Maintaining environmental flows is integral to human and aquatic organism needs. Gaining support for the maintenance of environmental flows for aquatic organisms can be extremely difficult. Scientists have to make a strong case for the importance of environmental flows. This session will explore how scientists use environmental flow research to influence the public, industry and government to make the right decisions for our rivers and streams. If we can't convince influential people about the importance of environmental flows, flows will be minimal and diversity will continue to decline. This session will be valuable to AFS members and participants because of the importance of environmental flows in fisheries management decisions.