Posts tagged “conservation”

Can Fly Fishing Save A Community?

Posted on May 23, 2012

The sunglass maker Costa Del Mar has a new film out about fly fishing for arapaima in Guyana. I’ve only watched the trailer but am awaiting the DVD, and it seems well worth the screening. Sure all the protagonists are wearing Costa hats and sunglasses but so be it. I love fly fishing videos that go beyond just being awesome, and actually have some weight (see Rivers of A Lost Coast, Red Gold). This one seems to. It’s based on the premise that developing a catch-and-release fly fishery for these giant freshwater fish can create an eco-tourism economy and thereby save a community and ecosystem from habitat destruction. That’s a tall order, but I’m buying into it. I give Costa props for the message.…

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MENHADEN: ROCK THE VOTE!

Posted on November 1, 2011

The fishing has been sucking. Here’s a chance where we can all actually do something about it. Rather than mince words, I’ll paste them directly from a mailing by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation: In a matter of days, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet to discuss the fate of menhaden (AKA the most important fish in the sea). At the end of that meeting, it will adopt an addendum to its menhaden management plan, which will determine new overfishing thresholds and target fishing rates. Now, more than ever, we need your help. In 32 of the past 54 years, we have overfished menhaden, and its population now stands at its lowest point on record—a mere 8 percent of what it once was!…

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The State Of Bonefish and Tarpon

Posted on April 17, 2010

I asked Dr. Aaron Adams a few questions about the state of bonefish, tarpon, and permit, particularly in Florida after this brutal winter. I also asked him about the mission of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. Here’s what he had to say. FJ: Could you kind of summarize what the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is all about? If I’m giving money, where is it going? AA: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust was founded as Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited in 1998, by a group of concerned, anglers, guides, and scientists. They were concerned about the apparent decline of bonefish and changes in behavior of tarpon in the Keys, and wanted to do something to improve the fisheries. They quickly learned that very little was known about…

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STRIPED BASS: Driving a Good Thing Into The Ground

Posted on February 26, 2010

Earlier this month the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), which essentially decides the fate of the striped bass population along the coast in terms of cull numbers, voted to increase the commercial catch quota. This despite evidence on the front lines that the stripers aren’t doing as hot as the numbers suggest. People had some strong opinions about it: John McMurray, who always has the pulse of the striper situation: Years ago I wrote that Flyfishing guides like me may have a unique perspective on the striped bass fishery because of time-on-the-water and the inherent difficulty in the method.  Thus, we are perhaps the first to see what could be the beginning of a very serious problem.” From the Coastal Conservation Association: This…

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FLORIDA: Drought

Posted on April 20, 2009

Work last week brought me down to South Florida and then up the Space Coast and  into Central Florida, and the signs of drought are obvious. Old ditches on the roster are currently unfishable due to the dropping water levels. Central Florida seems to have it the worst. “We could really use a hurricane this year,” one of my fishing accomplices remarked, “only without the destruction. Maybe a tropical depression.” He was hoping for something to fill Lake Okeechobee again, like Fay did last September, so that the State doesn’t have a mad rush over the diminishing freshwater supply. It has been the third driest dry season on record since 1932. There are too many stresses on Florida’s fresh water supply as is. With…

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Help a Stripa Brotha Out

Posted on December 11, 2008

Stripers Forever needs the dudes: Dear Striped Bass Fisherman, Our favorite fish is under more pressure than ever, and Stripers Forever, a free membership, internet-based organization, is fighting to end commercial fishing for wild striped bass and to manage the resource for personal use/recreational fishing.  We need as many members as possible to show the politicians how many people depend on striped bass for recreation, food, and income. If you haven’t signed up yet as a member of Stripers Forever, here are a few things you should know: Membership is free – no dues There are no meetings to attend Everything is done via the internet and e-mail Many of the top fishermen in the country support Stripers Forever Stripers Forever’s only goal is…

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Get The Bully Bugger, Support TRCP

Posted on November 26, 2008

Two of my heroes are named Ted. One is Ted Williams the baseball player, even though I’m a Yankees fan and he retired 11 years before I was born. The other is Teddy Roosevelt. I’ve been to Sagamore Hill, the “Summer White House” in Oyster Bay, twice in the last year alone. And as Marshall Cutchin from Midcurrent points out, TR’s dynamic and pioneering conservation record as President stands in stark contrast to the resource plunder Mr. Bush is setting in motion on his way out the door. So, thanks Midcurrent, for posting this one. The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is auctioning off 150 limited edition Bully Bugger flies, pictured above, starting on December 1st. The auction is open to anyone who donates $150…

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