The Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe hosted a workshop from April 14 to 16 on reimagining recreational fishing in North America. The event brought together fisheries managers, scientists, and conservation organizations from the United States and Canada.
The gathering addressed the significance of recreational fishing as a key link between people and aquatic ecosystems. Participants discussed how changing environmental conditions and evolving social factors are shaping the future of this activity.
Zeb Hogan, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and co-organizer of the workshop, said, “Recreational fishing remains one of North America’s most important connections between people and aquatic ecosystems. We recognized that to sustain fisheries and fishing opportunities in the decades ahead, we need new ideas, broader partnerships, stronger communication, and management systems that are ready for rapid environmental and social change.”
Attendees included state fisheries leaders from Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada; national and international non-governmental organizations; Canadian scientists; and representatives from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. They examined both historical trends and current practices in recreational fishing across North America. Julie Claussen, fisheries biologist with the Fisheries Conservation Foundation said: “Reimagining recreational fishing is not about abandoning what works. It is about building on what has made recreational fishing so valuable—scientifically, culturally, economically and personally—while adapting to the realities of today and tomorrow.”
Participants noted that changes such as warming waters or shifting angler demographics require adaptive management approaches. The group identified priorities for future collaboration including research papers, grant proposals and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening conservation efforts while expanding opportunities for anglers.
The workshop concluded with an emphasis on cultivating a more inclusive community around recreational fishing to ensure its benefits reach new generations.