from barotrauma.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Toyota ShareLunker 507: Three in a Row for O.H. Ivie
Christopher Wright proved again Saturday, January 15, what has become obvious to anglers: O.H. Ivie is the hottest bass lake in Texas right now.
Wright caught Toyota ShareLunker 507 from the lake while fishing in a tournament. Using a swim bait, Wright was fishing in 75 feet of water when the 13.83-pound bass took the lure at about 37 feet deep. The surface water temperature was 46 degrees.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Submit your comments about Asian Carp
The US Army Corps of Engineers is conducting the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study ( GLMRIS). As part of this study, the Corps will evaluate a range of options and technologies to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. According to the Corps, “the term ‘prevent’ includes the reduction of risk to the maximum extent possible, because it may not be technologically feasible to achieve an absolute solution.”
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Robert Montgomery Launches Activist Angler
The Activist Angler is a new web site intended to promote and protect recreational fishing. Founder Robert Montgomery says that he saw need for such a voice in the wake of his coverage of the National Ocean Council and the threat that it poses to access on the nation's waters. "It allows the feds to tell us where we can and cannot fish in our oceans, coastal waters and the Great Lakes, with the door left open to move inland as well," said Montgomery, who covered the issue at ESPN Outdoors until that web site ceased publishing.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Noreen Clough Returns As B.A.S.S. Conservation Director
Noreen Clough, a highly respected and experienced leader in conservation and natural resource organizations, has been named B.A.S.S. conservation director, the organization announced today.
Clough, who served 20 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including director of the FWS Southeast Region, formerly served as B.A.S.S. conservation director from 2004 until her retirement in 2007. Chris Horton held the position from that time until last fall, when he became midwest director of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
Clough, who served 20 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including director of the FWS Southeast Region, formerly served as B.A.S.S. conservation director from 2004 until her retirement in 2007. Chris Horton held the position from that time until last fall, when he became midwest director of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
Monday, January 10, 2011
BCI Jim Martin Named to Center for Coastal Conservation Board of Directors
BCI was created by Berkley Fishing, a part of Pure Fishing and the Jarden Corporation. The BCI mission is to promote conservation and leverage Berkley’s science and technology resources to ensure the health and well-being of worldwide fish populations. BCI supports anglers and the passion for fishing that has been central to Berkley since the company was founded 70 years ago. Martin helped create BCI and has led the Institute since its formation in 2004.
Friday, January 7, 2011
B.A.S.S. Backs Wildlife Federation Conservation Efforts in Louisiana
The 2011 Bassmaster Classic, to be held February 18-20 in New Orleans, will showcase more than 50 of the world's best bass anglers. It will also draw attention to important efforts to revitalize what the National Wildlife Federation calls a "Vanishing Paradise."
B.A.S.S. LLC, which conducts the annual world championship of bass fishing, is partnering with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in campaigns to promote the restoration and protection of Louisiana's imperiled coastal wetlands and reconnect the Mississippi River to its delta.
While the Louisiana Delta is rebounding from devastating hurricanes and a massive oil spill, a continuing and more destructive force threatens the long-term survival of the coastal wetlands, according to Land Tawney, NWF's senior manager for sportsmen leadership.
Levees and navigation projects along the Mississippi River have isolated Louisiana's wetlands from the freshwater and sediment that once built them while allowing saltwater to penetrate far inland, destroying once healthy coastal forests and freshwater swamps, Tawney said. As a result, more than 2,300 square miles of coastal lands and estuaries, an area nearly the size of the state of Delaware, has washed away or subsided in the last 80 years. An area of land the size of a football field becomes open water nearly every half-hour along the Louisiana coast.
River diversion projects already in place have dramatically improved delta bass fishing since the Classic last visited New Orleans in 2003. LWF's Sportsmen for the Coast campaign and NWF's Vanishing Paradise effort are aimed at gaining federal approval of additional projects to restore the vast marshland.
"B.A.S.S. supports these efforts to protect and improve this great fishery that is so important to bass fishermen and other sportsmen," said Jerry McKinnis, an owner of B.A.S.S. "Unless something is done to protect these coastal wetlands, the fantastic fishing we have now won't be around for our children to enjoy."
The LWF and NWF campaigns are being promoted through Bassmaster Magazine, B.A.S.S. Times, www.bassmaster.com and other B.A.S.S. media. In addition, LWF and NWF will host Bassmaster Classic Media Day on Thursday, Feb. 17, and will have representatives available to answer questions and distribute information to angling enthusiasts attending the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Feb. 18-20.
"The best bass fishing and, arguably, even the best saltwater fishing in Louisiana over the past 10 to 15 years has been in the coastal areas near the Caernarvon and Davis Pond diversions," said LWF Coastal Outreach Coordinator Chris Macaluso. "Bringing the river back into those areas has increased the aquatic vegetation, made the food chain healthier and made both the bass fishing and the saltwater fishing much better. The Mississippi River built this delta, and it only makes sense that it needs to be used to restore and rebuild it."
More information about both LWF's and NWF's efforts to involve anglers, hunters and all outdoors enthusiasts in the restoration of Louisiana's coast can be found at www.vanishingparadise.org and www.lawildlifefed.org/coastal.
B.A.S.S. LLC, which conducts the annual world championship of bass fishing, is partnering with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in campaigns to promote the restoration and protection of Louisiana's imperiled coastal wetlands and reconnect the Mississippi River to its delta.
While the Louisiana Delta is rebounding from devastating hurricanes and a massive oil spill, a continuing and more destructive force threatens the long-term survival of the coastal wetlands, according to Land Tawney, NWF's senior manager for sportsmen leadership.
Levees and navigation projects along the Mississippi River have isolated Louisiana's wetlands from the freshwater and sediment that once built them while allowing saltwater to penetrate far inland, destroying once healthy coastal forests and freshwater swamps, Tawney said. As a result, more than 2,300 square miles of coastal lands and estuaries, an area nearly the size of the state of Delaware, has washed away or subsided in the last 80 years. An area of land the size of a football field becomes open water nearly every half-hour along the Louisiana coast.
River diversion projects already in place have dramatically improved delta bass fishing since the Classic last visited New Orleans in 2003. LWF's Sportsmen for the Coast campaign and NWF's Vanishing Paradise effort are aimed at gaining federal approval of additional projects to restore the vast marshland.
"B.A.S.S. supports these efforts to protect and improve this great fishery that is so important to bass fishermen and other sportsmen," said Jerry McKinnis, an owner of B.A.S.S. "Unless something is done to protect these coastal wetlands, the fantastic fishing we have now won't be around for our children to enjoy."
The LWF and NWF campaigns are being promoted through Bassmaster Magazine, B.A.S.S. Times, www.bassmaster.com and other B.A.S.S. media. In addition, LWF and NWF will host Bassmaster Classic Media Day on Thursday, Feb. 17, and will have representatives available to answer questions and distribute information to angling enthusiasts attending the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Feb. 18-20.
"The best bass fishing and, arguably, even the best saltwater fishing in Louisiana over the past 10 to 15 years has been in the coastal areas near the Caernarvon and Davis Pond diversions," said LWF Coastal Outreach Coordinator Chris Macaluso. "Bringing the river back into those areas has increased the aquatic vegetation, made the food chain healthier and made both the bass fishing and the saltwater fishing much better. The Mississippi River built this delta, and it only makes sense that it needs to be used to restore and rebuild it."
More information about both LWF's and NWF's efforts to involve anglers, hunters and all outdoors enthusiasts in the restoration of Louisiana's coast can be found at www.vanishingparadise.org and www.lawildlifefed.org/coastal.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Arkansas River Fish Kill Investigation Continues
Anglers and residents along the Arkansas River near the Ozark Lock and Dam wrapped up 2010 witnessing more than 83,000 dead and dying fish on the surface of the river.
According to Chris Racey, AGFC assistant chief of fisheries, the fish kill was reported on Dec. 29 and covered about 17 miles of river from the Ozark Lock and Dam downstream to River Mile 240, directly south of Hartman, Ark.
Bob Limbird, district fisheries biologist for the Russellville area, said, “We started receiving reports on Wednesday night. (AGFC Fisheries Management Biologist) Frank Leone and Wildlife Officer Ben Sisk arrived at dark and scanned the water with a spotlight. They saw a lot of dead fish on the shore and decided to come back with more manpower Thursday morning to properly assess the situation.”
On Friday, 17 AGFC personnel loaded into six boats and surveyed the stretch of river affected by the kill.
“We sampled the south bank along the river channel,” said Limbird. “Most of the fish were concentrated from the dam to Okane, with a few here and there stretching almost to Horsehead Creek.”
About 99 percent of the dead fish (about 82,680 estimated fish) were freshwater drum. A few yellow bass, white bass and sauger were found in sampled areas, but may be unrelated to the drum kill.
“Most of the fish were freshwater drum between 6 and 11 inches long,” said Limbird. “We picked up five drum that were dying and submitted them to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for testing.”
The fish samples are being analyzed, but it could take up to 30 days for full test results.
According to Chris Racey, AGFC assistant chief of fisheries, the fish kill was reported on Dec. 29 and covered about 17 miles of river from the Ozark Lock and Dam downstream to River Mile 240, directly south of Hartman, Ark.
Bob Limbird, district fisheries biologist for the Russellville area, said, “We started receiving reports on Wednesday night. (AGFC Fisheries Management Biologist) Frank Leone and Wildlife Officer Ben Sisk arrived at dark and scanned the water with a spotlight. They saw a lot of dead fish on the shore and decided to come back with more manpower Thursday morning to properly assess the situation.”
On Friday, 17 AGFC personnel loaded into six boats and surveyed the stretch of river affected by the kill.
“We sampled the south bank along the river channel,” said Limbird. “Most of the fish were concentrated from the dam to Okane, with a few here and there stretching almost to Horsehead Creek.”
About 99 percent of the dead fish (about 82,680 estimated fish) were freshwater drum. A few yellow bass, white bass and sauger were found in sampled areas, but may be unrelated to the drum kill.
“Most of the fish were freshwater drum between 6 and 11 inches long,” said Limbird. “We picked up five drum that were dying and submitted them to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for testing.”
The fish samples are being analyzed, but it could take up to 30 days for full test results.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Professional Anglers Join Forces To Fight Invasive Species
Wildlife Forever and the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) have officially joined forces in the battle against invasive species. The NPAA is one of best ambassador groups in reaching out to the general public regarding invasive species. By enlisting in the battle together, other anglers will join the fight and learn how to "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!"
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Hardwater Open Tournaments Have an Online Addition for 2011
Ice Fishermen have a chance to test - and build - their skills while supporting stewardship of our waters by competing in the Recycled Fish Hardwater Open Tournaments this winter. Two tournaments held last year are back. The Okoboji Hardwater Open will be held at Okoboji Lake, January 8-9, 2011 near Milford, Iowa. The Big Creek Hardwater Open is held January 29-30, 2011 near Des Moines, Iowa.
Recycled Fish also announces the addition of a new national online tournament being held in conjunction with Angling Masters International. The AMI Hardwater Open lets anglers fish when they want, where they want, for what they want - anywhere across the Ice Belt - and win prizes like a guided Canadian Ice Fishing Vacation.
"The tournaments give anglers a chance to take home cash, prizes and a 'piece of ice' said Ben Leal, Tournament Director. "These events fill a niche in ice fishing, while helping us raise funds and educate anglers about being good stewards of our waters."
The Okoboji and Big Creek Hardwater Open events are open tournaments; open to any angler that would like to compete, and not connected to any series or points race. They feature a free hot lunch served to contestants right on the ice during Saturday's pre-fishing time, an "Ice Bash" party and rules meeting Saturday night, and ice fishing competition on Sunday.
The AMI Hardwater Open is brand new tournament concept where anglers compete throughout the Ice Belt, using an on line format hosted by Angling Masters International. This season long tournament begins January 7, 2011 and ends February 24, 2011.
How about the fishing? For the Okoboji tournament it's sight fishing for the 10 largest bluegill on Little Emerson Bay. For the Big Creek tournament anglers race for a mixed bag - the best 5 crappie and 5 bluegill in what are conventional Iowa fishing conditions. In the AMI Hardwater Open, anglers fish for a wide variety of species, anywhere in the Ice Belt, whenever they want.
"For our event-based Hardwater Opens, fish have to be weighed alive," says Leal, "and we'll have a release pit so that anybody who would like to return their fish to the lake can do so. However, those who want to keep their fish are welcome to do so. Panfish are a good choice for selective harvest, and these ten fish would be well within the legal limit for harvest."
Last year the Okoboji Hardwater Open sold out, with a 60 angler max field. The Big Creek Hardwater Open saw 29 teams out on the ice for the inaugural event.
"We're anticipating another sell-out at Okoboji and twice the number of registered anglers for this year's Big Creek event" said Leal. "These are a ton of fun, and everybody winds up learning a lot. Our T-shirt this year is really cool, too!"
Registration is open now at www.RecycledFish.org, and costs just $65 plus an additional $5 "Berkley Big Fish Pot" entry. Anglers have a chance to win cash prizes with trophies for the top three places, plus both cash and product prize packages from Berkley for the biggest fish of the day. Additional door, raffle and silent auction prizes come from Scheel's, Berkley, Strikemaster, Clam, Ice Team, Kahtoola, Ventafish, Reel Weeds, Grabber and Iowa Sportsman.
For more information, to register, or for a full schedule of Recycled Fish "On Ice" events, visit www.RecycledFish.org.
Recycled Fish is the 501c3 non-profit organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.
About Recycled Fish:
Recycled Fish is the national non-profit organization of "anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream." The Recycled Fish "Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge" invites anglers to embrace the Stewardship Ethic and join the organization, free of charge. The SAFE Angling Program - Sustaining Angling, Fish and Ecosystems - is a way to help anglers embrace a lifestyle of stewardship on the water. It involves catch and release fishing, including the use of single barbless hooks, biodegradable lures, and non-toxic lead-free weights. Recycled Fish also strives to educate anglers about invasive species, habitat loss, waterway litter and pollution prevention, urban fisheries, and increase participation in recreational fishing for both adults and children. For more information on the 501(c)3 group go to: www.RecycledFish.org http://www.RecycledFish.org.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
"Stewardship On Ice" Booklet is the new playbook for ice fishing ethics
The Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour has made a big difference for lakes across the ice belt over the past three years. The tour has accounted for thousands of gallons of trash removed from frozen waters. It has also meant thousands of fish returned - alive and swimming - back into them.
The Recycled Fish "On Ice" Tour is back for a fourth year, it officially kicks off at the St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Expo the weekend of December 3 - 5.
The centerpiece of the Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour for 2011 is the debut of a new booklet called
"Stewardship On Ice." This 16-page, full-color guide gives anglers an overview on how the Stewardship Ethic applies to ice fishing.
"Everybody wants to do the right thing if they know what the right thing to do is," says Teeg Stouffer, Recycled Fish Executive Director. "Stewardship On Ice is a fun, easy read that lays out how an angler can be more than a sportsman, but a steward of our waters while pursuing the sport of ice fishing."
You'll be able to get a copy at Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour stops all winter long, or through the Recycled Fish website. The booklet sells for just $3, and funds support Recycled Fish.
This year the "On Ice Tour" will take the Recycled Fish message to over 50 events across the ice belt. Much of this is accomplished through partnership with tournament series like the North American Ice Fishing Circuit, Northeast Ice Tour, Ice Roads, True Ice Series, and in partnership with organizations like Iceaholics Anonymous and Nathan Krusko's Northeast Ice Fisherman.
Also new to the tour this year is the AMI Hardwater Open, a national online ice fishing derby. "It's the perfect complement to our two existing Hardwater Open events," said Ben Leal, Tournament Director. "The AMI Hardwater Open lets anglers fish where they want, when they want, for what they want, and win!"
Important parts of the Recycled Fish "On Ice" Tour continue to be supporting lake cleanup and catch and release efforts at large scale derbies and tournaments, inviting anglers to take the Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge, and getting young people excited about the outdoors. The tour is funded in part by a raffle - anglers can buy chances to win a complete ice fishing setup including a Clam portable ice shelter, Strikemaster auger and Vexliar sonar unit.
In its fourth year, the Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour is made possible with the support of Grabber Warmers, Ice Team, Strikemaster, Clam Corporation, Kahtoola, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ventafish and the contributions of other key partners, members and concerned anglers.
For more information and a full schedule of Recycled Fish "On Ice" events, visit www.RecycledFish.org.
Recycled Fish is the 501c3 non-profit organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.
The Recycled Fish "On Ice" Tour is back for a fourth year, it officially kicks off at the St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Expo the weekend of December 3 - 5.
The centerpiece of the Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour for 2011 is the debut of a new booklet called
"Stewardship On Ice." This 16-page, full-color guide gives anglers an overview on how the Stewardship Ethic applies to ice fishing.
"Everybody wants to do the right thing if they know what the right thing to do is," says Teeg Stouffer, Recycled Fish Executive Director. "Stewardship On Ice is a fun, easy read that lays out how an angler can be more than a sportsman, but a steward of our waters while pursuing the sport of ice fishing."
You'll be able to get a copy at Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour stops all winter long, or through the Recycled Fish website. The booklet sells for just $3, and funds support Recycled Fish.
This year the "On Ice Tour" will take the Recycled Fish message to over 50 events across the ice belt. Much of this is accomplished through partnership with tournament series like the North American Ice Fishing Circuit, Northeast Ice Tour, Ice Roads, True Ice Series, and in partnership with organizations like Iceaholics Anonymous and Nathan Krusko's Northeast Ice Fisherman.
Also new to the tour this year is the AMI Hardwater Open, a national online ice fishing derby. "It's the perfect complement to our two existing Hardwater Open events," said Ben Leal, Tournament Director. "The AMI Hardwater Open lets anglers fish where they want, when they want, for what they want, and win!"
Important parts of the Recycled Fish "On Ice" Tour continue to be supporting lake cleanup and catch and release efforts at large scale derbies and tournaments, inviting anglers to take the Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge, and getting young people excited about the outdoors. The tour is funded in part by a raffle - anglers can buy chances to win a complete ice fishing setup including a Clam portable ice shelter, Strikemaster auger and Vexliar sonar unit.
In its fourth year, the Recycled Fish "On Ice" tour is made possible with the support of Grabber Warmers, Ice Team, Strikemaster, Clam Corporation, Kahtoola, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ventafish and the contributions of other key partners, members and concerned anglers.
For more information and a full schedule of Recycled Fish "On Ice" events, visit www.RecycledFish.org.
Recycled Fish is the 501c3 non-profit organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
ASMFC Votes in Favor of Striped Bass Conservation
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted 10-4 to reject a proposal to increase the commercial harvest of Atlantic striped bass in state waters Tuesday. In May, the ASMFC proposed an addendum to its current striped bass management plan, which would have increased the commercial striped bass quota by up to 50 percent. Striped bass is a popular sportfish and the nation’s largest marine recreational fishery. Recreational anglers from across the country are united in opposition to this proposal, which would have had negative impacts on the striped bass fishery as well as the businesses and communities that depend on it.
“The sportfishing industry applauds the Commission’s decision,” said American Sportfishing Association Vice President Gordon Robertson. “After months of deliberation, state managers have voted on the side of sound science and conservation, protecting this important fishery from over harvesting and a potential repeat of the collapse of the 1980s.”
A recent report by the ASMFC’s Striped Bass Technical Committee predicts a steady decline of the number of adult striped bass through the year 2015, without consideration of increased commercial harvest.
In 2007, President George W. Bush issued an executive order declaring gamefish status for the striped bass and barring commercial harvest in federal waters. Despite their gamefish status, striped bass populations in the Atlantic are subject to significant and unreported poaching. Additionally, menhaden, an important prey species for striped bass, has reached its lowest abundance in recorded history as a result of commercial overharvesting.
The Atlantic striped bass fishery has experienced several declines over the past few decades. While the fishery has shown a tremendous recovery since the 1980s, numerous reports have noted decreased catches over the last several years. “This addendum angered and shocked anglers from the outset,” Robertson stated. “Atlantic striped bass stocks are being threatened from several different fronts. In addition to illegal harvest in federal waters, more than 70 percent of striped bass are afflicted by the deadly disease Mycobacteriosis in the Chesapeake Bay, the stock’s primary spawning ground. Any increase in commercial fishing pressure in state waters could lead to a collapse for this economically and recreationally important fishery.”
“With the disease and forage fish challenges in the future of Atlantic striped bass stocks, it is important that the ASMFC continues to take a cautious approach to managing the fishery,” Robertson concluded. “The ASMFC decision is the first step to ensuring the vitality of this important fishery. The sportfishing community looks forward to working with managers to conserve and strengthen Atlantic striped bass stocks.”
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 40 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.
“The sportfishing industry applauds the Commission’s decision,” said American Sportfishing Association Vice President Gordon Robertson. “After months of deliberation, state managers have voted on the side of sound science and conservation, protecting this important fishery from over harvesting and a potential repeat of the collapse of the 1980s.”
A recent report by the ASMFC’s Striped Bass Technical Committee predicts a steady decline of the number of adult striped bass through the year 2015, without consideration of increased commercial harvest.
In 2007, President George W. Bush issued an executive order declaring gamefish status for the striped bass and barring commercial harvest in federal waters. Despite their gamefish status, striped bass populations in the Atlantic are subject to significant and unreported poaching. Additionally, menhaden, an important prey species for striped bass, has reached its lowest abundance in recorded history as a result of commercial overharvesting.
The Atlantic striped bass fishery has experienced several declines over the past few decades. While the fishery has shown a tremendous recovery since the 1980s, numerous reports have noted decreased catches over the last several years. “This addendum angered and shocked anglers from the outset,” Robertson stated. “Atlantic striped bass stocks are being threatened from several different fronts. In addition to illegal harvest in federal waters, more than 70 percent of striped bass are afflicted by the deadly disease Mycobacteriosis in the Chesapeake Bay, the stock’s primary spawning ground. Any increase in commercial fishing pressure in state waters could lead to a collapse for this economically and recreationally important fishery.”
“With the disease and forage fish challenges in the future of Atlantic striped bass stocks, it is important that the ASMFC continues to take a cautious approach to managing the fishery,” Robertson concluded. “The ASMFC decision is the first step to ensuring the vitality of this important fishery. The sportfishing community looks forward to working with managers to conserve and strengthen Atlantic striped bass stocks.”
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 40 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.
Largemouth Bass Virus Resurfaces In Virginia; Maryland Anglers Asked To Be Vigilant
Recent fish kills at Kerr Reservoir and Briery Lake in Virginia have been linked to largemouth bass virus (LMBV) by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologists. LMBV has not been implicated in fish kills nationally for nearly a decade. However, the Virginia incidents are a reminder that the organism may still pose some risk to largemouth bass populations. LMBV poses no risk to humans.
"The health of Maryland's largemouth bass populations continues to be excellent," said Don Cosden, DNR's Inland Fisheries Director. "Angler catch rates from monitored tournaments on the tidal Potomac were some of the highest we've seen over the last decade and individual fish condition is excellent. We have blue ribbon fishing opportunities in the Potomac River, Nanticoke River System, and the Upper Bay tributaries including the Susquehanna Flats. We encourage everyone to enjoy the fishing while being vigilant in avoiding transporting fish, debris, bait, and potential problems from one place to another."
LMBV has not been linked to fish kills in Maryland. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service biologists have discovered the virus in routine testing of bass populations over the last ten years. In the Potomac River, three of fourteen samples tested positive for the virus including largemouth bass from two sites on the tidal river and in one smallmouth bass from a site near Sheperdstown, W.Va.
Researchers from Virginia and West Virginia have identified the virus in their waters as well. In Maryland, largemouth bass have tested positive in the Nanticoke, Choptank and Patuxent Rivers, and Triadelphia Reservoir. The virus has not been identified in Upper Chesapeake Bay largemouth bass. However Pennsylvania fisheries biologists have found infected young of year smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River.
LMBV spreads by fish to fish contact, through the water or by fish eating infected prey. Fish biologists believe that LMBV was responsible for largemouth bass losses in the late 1990s in a number of southern and mid-western states. Impacted bass populations typically take three to four years to recover from a major LMBV event.
DNR Fisheries Service biologists offer the following guidelines to reduce the spread of this and other more disruptive invasive or pathogenic organisms such as zebra mussels, which have recently been found in the lower Susquehanna River, and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), which is a fatal fish virus found in the Great Lakes and some upper Mid-Western states waters:
* Never transfer live fish from one body of water to another
* Never discard fish parts or unused bait in any body of water
* Drain water from live wells, bilges, engines, bait buckets, and hoses and pumps before leaving the launch area and clear mud, vegetation and debris from trailers.
* Disinfect live wells daily and particularly when moving between bodies of water.
* Spray or wipe all surfaces with a chlorine solution, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with clean water and flush through lines and pumps.
* Bleach is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Discharge the solution in a grassy area where it will not immediately drain into streams or ponds.
* An effective chlorine solution can be prepared by placing three tablespoons of household bleach in one gallon of water. Use the chlorine solution to clean trailers and other parts of the boat - just be sure to rinse well with clean water.
LMBV may reduce a fish's tolerance to stress. Anglers can increase the chances of survival of fish intended for release by following these guidelines:
* Handle the bass gently and return to the water as soon as possible, especially when the water is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Maintain good water quality your livewell by keeping the water aerated and recirculated at 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the ambient water. Add non-iodized salt to livewells at a rate of one tablespoon per 10 gallons of water, or use one of the commercially available products for maintaining fish.
* Do not overcrowd bass. One pound of fish per gallon of livewell water is a good maximum ratio.
* Stage tournaments during cool water months, particularly in areas where LMBV has been noted.
* Report dying or dead bass, or bass that are swimming poorly in circles near the surface of the water by calling the Maryland Department of the Environment at 800-285-8195 M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 877-224-7229 after hours.
* Report a largemouth bass kill with DNR Tidal Bass Manager Dr. Joe Love at 410-260-8257.
MD DNR biologists will host an LMBV and general bass fishing discussion at the 2011 Fishing Expo and Boat Show at the Maryland State Fair Grounds in Timonium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 15.
More information about LMBV in Virginia is available online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/news/release.asp?id=269.
"The health of Maryland's largemouth bass populations continues to be excellent," said Don Cosden, DNR's Inland Fisheries Director. "Angler catch rates from monitored tournaments on the tidal Potomac were some of the highest we've seen over the last decade and individual fish condition is excellent. We have blue ribbon fishing opportunities in the Potomac River, Nanticoke River System, and the Upper Bay tributaries including the Susquehanna Flats. We encourage everyone to enjoy the fishing while being vigilant in avoiding transporting fish, debris, bait, and potential problems from one place to another."
LMBV has not been linked to fish kills in Maryland. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service biologists have discovered the virus in routine testing of bass populations over the last ten years. In the Potomac River, three of fourteen samples tested positive for the virus including largemouth bass from two sites on the tidal river and in one smallmouth bass from a site near Sheperdstown, W.Va.
Researchers from Virginia and West Virginia have identified the virus in their waters as well. In Maryland, largemouth bass have tested positive in the Nanticoke, Choptank and Patuxent Rivers, and Triadelphia Reservoir. The virus has not been identified in Upper Chesapeake Bay largemouth bass. However Pennsylvania fisheries biologists have found infected young of year smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River.
LMBV spreads by fish to fish contact, through the water or by fish eating infected prey. Fish biologists believe that LMBV was responsible for largemouth bass losses in the late 1990s in a number of southern and mid-western states. Impacted bass populations typically take three to four years to recover from a major LMBV event.
DNR Fisheries Service biologists offer the following guidelines to reduce the spread of this and other more disruptive invasive or pathogenic organisms such as zebra mussels, which have recently been found in the lower Susquehanna River, and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), which is a fatal fish virus found in the Great Lakes and some upper Mid-Western states waters:
* Never transfer live fish from one body of water to another
* Never discard fish parts or unused bait in any body of water
* Drain water from live wells, bilges, engines, bait buckets, and hoses and pumps before leaving the launch area and clear mud, vegetation and debris from trailers.
* Disinfect live wells daily and particularly when moving between bodies of water.
* Spray or wipe all surfaces with a chlorine solution, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with clean water and flush through lines and pumps.
* Bleach is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Discharge the solution in a grassy area where it will not immediately drain into streams or ponds.
* An effective chlorine solution can be prepared by placing three tablespoons of household bleach in one gallon of water. Use the chlorine solution to clean trailers and other parts of the boat - just be sure to rinse well with clean water.
LMBV may reduce a fish's tolerance to stress. Anglers can increase the chances of survival of fish intended for release by following these guidelines:
* Handle the bass gently and return to the water as soon as possible, especially when the water is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Maintain good water quality your livewell by keeping the water aerated and recirculated at 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the ambient water. Add non-iodized salt to livewells at a rate of one tablespoon per 10 gallons of water, or use one of the commercially available products for maintaining fish.
* Do not overcrowd bass. One pound of fish per gallon of livewell water is a good maximum ratio.
* Stage tournaments during cool water months, particularly in areas where LMBV has been noted.
* Report dying or dead bass, or bass that are swimming poorly in circles near the surface of the water by calling the Maryland Department of the Environment at 800-285-8195 M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 877-224-7229 after hours.
* Report a largemouth bass kill with DNR Tidal Bass Manager Dr. Joe Love at 410-260-8257.
MD DNR biologists will host an LMBV and general bass fishing discussion at the 2011 Fishing Expo and Boat Show at the Maryland State Fair Grounds in Timonium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 15.
More information about LMBV in Virginia is available online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/news/release.asp?id=269.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Indiana DNR Receives National Award For Work On Great Lakes
Indiana's Department of Natural Resources was one of a group of organizations recently recognized with a U.S. Department of the Interior Partners in Conservation Award for being part of what is becoming known as one of the world's finest examples of trans-boundary cooperation for work on the Great Lakes.
EPA Denies Petition To Ban Lead Tackle
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture, use and processing of lead in fishing gear.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Up Coming Ban On Bottom Fishing
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) was recently notified by NMFS' Southeast Regional Office that a 4,800-square mile fishing ban is on its way for South Atlantic anglers. A final rule to implement controversial Amendment 17A will likely be published in mid-November, but the U.S. Department of Commerce's announcement will ultimately establish a closed area extending from southern Georgia to Cape Canaveral, FL affecting angler harvest and possession of all snapper-grouper species.
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