WET in the City Reels in a New Urban Fishing Activity

"Fishable Waters," a new activity focusing on urban fishing, is now available in booklet form and has been added to both the WET in the City Curriculum and Activity Guide and the Project WILD Aquatic Curriculum and Activity Guide. "Fishable Waters" is designed to engage middle and high school students in an exploration of the connection between water quality, habitat and "fishable and swimmable" waters, as stated in the Clean Water Act of 1972. The activity begins with students encouraged to consider the role and value that healthy fish (or other aquatic species) populations have in their community. They then participate in a card game to simulate the different ways human activity can impact water quality and fish populations in urban waterways. Their challenge is to have the best "fishable waters" possible indicated by lots of "fish" added to a virtual waterway and/or caught by players throughout the simulation.  

A discussion following the game challenges students to analyze the results of their individual simulations, considering which human activities have the greatest positive and negative impacts on fish populations, how fishing regulations influence the availability of fish, and how the game mirrors and differs from the real world. A few of the suggested extensions for "Fishable Waters" include researching a recreationally or economically important local fish species; identifying, reporting on, and taking action to help address a local water quality or fish population issue; and planning a fishing trip.

In addition to background information and detailed instructions necessary to conduct the simulation, "Fishable Waters" includes a number of resources designed to help educators introduce their students to the world of fishing. A description and link to www.takemefishing.org provides educators with an easy way to access information about urban fishing programs available in their state. A sample urban fishing report gives students a taste of the types of information important to anglers before they set off to land "the big one." Information about how to get fishing regulations booklets and "how-to-fish" booklets, apply for grants to support student projects, and take advantage of tackle and equipment loaner programs is also provided.

Click here to order a copy of Fishable Waters: An Urban Fishing Activity for Middle and High School Students.