Scientists from the Midwest and National CASC attended a recreational fishing workshop at Lake Tahoe in April, hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability. The workshop brought together experts in fisheries science, management, and conservation from across the United States and Canada to discuss the future of recreational fishing in North America. 

At the workshop, participants examined the emerging challenges facing recreational fishing, from shifting environments to shifting social dynamics. 

“USGS science is for a changing world,” said Abigail Lynch, Fish Biologist with the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center, “and we were fortunate to bring our perspective to the workshop to help reimagine the management landscape for recreational fishing.” 

Remarkably diverse fishing experiences exist across the continent, from urban ponds to iconic destinations, but that diversity also presents a challenge, as each unique place requires a unique management strategy. 

Over the course of the workshop, participants outlined priorities for maintaining diverse fishing opportunities, such as improving science-based adaptive management strategies, updating funding models and management tools, fostering collaboration across sectors, and balancing multiple objectives including recreation, conservation, food security, cultural values, and human well-being. 

As a cornerstone of North American culture, recreational angling supports over a million jobs and generates billions of dollars annually for the economy. Workshop experts agreed that sustaining this legacy will require innovation and collaboration. The group will continue working together on research, grants, communication, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening and expanding recreational fishing opportunities.