Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes and sports around the world. It exposes you to the wonders beneath the water, gets you out under the sunshine, and requires lots of different skills, from patience to physical strength.
Practicing more sustainable fishing habits enriches the fishing experience, whether you enjoy the thrill of the water-bound adventure or relish the pride of eating your latest catch. It maintains ecosystems of oceans, rivers, estuaries, and lakes, prevents extinctions, and protects the planet as you reap some of the many benefits it offers. Learn how to fish and discover three simple tips for sustainable fishing practices.
Abide by Fishing Regulations
Each country, state, and fishing spot enforces its set of fishing laws. They establish varying rules surrounding what you can and can’t catch, fishing hours, restrictions, boating speed limits, and bait options. Local environmental
Following and abiding by fishing regulations is one of the simplest steps to practicing more environmentally friendly fishing habits. Doing so ensures you don’t play a hand in depleting populations, helps remove invasive species, and maintains ecosystems with minimal disturbance, all while still enjoying the sport.
Avoid Lead Fishing Gear
Sinkers make sure your hook and line go below the water’s surface and reach fish that live closer to the bottom of the ocean, pond, or river. They also help you cast further and anchor your bait, making it less susceptible to the pull and push of the currents.
Many sinkers, especially older variations, include lead, which causes many environmental and sustainability issues. Lead corrodes easily and pollutes the water as it comes in contact with it. Too much lead content in the water causes lead poisoning, affecting many species, from aquatic life to birds and plants that rely heavily on the water source. Opting for lead-free fishing gear keeps the water clean and the surrounding ecosystems happy and healthy.
Use an Electric Motor
Another major source of water pollution is your fishing boat’s motor. Carbon emissions, oils, and gas leak into the water and contaminate the air as you venture off in your boat to your next fishing excursion.
Like lead sinkers, the various pollutants from your boat motor make the water more toxic to surrounding wildlife. Many traditional outboard engines also generate substantial noise pollution, further disrupting natural ecosystems. Equip your boat with a more environmentally friendly propulsion system, and choose an electric outboard for your fishing boat. E-motors produce less pollution, reduce your use of limited resources, operate on cleaner power, and run much more quietly.
Learn how to fish in a more environmentally friendly way with these three sustainable fishing practices. Abiding by local fishing regulations, avoiding lead fishing gear, and equipping your boat with an electric outboard allows you to fish without causing major disturbances that’ll negatively affect the earth. Being a steward of the earth in this way takes care of the fish, ocean, rivers, lakes, estuaries, birds, and all involved in the ecosystem, allowing you to reap the rewards of fishing. Fish responsibly and with the planet’s health in mind to continue to enjoy the beautiful waters and wildlife.
