Dwindling Global Fish Populations Need to Be Addressed

The Atlantic and Gulf states have been working feverishly over the years to protect our fisheries from becoming endangered from over-fishing, intentionally or otherwise. Under the direction of the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and other partners, attempts have long been underway to implement checks and balances in order to protect our marine fisheries.

Our new marine licensing program, the Marine Recreational Information Program, is the latest advancement toward that goal. It was designed to acquire more accurate and comprehensive data in a more timely fashion and then distribute it through an extensive, statistically comparative database, assimilating commercial data, as well. This database will primarily be used by key decision makers in the fishery resource community, environmental agencies, the federal government, and scientists to evaluate the state of our fisheries and develop and implement viable conservation programs.

The focal point of data acquisition and distribution, program design and development, and database management lies, in large part, with the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program. However, this effort is localized and provides management data concerning our actions. It has little bearing on uncooperative countries other than to provide fodder in attempt to press the point of cooperation in the blue water and education.

Over-fishing through intentional or incidental bycatch is a serious problem. Disregard for ensuring healthy fish stocks by unconcerned foreign countries and "black market" operations is something the global community must address. World population is exploding and the commercial exploitation of international waters is running rampant. If the decline in fish populations isn't reversed, sooner of later we will have a "remember when...?" syndrome.

Fish is a major food staple throughout the world and with more of the population consuming it, fisheries won't be able to rebound without adequate protection. Fish migrate through various oceans and seas and even into wholly owned tributaries. Without relaxed pressure on certain species, our oceans will become less populated. Our immediate goal is establishing and securing total foreign cooperation with treaty-based countries and educating up-and-coming third world nations. In the meantime, conserve our local fishery by limiting incidental bycatches and respecting regulations. Fish, catch, eat, or return unwanted fish alive.

On the Water/Ice

Certainly, recent mild weather with above normal air temperatures in the range of 50 to 60 degrees has impeded our ice fishing season. Not only has Connecticut experienced this trend, but states such as Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont are also wanting colder temps, snow, and ice, as well. Here we are, headed into February, leaving behind a January that logged no significant snowfall-something our rivers and grounds need despite the soaking we took throughout the previous seasons.

This fluctuation in weather patterns has caused anglers to venture out toward hard water at one moment and then look forward to fishing the trout management areas for trout the next. Our lakes and ponds are now, for the most part, open castable waters allowing sunlight to easily penetrate and reach responding vegetation. With more oxygen available in shallow water, fish are being caught closer to shore.

Just take a peek in wooded areas and one will see birds flocking to take advantage of early spring-like weather. And in the Guilford area, shellfishers have been finding clamming especially good during the below-normal low tides.

A run up the Thames to Norwich Harbor, and a few coves in between, will yield some winter hold-over striped bass. Time it right during a dropping tide and more than one linesider will take your small jig or soft swimmer. The Hammonasset, West, and Farm rivers will surprise you when a sea run brown decides that your in-line spinner or small swimmer looks good enough to eat. One might even find some enjoyment baiting up with a small piece of herring, clam, or worm and casting into a tidal river, cove, or stretch of beach for a cold water fish like tomcod, or even a striper.

For all things fishy including licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net

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